Rat Terrier Fox Terrier Mix (Foxy-Rat) – Hybrid Dog Breed Info

We will be talking about a designed hybrid dog breed known as Foxy-Rat resulting from Rat Terrier and Fox Terrier mix. Keep reading because this could be the dog you’ve been looking for.

Dogs are incredible creatures. They are affectionate, loyal, and social and make ideal human companions. There are heaps of dog breeds, and each of them is unique in its own way.

What is extra special with hybrid dogs is they inherit genes from two separate dog breeds, which gives them blended appearances and temperaments.

Foxy-Rat is the designer dog bred through Rat Terriers and Fox Terriers. Since both parent dogs belong to the Terrier dog family, they have certain similarities but differences as well.

Foxy-Rat gets mixed looks and personality traits from both parents as their hybrid version. Generally, Foxy-Rats are small dogs, yet they are adorable, affectionate, active, intelligent, and witty. 

When you decide to get yourself a dog, you must pay attention to several things. Mainly you have to figure out if that particular dog suits your family.

If you are a first-time dog owner, it is normal to feel that hybrid dogs are a handful to take care of.

However, if you learn the basics, you will not find raising a hybrid dog complicated; trust me, Fox-Rat is an excellent mixed dog to have. Without further ado, let’s jump into the details!

Fast Facts of Rat Terrier and Fox Terrier Mix (Foxy-Rat)

Origin of Rat Terrier and Fox Terrier mix

Hybrid dogs have a long history, but it is hard to trace their roots precisely in most cases due to the lack of information.

Still, we can find plenty of information regarding the origins of their parent breeds, and through that, we can get a brief understanding of Foxy-Rat’s history.

Both Rat Terriers and Fox Terriers are dogs coming from hunting backgrounds. The characteristics of these two dog breeds made them exceptional hunters.

Fox Terriers were first developed in England around the 1800s. Hunters used these dogs as companions to hunt foxes.

On the other hand, Rat Terriers have roots in the United States since the early 1900s. Rat Terriers were specifically bred to hunt rats and pests on farms.

Even though they both possess hunting genes, they have become great family dogs over the years. There isn’t sufficient data to track the date of origin of their hybrid version.

However, it is evident that these two breeds were combined to make dogs with bolder personalities, and nowadays, Foxy-Rat is an identified hybrid dog breed in several countries.

The appearance of Fox Terrier and Rat Terrier mix

Dogs come in different sizes. Both Rat Terriers and Fox Terriers are pretty similar in their body size. Both are small made dogs, yet they have muscular builds.

Inheriting genes from these two breeds, Rat-Foxy typically weigh around 15-18 pounds and stand up to 14-16 inches tall.

Their smooth and usually straight coat comes as a combination of white, black, and brownish colors.

Sometimes their coat may have a weary texture too. Foxy-Rats have dark eyes and flopped, erect or semi-erect ears. These dogs will never fail to make you fall in love with their cute appearance. 

How big do Fox Rat Terrier mixes get?

Fox-Rats belong to the small dog category and grow till 18 months old. As already mentioned, the parent dogs do not have vast differences in their body sizes, resulting in their hybrid version with an average weight of 18 pounds and height of 16 inches.

These measures could slightly differ based on factors such as genes and gender. The best thing is that Rat-Foxy are ideally sized for small houses and apartments. 

The temperament of Rat Terrier and Fox Terrier mix

Mixed breed dogs often become super charismatic, no exception with Rat-Foxy. They become active and energetic dogs thanks to their parent breeds.

Foxy-Rats typically enjoy spending time with the owners; they also get along pretty well with small children.

These dogs are eager to please their owners but keep in mind that they are inheriting hunting genes.

Therefore sometimes, you may notice predator behavior in a Fox-Rat. To overcome this, you must start training at the youngest age.

They can be a little stubborn, but as they are intelligent and friendly, if you conduct the training properly, you can eliminate their mischievous behavior to a considerable extent. 

How long do Rat Terrier and Fox Terrier mix dogs live?

Usually, due to their genetic formation, small dog breeds relatively live longer than gigantic ones.

