The Chilean Fox Terrier is a lively and energetic dog breed that was created by crossing the British Fox Terrier with Chilean canines. Despite being less than 200 years old, this terrier has roots that can be traced back to Roman times. It is a popular choice as a companion dog, known for its friendly and less aggressive nature compared to other terriers.
These terriers form strong bonds with their families and are extremely devoted to their owners. While they generally get along well with children, they do not appreciate rough play. It is important to teach young kids to respect the small size of the dog and play gently to avoid any issues.
Although early socialization and exposure to other dogs can help prevent aggressive behavior, Chilean Fox Terriers can be hostile towards dogs of the same sex. Despite their small stature and non-aggressive nature, they make excellent watchdogs. With their short and easy-to-maintain coat, which is white with black and brown spots, they have a beautiful appearance and a well-groomed look.
The Chilean Fox Terrier is an ideal family dog that can adapt to life in both the countryside and the city. It is known for its alert expression and unwavering loyalty to its owners.
Below, we look at Chilean Fox Terrier dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Chilean Fox Terrier, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Chilean Fox Terriers!
| Dog Breed | Chilean Fox Terrier |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 9-15 lbs (average) |
| Height | 11-14″ (average) |
| Location | Chile |
| Ancestry | British Fox Terriers, Native Chilean dogs |
| Date of Origin | 19th Century |
| Group | Hunting, Companion, Watchdog |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years |
| Price | $400 – $500 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Chilean Fox Terrier is believed to have originated in the 19th Century by crossing British Fox Terriers with native Chilean dogs. It is not clear how the Fox Terrier was introduced to Chile, but it is possible that Chilean students studying in British schools or British traders operating in Chile brought the breed back to the country. Some English and Irish immigrants who moved to Chile also contributed to the development of the Chilean Fox Terrier by bringing their dogs with them. Initially, the Fox Terriers were found mainly in the country’s major sea ports, but they quickly spread throughout Chile.
Chileans soon discovered that the Fox Terrier was excellent at hunting and eliminating rats and other vermin. The dog’s small size, agility, speed, and determination made it a valuable asset for both farms and cities. On farms, the Fox Terrier prevented financial loss and starvation caused by agricultural pests, while in cities, it helped control the spread of diseases carried by vermin. However, there was a shortage of Fox Terriers, so they were extensively crossbred with local Chilean dogs. This breeding process resulted in a dog that excelled at eradicating vermin. Although the Chilean Fox Terrier looks similar to the Fox Terrier, it has a slightly smaller face, smaller size, and more limited coloring. These adaptations make it better suited to Chile’s diverse environment due to the genetic influence of the local Chilean dogs.
Efforts to standardize the Chilean Fox Terrier breed began in the 1990s and gained momentum in 2004 when a group of breeders and owners worked with the Association of Chilean Dog Breeders and Exhibitors to achieve full recognition. Ongoing work is being done to attain recognition from the Chilean Kennel Club. The future of this incredibly adaptable and hardworking companion dog seems promising.
🐕 Chilean Fox Terrier Appearance
A tiny to medium-sized dog, the Chilean Fox Terrier has a close-fitting white coat with black and tan spots all over its body and head. They are renowned for having long, thin legs and tiny, well-padded paws, as well as a great athletic frame. They are designed for speed, have tons of energy to burn, and are always engaged in activity! Their head is supported by a lengthy neck that is in proportion to the rest of their body. The teeth come together in a fine bite, and the skull is triangular in shape with a small, pointed nose. They seldom drool because of their narrow lips. They can pick up scents thanks to their huge, black noses, and they can also be ‘chasers,’ which means they could just go after a fast-moving tiny animal. Because of this, it’s crucial to keep your dog on a leash when you’re out walking, just in case instinct takes over and your dog decides to engage in the pursuit. The triangular, held high and upright, pointy tips of the Chilean FoxTerrier’s ears frequently tumble over. These dogs frequently aren’t born with tails, although they might develop a short tail throughout their growing years. This dog has extremely expressive posture that wonderfully charms their owners, with large round eyes of a warm brown colour and a lovely face that always seems to be grinning.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Pied |
⚡ Fun Fact: Chilean Fox Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Chilean Fox Terrier
The Chilean Fox Terrier is a little, elegant-looking canine that is perfectly balanced. They are renowned for their warmth, vigilance, and vivacious personalities. Although they lack the bulk or the aggressiveness to do anything about outsiders, they are devoted and loyal and will warn of them. They form strong bonds with their families and create great friends. The entire family will be in stitches from laughing so hard at their wicked antics! If they were raised around kids, they would treat them kindly and tenderly. They can be violent against other animals because they do have strong hunting tendencies, thus they shouldn’t be kept with other pets unless they have been educated to get along with them. With canines of the same sex, the Chilean Fox Terrier can be violent. This inclination makes socialization at a young age and training your Chilean Fox Terrier crucial. With the right training and socialization, many of their innate tendencies may be subdued so that they know how to act and behave with other animals. They are inquisitive and will examine each new toy to find out how it works. This energetic puppy needs a lot of exercise. This small dog will become a well-balanced, relaxed dog that you can be pleased to take anyplace if you combine training, walks, games, and social trips with affection and praise.
