Appearance of the Mini Fo-Chon
|
| The Mini Fo-Chon is an attractive dog, and although small, it's a fairly robust animal with a great attitude. The head is small and delicate, with a pointed muzzle and scissor-like teeth. The top of the head is rounded and the ears spread and can vary from soft ears held close to the head to alert ears held high. The body is well-proportioned and solid, supported by fairly long legs on small, rounded paws. Their tails can be either fluffy and curled over the back, or short and straight. Round, dark sparkling eyes show their alertness and willingness to be with you, while the nose is often black or dark brown with large nostrils. It's the coat that varies so much, from short and smooth to soft and fluffy, depending on the genetics of the parents they've inherited. This active little dog is a real winner in personality and appearance. |
Temperament of the Mini Fo-Chon
|
| Intelligent, quick to learn and eager to please, the Mini Fo-Chon is a pleasure to train and live with. These agile dogs learn quickly, especially if they resemble the Fox Terrier parent. Their ability to learn tricks and show off is legendary. The Mini Fo-Chon inherits a gentle personality that is both affectionate and loyal. They love their people and will claim your lap as their own, and remain loyal to you as you move from room to room. They can become anxious if left alone for too long, so if you're away all day, these little dogs are not for you. They crave your company and attention. In return, they will alert you to any prowlers or strangers and will be very persistent in letting you know. They fit in well in an apartment, but still need a daily walk. These dogs enjoy a fenced-in yard if there is one, and will explore every inch of it. They can be quite sensitive by nature, responding to your every nuance. Rewards and a ton of praise are the way to get them to do what you want, and consistent but kind training methods are necessary. The Mini Fo-Chon is a gentle dog with children, and if raised with other animals, will interact nicely. But it does have a tendency to chase a moving object, so early socialization and rule teaching are important for these active little dogs. |
Needs and activities of the Mini Fo-Chon
|
| The Mini Fo-Chon will get much of its exercise from following you around the house or property, as it loves to be by your side. Although this keeps them fit, they still need a daily walk or some time at the dog park to let off steam and burn off energy. If they are more closely related to the Fox Terrier, it would be advantageous to keep them on a leash during your walks, as the hunting instinct can still be strong. One whiff of a tantalizing trail and they can take off. They love to play at home and will happily play with children for hours. When these dogs are puppies, they're very small, so teach the kids to be very gentle so they don't hurt themselves. But apart from that, the Mini Fo-Chon is as engaging as its name. |
Maintenance of the Mini Fo-Chon
|
| The Mini Fo-Chon requires minimal maintenance unless it inherits the soft, curly coat of the Bichon frise. The coat is a bit excretory, but still requires a good brushing once or twice a week to keep it mat-free. The Mini Fo-Chon will enjoy the fuss of having its coat pampered, its teeth brushed and its ears and eyes checked regularly. These are dogs that don't just love human company, they really need it. Bathing is only necessary if they get dirty in wet weather, or if they roll around in something smelly while exploring. It's important to trim their nails, but be careful not to cut them too low and hurt them. |
English (United Kingdom)