Caring for Your Smooth Foxie Doxie: Key Health Concerns and Solutions
Introduction
The Smooth Foxie Doxie is a hybrid dog breed created by crossing a Dachshund with a Chihuahua. This crossbreed was designed to combine the low-shedding characteristics of the Foxhound, which doesn't actually exist in this parentage (the American or English Foxhound), with the compact size and endearing nature of the Dachshund and Chiurhuahua breeds. Weighing up to 10 pounds and reaching lengths of no more than a foot, Smooth Foxie Doxies have gained prominence as cherished companions and household pets.
General Care
Smooth Foxies are sensitive dogs that demand proper care and attention from their owners. Their small size doesn't dictate less attention; instead, it necessitates more careful handling.
Weight Management
A Smooth Foxie Doxie weighs between 7 and 10 pounds, depending on several factors including the food they eat and regular physical activity (daily running). It's good for them to be slightly underweight rather than overweight.
Training Timeframe and Socialization
Training a Smooth Foxie Doxie necessitates plenty practice patience. You should set aside more time initially during puppy days until about one year of age or older, then they start listening as any other dog breeds.
Smooth Foxies are naturally inclined and enjoy company, but they need social training (socialization) to familiarize them with new people, pets, and environments.
Smooth Foxie Doxie Issues
Some problems might occur, such as:
- Separation anxiety
- Shedding (due to dachshund and chihuahua inherited features)
- Barking frequently at noise and unfamiliar surroundings
These issues can be addressed through proper training, care, and attention from owners.
Feeding a Smooth Foxie Doxie
Proper feeding for these small hybrid dogs must be considered. The following are the main recommendations:
- Their meal time schedule is every 2-3 hours when young.
- Adult Smooth Foxies demand less frequent but more substantial portions (one time per day).
Quality commercial dog kibbles, ideally for puppy breeds or hypoallergies should be used and rotated to avoid overfeeding.
Smooth Foxie Doxie Behavior and Training Tips
Smooth foxie doxies require training from day one when their new owners acquire them. It's critical of getting started right away so behavior is kept under control, this includes learning tricks like sitting quietly instead constantly running around etc...
Establish a "quiet area" where the dog can retreat to calm itself during periods of excessive excitement or emotional turbulence; ideally while alone in separate rooms within reach distance without any distractions, but accessible nonetheless. Some owners find creating a small indoor enclosure (crate) useful as an alternative solution for maintaining harmony at home – though always providing regular breaks outside for some exercise time amongst household members who wish interact directly prior before leaving again afterwards.
They also enjoy long walks with calm companions, which should start off short distances and gradually increase in frequency over weeks/months until reaching their optimal walk durations (approximately thirty minutes long twice per week).
Their strong instinct towards guarding family will drive them to become very watchful at doorways; take advantage of this trait when welcoming strangers into your home.
Smooth Foxie Doxie Grooming Guide
The grooming needs for a smooth foxie are easier compared to longer coated breeds due primarily because their single coat has less hair to worry about – just simple bathing with occasional brushing session every other week would suffice.
Regular check-ups should also focus on nail trimming, ear cleaning and monitoring for potential parasites such as fleas or ticks. When giving baths regularly ensure water is not too hot so skin isn't irritated.
To keep their single coat shiny add a quality dog conditioner every 3-4 weeks while washing – ideally once per month to avoid excessive shampooing leading dryness.
Maintain the original length of their ear by keeping their floppy part moist free from bacterial infection and regular cuts help prevent over-shedding which might occur due excess dry skin caused prolonged exposure heat temperatures summer months or when indoors for extended periods without proper ventilation. This is not exclusive to smooth foxie doxie breeds – most dog's suffer this same fate.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Some essential points for potential Smooth Foxie owners include.
- Understanding their tiny size means lots of handling; owners should exercise extra caution during transport.
- These dogs thrive on affection and companionship so regular spending time interacting with them would be beneficial. Their training period starts immediately even if they just become part of the community – give plenty of patience and time.
It's also crucial to identify reputable breeders (if buying a smooth foxie puppy in person instead adopting) which is quite rare, ensure you research their credibility online before making an appointment prior visiting.
Consider getting one for yourself if your current household includes elderly members or someone willing assume pet-sitting duties whenever needed.
This hybrid mix provides companionship without overwhelming demands.
Smooth Foxie Doxie FAQs
Some repeatedly asked questions about this breed are as follows:
- Q: How long do smooth foxies last? A: Due to its Dachshund heritage their lifespan can reach up to 16 years in good health conditions. However this depends highly on the quality care they receive during their adulthood period.
Q: Do Smooth Foxie need shots?
Yes all smooth foxies should always have regular veterinary visits to receive recommended vaccinations, worming tablets alongside routine checkups with professionals when necessary.
Q: Will my smooth foxie play well others? This breed is generally tolerant around family friends although caution must exercised introducing them early enough while young still growing stage.
These were responses given previously during discussion forums; hope they clarify some points related above.
Conclusion
It might be considered wise to consult professional service with pet experts before concluding whether or not this exact smooth foxie match was perfect fit for home where lifestyle requirements suit perfectly their hybrid nature when comparing all the factors we've covered including exercise needs training patience.
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