🤝 Are Chilean Fox Terriers Friendly or Aggressive?
Chilean Fox Terrier dogs tend to have difficulties getting along with other pets, making them not the best choice for households with multiple animals. However, they are generally friendly towards strangers and have an average level of friendliness towards children. When it comes to cats and other dogs, Chilean Fox Terriers may not be the most compatible companions, so if you are looking to add more dogs to your family or participate in dog meetups, this breed may not be suitable. On the other hand, they are commonly well-suited for elderly individuals and can make good companions for them.
This breed is known for being:
- Affectionate
- Loyal
🐩 Chilean Fox Terrier Care & Maintenance
The Chilean Fox Terrier requires relatively little upkeep. They often have a short, close-fitting coat that is white with black and brown blotches. Despite having a white outside coat, they do have a grey undercoat that allows some black patches to appear. Little maintenance is needed to keep their coat clean; a quick wipe down with a towel will remove most debris, and a weekly brushing will keep the coat in excellent shape. Bathing is done “as needed”; that is, when your dog has become dirty or rolled in anything unpleasant (which they would if given the chance). Use of specialized dog shampoos or soaps is advised as this will safeguard the coat’s natural oils and maintain it healthy. The skin and coat of a dog should not be exposed to human goods. The teeth should be periodically cleaned and examined for issues, as should the ears, which should sometimes be gently cleaned. The nails should also be kept short so that they don’t “click” while they move around the home. Aside from this routine exercise, they are free to go and expend some of the excessive energy that the Chilean Fox Terrier has.
Chilean Fox Terrier dogs have a higher than average amount of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. The extent of hair loss can vary depending on the health and breed of the dog. If you are not fond of vacuum cleaning, you might want to think twice about getting a Chilean Fox Terrier puppy. Additionally, it is recommended to bathe these dogs every 3-4 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or around $30.00 – $40.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Chilean Fox Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Chilean Fox Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Chilean Fox Terrier Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Chilean Fox Terrier Dog Breed can be:
- Patellar Luxation
While minor concerns include:
- Cataract
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
🤧 Important: Is Chilean Fox Terrier hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Chilean Fox Terrier.
⚡ Chilean Fox Terrier Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Chilean Fox Terrier a great choice for families with young children?
The Chilean Fox Terrier is a great choice for families with young children because they are loyal and form strong bonds with their owners, including children. However, young children should be taught to respect the dog and play gently to avoid any potential problems due to the Terrier’s dislike of rough play.
Is the Chilean Fox Terrier breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Chilean Fox Terrier breed is considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They are small in size and their lively personality can be easily accommodated in an apartment setting. However, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
How much exercise does a Chilean Fox Terrier require compared to other breeds?
The Chilean Fox Terrier requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. Daily walks and playtime are important to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They have strong hunting instincts, so it is important to ensure they have a safe and secure area to exercise in.
Is the Chilean Fox Terrier breed known for being good with other pets?
The Chilean Fox Terrier breed can be aggressive towards other animals, including other dogs and pets. They should not be kept with other pets unless they have been trained to be well behaved with them. Proper socialization and training from an early age can help mitigate aggressive tendencies, but caution should still be exercised.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Chilean Fox Terrier?
Similar low-maintenance dog breeds to the Chilean Fox Terrier include the Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Miniature Pinscher. These breeds also have short coats and require minimal grooming.
What are the common health issues that Chilean Fox Terriers are prone to?
Chilean Fox Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health issues. Some common health problems include patellar luxation, dental issues, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage these issues.
Are Chilean Fox Terriers known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Chilean Fox Terriers are known to be intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train compared to other breeds. However, consistent and positive training methods are important to ensure success.
Are Chilean Fox Terriers more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Chilean Fox Terriers may be more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds due to their loyal and attached nature. Proper training, socialization, and gradually increasing alone time can help prevent or manage separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Chilean Fox Terrier that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Chilean Fox Terrier that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Chilean Fox Terrier are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Chilean Fox Terrier, such as the Miniature Fox Terrier or the Toy Fox Terrier, would be the best options. These breeds are compact and can adapt well to living in limited spaces.
Is the Chilean Fox Terrier breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Chilean Fox Terrier breed is known to be good with children in general, but it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and children with special needs. Each dog’s temperament and behavior should be assessed on an individual basis to ensure a good match and to prevent any potential issues.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Chilean Fox Terrier?
The grooming needs of the Chilean Fox Terrier are relatively low compared to other breeds. They have short coats that are easy to maintain, requiring regular brushing to keep them clean and free of loose hair. They are moderate shedders and do not require excessive grooming.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Chilean Fox Terrier dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