Hence both Rat Terriers and Fox Terriers belong to the small dog category both breeds usually have longer life spans.

Rat Terriers live up to 14-18 years and Fox Terriers 13-15 years, so a healthy Foxy-Rat enjoys a life span of 13-16 years. 

How much do Foxy-Rat puppies cost?

Several factors determine how much a dog costs. The predominant factors are the bloodline of parents, litter size, and the breeder’s reputation.

Considering these factors, a Rat Terrier’s price varies from 500-1500 US Dollars, and a Fox Terrier’s 1000-2000 US Dollars.

Therefore you will likely spend around 1500 US dollars to have a Foxy-Rat. Sometimes their price can be higher than the average range, especially if the pups come from reputed parents.

There could be instances where you find Rat-Foxies for lower prices, but if they are extremely cheap, be attentive enough to find out why.

If you need a good quality Fox-Rat, getting them from a certified breeder is always better. 

Maintenance tips for Rat Terrier and Fox Terrier mix

As much as you are excited to get a dog, you should never forget that you have to fulfill a decent amount of duties as a dog parent.

Maintenance is a must for any dog. It will help the dog to stay healthy and comfortable. Below you can find some valuable tips regarding the general maintenance of Foxy-Rats.

Furthermore, you should follow some other important mechanisms to take proper care of this dog breed. 

• Stick to a consistent grooming schedule

If we begin with general maintenance, the first thing to do is follow a consistent grooming schedule. Neither Rat Terriers nor Fox Terriers have intricate grooming needs.

Foxy-Rats are often considered moderate shedders. However, it is crucial to brush their coat weekly to ensure that their excess and dead hair is removed.

Bathing them once a month would be sufficient, and always use dog shampoo when washing them.

To maintain oral hygiene, you can brush their teeth a few times a week. Also, clean their ears and trim their nails accordingly.

• Feed them healthy food 

Fox-Rats are incredibly energetic dogs with high metabolism levels; this is why you should ensure that you feed them healthy food.

A balanced diet is pivotal in deciding your Fox-Rat’s health and well-being. For an adult Foxy-Rat, one and ½ – 2 cups of dog food is the recommended daily amount.

You can split this into two meals and feed them. To make their meals more wholesome, you can occasionally add raw food, dog supplements, and recommended vitamins. 

• Train them for an exercise schedule

Despite their breed, any dog would require adequate physical activity. As we discussed, Foxy-Rats are naturally active.

However, it is essential to stick to an exercise routine to ensure that they get their physical activities regularly and consistently.

You can take the dog for a walk or take them to a park and play for around 30-45 minutes.

If you keep ignoring their exercise requirement, the dog will tend to get lethargic, which is not good for their physical as well as mental health.

• Be familiar with general health concerns 

Not everyone has professional knowledge regarding dogs. However, you can surely educate yourself regarding the breed of your dog.

If you are aware of the general health issues seen among your dog’s breed, you will find it very easy to spot the odds.

Fox-Rats could inherit common health issues such as allergies, glaucoma, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia.

Do not deny seeing a vet when you notice sudden and frequent changes in your Foxy-Rat’s behavior.

Moreover, you can do occasional veterinary checkups to ensure the dog is in good health. 

Final thoughts about the Foxy-Rat breed

Here we have come to an end. So today, we talked about Fox-Rats, a hybrid dog developed by cross-breeding Rat Terriers and Fox Terriers.

Rat Terriers and Fox Terriers belong to the Terrier family; hence, they share some similarities. Nonetheless, they also have their own unique characteristics.

Inheriting genes from two great dog breeds, Foxy-Rats get unique looks and personalities. You may feel challenged to raise a hybrid dog, especially if you are a first-time dog owner.

Here’s a piece of important information for you, whether it is a Fox-Rat, some other mixed dog, or a purebred dog, all of them can be a handful at certain times.

As long as you take good care of the dog, you will be able to overcome the minor concerns. Finally, these friendly, loyal, and fun-loving little canines can undoubtedly fill a home with so much joy.

Thank you for reading this article! Stay tuned with Jack Russell Owner for more interesting posts about your favorite dog breed.