The Mini Foxy Russell is a designer hybrid between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mini Fox Terrier. The resulting hybrid is remarkably healthy and unmistakenly Terrier. The highly active dog is an excellent match for an equally active family but does need its space to run, jump, and play. The designer dog's parent breeds are the Jack Russell Terrier, as known as the Parson Russell Terrier and the Mini Fox Terrier, also referred to as the Toy Fox Terrier. Both parent breeds are closely related as the Jack Russell Terrier split from the Fox Terrier in the 1800s. Because the parents are so closely related, Mini Foxy Russell owners can review the respective histories and character traits of both parents to understand their hybrid dog better. The Jack Russell Terrier is a clever little Terrier with a lot of energy. Parson John Russell developed the breed in England 200 years ago as a little fox hunting Terrier. Russell lent both of his names to the new dog, which goes by Parson Russell Terrier but more commonly as the Jack Russell Terrier. As an earth dog, the Jack Russell Terrier's job was to root out foxes from their dens so that hounds could chase them down. However, Russell also wanted a Terrier type dog he could bring inside, and that could settle down if properly exercised. The Jack Russell Terrier became a fast favorite among sportsmen and the little dog in both England and the United States. There may be slight variations in the standards for Jack Russell Terriers, especially concerning the dog's height, but overall, the personality of the Jack Russell remains the same. The Mini Fox Terrier, which is also referred to as the Toy Fox Terrier, is an American Terrier that developed from the Smooth Fox Terrier of England. Fanciers of the Smooth Fox Terrier desired a smaller version and the breed was crossbred with various small Terrier type dogs including the Manchester Terrier and the Chihuahua to obtained the desired stature. The Mini Fox Terrier was also bred as a companion, and less independent-minded traits were selected to achieve the right balance between a high-energy Terrier and that of a lap-loving companion. The American Kennel Club recently recognized the breed in 2003 though the desired look and traits of the Mini Fox Terrier were established by the 1930s. Both parent breeds have close ties to the Fox Terriers of England and have only deviated from their alpha breed in the last 200 years. The Mini Foxy Russell will exhibit traits of both parent breeds, but the hybrid is more predictable than most due to the lineage of its parents.
