As we continue our look at Jack Russell Terrier mix breeds, today we are talking about a unique Jack Russell mix.
Often small in size but large in personality, this breed combines the intelligence, energy, and vivacious spirit of both parent breeds.
A Foxy Russell is a mixed breed dog, a combination of the lively Jack Russell Terrier and the charming Toy Fox Terrier. This compact, energetic, and intelligent breed is known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it popular as a companion pet.
With their playful nature and inquisitive eyes, Foxy Russells can certainly tug at your heartstrings.
Who is the Foxy Russell right for?
If you’re someone who loves a dynamic and entertaining pet, the Foxy Russell could be just the one for you. This breed thrives with active individuals and families who can keep up with their energy.
The rest of this discussion is going to help you decide and understand if the Foxy Russell is a dog breed that makes sense for you and your family.
Additionally, this discussion will help provide you the information necessary to provide the best care possible to the Foxy Russell.
And because you are probably curious what a Jack Russell Terrier Toy Fox Terrier mix looks like, we have included pictures of Foxy Russells throughout the article.
Lets start diving into those details.
Origin and History
Understanding the Foxy Russell’s history requires delving into the backgrounds of its parent breeds: the Jack Russell Terrier and the Toy Fox Terrier.
The Jack Russell Terrier originated in England in the early 19th century. This breed was developed by a clergyman named John Russell, whose aim was to create a working terrier capable of fox hunting.
The Jack Russell was prized for its tenacity, courage, and high energy levels – traits that make it a wonderful companion even today.
On the other side, the Toy Fox Terrier is an American breed with a history dating back to the early 20th century.
This small but mighty breed was created to hunt rodents and vermin, but also found success in the circus ring, thanks to its agility and intelligence.
Similar to the Jack Russell, these dogs were bred for their compact size, quick reflexes, and playful personalities.
The Foxy Russell, a blend of these two dynamic breeds, is a relatively recent development.
Exact dates are uncertain, but it’s likely that the Jack Russell Toy Fox Terrier mix emerged over the last two or three decades, during the surge in popularity of designer dog breeds.
The aim in creating the Foxy Russell was to combine the athleticism and fearlessness of the Jack Russell with the charm and intelligence of the Toy Fox Terrier.
The result is a small, energetic dog that is both agile and intelligent, with a friendly and affectionate nature that makes them popular as companion pets.
This dynamic, friendly breed encapsulates the best of both its parents, making it a wonderful choice for families and individuals alike.
If you’re seeking a dog with energy to spare, a keen intelligence, and a loyal, affectionate nature, the Foxy Russell may just be the breed for you.
Size and Appearance
When it comes to Jack Russell Terrier Toy Fox Terrier mixes, they pack a whole lot of character into a small package.
Foxy Russells typically stand between 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh approximately 7 to 15 pounds when fully grown.
Their compact size makes them suitable for various living environments, including apartments.
As for their physical appearance, Foxy Russells often have a well-muscled, sturdy body, reflecting their Terrier heritage.
Their coat is usually short and smooth, which can come in a variety of colors and combinations including white, black, tan, or a mix of these.
Their heads are well-proportioned with a robust muzzle, and their eyes are full of life and intelligence. The ears of a Foxy Russell can be erect like the Toy Fox Terrier’s or fold over like those of the Jack Russell.
Their overall look reflects their lively, alert nature, always ready for the next adventure.
It’s hard to resist the appeal of these adorable, active little dogs, especially when they look at you with their bright, eager eyes.
Personality and Temperament
Like all mixed breed dogs, the Foxy Russell is a blend of its parent breeds, resulting in a personality that’s a lovely mix of charm, intelligence, and vivacity.
From the Jack Russell Terrier, the Foxy Russell often inherits a high energy level, intelligence, and a fearless, assertive nature. These traits make them great companions for those who lead active lives and appreciate a dog that can keep up.
From the Toy Fox Terrier, the Foxy Russell typically takes its charm, playful spirit, and adaptability.
These traits make them good companions in a variety of home environments and excellent pets for those with a sense of fun.
In addition to the traits inherited from their parent breeds, Foxy Russells also have some characteristics uniquely their own.
They tend to be quite sociable, eager to interact with their human families and even other pets. They can also be notably agile, excelling in activities that involve quick movements and lots of running.
Their intelligence, coupled with their eager-to-please nature, often makes them highly trainable.
They’re known to do well in agility and obedience training, and with proper socialization, they tend to be well-behaved around other dogs and people.
However, it’s important to note that their lively nature and intelligence mean they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from getting bored.
A bored Foxy Russell can be a mischievous one, so make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied!
All in all, the Foxy Russell is a charming, lively breed that offers a great balance of playfulness and intelligence.
With their adaptable nature and sociable personalities, they can make excellent companions for the right owners.
Health and Lifespan
Every breed has its unique health concerns, and the Foxy Russell is no exception. Despite this, they are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of around 13 to 15 years, often living a vibrant and active life.
However, like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions inherited from their parent breeds.
Patellar Luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap moves out of its normal location, a common issue in smaller dog breeds.
Eye conditions: They can sometimes be prone to certain eye conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts.
Allergies: Like many breeds, Foxy Russells can also be susceptible to certain allergies, whether food-related or environmental.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This condition affects the hip joint and is also more common in smaller breeds.
Preventive care, regular veterinary check-ups, and a balanced diet can all contribute to your Foxy Russell’s health, helping them live a long and fulfilling life.
It’s also worth noting that Foxy Russells are robust and energetic dogs that, given the right care and attention, can stay active and playful well into their senior years.
Their zest for life often remains undiminished by age, making them a joy to have around for many years.
Exercise Needs
One of the joys (and challenges) of owning a Foxy Russell is meeting their exercise needs.
These dogs are an energetic and agile breed that requires a good deal of daily physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
Given their heritage, a Foxy Russell will typically need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. This can be divided into a couple of brisk walks along with some playtime or agility exercises.
Foxy Russells are often eager participants in games of fetch and will relish the opportunity to run around in a securely fenced yard.
These activities not only help to burn off energy but also offer a good outlet for their prey drive, a characteristic inherited from their terrier ancestors.
Additionally, their agility and intelligence make them excellent candidates for organized dog activities such as agility courses, flyball, or obedience trials.
These activities not only provide physical exercise but also stimulate their keen minds.
Remember, a tired Foxy Russell is a happy Foxy Russell!
Regular and varied exercise will help keep your dog healthy, prevent destructive behaviors born from boredom, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Grooming Needs
Keeping your Foxy Russell looking its best doesn’t require professional grooming, but regular upkeep at home is essential.
Foxy Russells have short, smooth coats that are relatively low-maintenance.
They are not heavy shedders, and a good brush once or twice a week should be enough to keep their coat looking tidy and healthy.
This not only removes loose hair but also helps distribute skin oils, keeping their coat shiny and healthy.
Despite their short fur, they can still be prone to the occasional flea or tick, so regular checks are important, especially during the warmer months or if they’ve been out in long grass.
As with all breeds, Foxy Russells need regular dental care.
Brush their teeth several times a week to prevent tartar buildup and the bacterial infections that can accompany it. Your vet can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.
Their nails should also be trimmed regularly. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long.
Your vet or a professional groomer can do this for you if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.
Finally, check their ears for debris and pests weekly and clean them as recommended by your vet.
While cleaning, look for redness or a bad smell, which could indicate an infection.
When cared for properly, your Foxy Russell will not only look good but also feel their best, ready for whatever adventures the day brings!
Suitability as Family Pets
The Jack Russell Toy Fox Terrier mix can make wonderful family pets, but it’s important to consider their temperament and needs to ensure they are the right fit for your family.
Foxy Russells can be great companions for children, especially when properly socialized and trained from a young age.
They are generally energetic and playful, which can make them well-suited for active kids who enjoy interactive play sessions.
However, as with any dog breed, it’s crucial to supervise interactions between Foxy Russells and young children to ensure mutual respect and gentle handling.
Teaching children how to interact appropriately with dogs and providing proper guidance can help foster a positive and safe relationship.
With proper socialization, Foxy Russells can generally get along well with other pets in the household.
However, it’s important to note that their terrier instincts might lead them to have a high prey drive, especially towards smaller animals such as birds or rodents.
Early and positive introductions to other pets, along with ongoing training and supervision, can help ensure harmonious relationships within a multi-pet household.
Foxy Russells thrive in an environment where they receive ample exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction.
They do best in homes where their energy can be channeled through regular playtime, walks, and engaging activities.
A securely fenced yard can provide them with the space to run and explore, although they can adapt well to apartment living with proper exercise and mental stimulation.
When it comes to the ideal family situation, Foxy Russells appreciate an active and involved family.
They are social dogs and enjoy being a part of the family’s daily activities.
They bond closely with their human companions and thrive in an environment where they receive love, attention, and structured training.
In summary, Foxy Russells can make excellent family pets with their energetic nature, intelligence, and sociability.
However, it’s important to ensure that their exercise needs are met, they receive proper socialization, and interactions with children and other pets are supervised.
With the right environment and loving family, Foxy Russells can bring endless joy and companionship to their owners.
The Takeaway
The Foxy Russell, a mix of the Jack Russell Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier, is a delightful breed that offers a perfect blend of charm, intelligence, and energy.
With their compact size, lively personality, and adaptability, they can make wonderful companions for the right family.
So, if you’re ready for a lively, engaging, and loyal companion, consider the Foxy Russell as your next furry family member.
Their vibrant presence will surely bring endless joy and companionship into your life.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck if do decide to adopt a Foxy Russell in the future.