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

The Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

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

The Feist and Miniature Fox Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Is Feist or Miniature Fox Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Feist or Miniature Fox Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

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

For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Miniature Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Feist vs Miniature Fox Terrier: Which Is Better With Kids?

Feist vs Miniature Fox Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Feist	Miniature Fox Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Medium
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Feist is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Miniature Fox Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. 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 Feist requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Miniature Fox Terrier requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Feist needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Miniature Fox Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Feist trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and suits families with children particularly well. The Miniature Fox Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Feist will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Miniature Fox Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Miniature Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Feist has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Feist has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Feist and Miniature Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Feist and Miniature Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Feist if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Miniature Fox Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Which dog do you look like?

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Feist or the Miniature Fox Terrier better for families with children?: The Feist tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Feist or the Miniature Fox Terrier?: The Feist and Miniature Fox Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Feist or the Miniature Fox Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Feist or Miniature Fox Terrier bigger?: Feist and Miniature Fox Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Feist or Miniature Fox Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Feist or Miniature Fox Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Miniature Fox Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Feist vs Miniature Fox Terrier