Is the Australian Terrier or the Miniature Fox Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Australian Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Australian Terrier or the Miniature Fox Terrier?

The Miniature Fox Terrier sheds more than the Australian Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Australian Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Australian Terrier or the Miniature Fox Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Australian Terrier or Miniature Fox Terrier bigger?

Australian Terrier and Miniature Fox Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Australian Terrier or Miniature Fox Terrier?

Miniature Fox Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Australian Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Terrier or Miniature Fox Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier: Which Sheds Less?

Australian Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Australian Terrier	Miniature Fox Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Australian Terrier is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Miniature Fox Terrier is a small dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Australian Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Miniature Fox Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Australian Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds very little. The Miniature Fox Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Miniature Fox Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Australian Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Miniature Fox Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Australian Terrier and Miniature Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Australian Terrier and Miniature Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Australian Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Australian Terrier has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Terrier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Miniature Fox Terrier if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Terrier or the Miniature Fox Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Australian Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Australian Terrier or the Miniature Fox Terrier?: The Miniature Fox Terrier sheds more than the Australian Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Australian Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Australian Terrier or the Miniature Fox Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Australian Terrier or Miniature Fox Terrier bigger?: Australian Terrier and Miniature Fox Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Australian Terrier or Miniature Fox Terrier?: Miniature Fox Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Australian Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Terrier or Miniature Fox Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Australian Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier