A Foxy Russell is a loving and affectionate dog that bonds closely with their family and is protective of them. Although they get along well with children, they are not afraid to let you know when they’ve had enough. This makes them a better fit for older children who have better motor control and coordination and understand how to properly interact with a dog.

They have a high prey drive and an urge to chase, so they will need extra socialization and training with smaller pets in the household. Because of their protective nature, they can be wary of strangers. When properly socialized, they may still be initially suspicious, but will warm up once introduced. This dog breed is prone to barking. You will want to train your dog to stop barking early on to keep it from becoming a nuisance behavior.

A Foxy Russell is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes and can handle most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Because of their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas.

Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than a purebred dog, it is not a guarantee. A dog can inherit none, some, or all of the health conditions common to their parent breeds. For the Foxy Russell, potential health conditions to be aware of include luxating patella, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, glaucoma, and allergies.

Reputable breeders will be screening their dogs to avoid passing congenital issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about the results of any health tests or clearances that have been done.

Foxy Russells are intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly. But, they can be hard-headed and stubborn, which first-time dog owners can find difficult. Because of this, they tend to be a better fit for more experienced owners.

First-time dog owners can do well with this breed, but puppy training classes are recommended. Not only do these classes help support and reinforce training, but they also help strengthen the bond with your puppy and offer opportunities to socialize a puppy.

A Foxy Russell tends to have a short coat with a slightly longer ruff around the base of their neck. Their coat will shed moderately year-round and will need to be professionally stripped and trimmed occasionally. Other than that, brushing a few times a week and the occasional bath as needed at home is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great.

In addition to coat care, you also need to care for your Foxy Russell’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks and careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections.

Due to a lack of good dental care, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. By starting a good dental care routine early and keeping it up throughout your dog’s life, you can help prevent painful dental diseases. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is an ideal start to good dental care for dogs.

Foxy Russells are high-energy dogs. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are usually enough for them, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. Fenced backyard and dog parks are a great outlet for them to release some energy.

But, they are prone to digging, especially if they get bored, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them. Although they are small, they do tend to be tough and athletic. Hiking, swimming, playing frisbee, or even training for dog sports are all things you can try and add some variety to your activities.

A fully-grown Foxy Russell usually stands 11-14 inches tall and weighs 7-15 pounds.

A Foxy Russell generally lives for 12-15 years.