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

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

Which sheds more, the Miniature Fox Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier?

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

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

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

Is Miniature Fox Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Miniature Fox Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

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

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

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier: Guards Better?

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Miniature Fox Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Parson Russell Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor 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 Miniature Fox Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Parson Russell Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Miniature Fox Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Parson Russell Terrier needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Miniature Fox Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and gets on with children when raised around them. The Parson Russell Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Miniature Fox Terrier is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Parson Russell Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Miniature Fox Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Miniature Fox Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Parson Russell Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Miniature Fox Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the Parson Russell Terrier if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Miniature Fox Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Miniature Fox Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Miniature Fox Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier?: The Miniature Fox Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Miniature Fox Terrier or the Parson Russell Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Miniature Fox Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier bigger?: Miniature Fox Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Miniature Fox Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Miniature Fox Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Miniature Fox Terrier and Parson Russell Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Miniature Fox Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier