Chilean Fox Terrier – The Rat Hunter

What makes the Chilean Fox Terrier Unique?

The Chilean Fox Terrier, also known as Ratonero (rat hunter) or Chilean Rat Terrier, is the first Chilean breed of dog existing from 1870 and standarised in the late 1990’s for international recognition. The Chilean Fox Terrier tends to be very loyal to its family, with whom it forms close bonds. Chilean Fox Terriers are usually very affectionate with their families, though they are generally not fawningly affectionate.

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Size: Males – 32 to 38 cm (13 to 15 inches)
Females – 28 to 35 cm (11 to 14 inches)
Weight: Males – 5 to 8 kg (11 to 18 pounds)
Females – 4 to 7 kg (9 to 15 pounds)
Origin: Chile
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Colour: Tri-color
Litter Size: 2 to 5 puppies

Is the Chilean Fox Terrier Right For You?

The Chilean Fox Terrier has a temperament that is very similar to that found in other Terrier breeds, although it does tend to be less sharp than most. This breed tends to be very loyal to its family, with whom it forms close bonds. Chilean Fox Terriers are usually very affectionate with their families, though they are generally not fawningly affectionate. When raised with a family’s children, most breed members do quite well with them. However, this may not be ideal family dog for very young children because not all breed members are especially fond of rough play. Proper training and socialization are very important to ensure that a Chilean Fox Terrier is tolerant of strangers, but this is not an aggressive breed. Most of these dogs make excellent and highly alert watchdogs, but they lack the size and aggression to make effective guard dogs.


In 5 Words

  • Lively
  • Alert
  • Docile
  • Energetic
  • Companionable
Fun Fact

CHILEAN FOX TERRIER, ALSO KNOWN AS RATONERO (RAT HUNTER)

Characteristics

Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Chilean Fox Terrier

Description

Description

In terms of appearance, the Chilean Fox Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a coat of short white (or mostly white) hair. The Chilean Fox Terrier is notable for the contrast that exists between the all-white (or mostly white) coat that covers its body and the black and tan zones that cover the dog’s head.

The Chilean Fox Terrier has black and tan spots on a white fur, it is short-haired and has a grey undercoat which lets some dark spots visible on the white cover coat. The ears are set high, falling upwards in the form of a “V”. Well-developed teeth, scissor bite.

Mostly born without a tail, it tends to develop a short one in the growing years. It is also one of the healthiest and cleanest dog breeds in the world.

The breed is most famous for its appearance in the popular comic strip Condorito, but it is also known for its great skill as a vermin exterminator and suitability for life as a companion dog. Although the breed has not yet achieved formal recognition with any major international canine organizations, it has a dedicated breed club determined to achieve this recognition. The Chilean Fox Terrier is also known as the Chilean Terrier, Chilean Rat Terrier, Chilean Rat Hunter, Ratonero, and Terrier Chileno.

Short History

Short History of the Chilean Fox Terrier

What is Chilean Fox Terrier? The Chilean Fox Terrier, also known as Ratonero (rat hunter), Chilean Rat Terrier or Chilean Terrier, is the first Chilean breed of dog existing from 1870 and standardised in the late 1990s for international recognition. Its base is made up of the Fox Terrier of the mid 19th century and Native American dogs. The Chilean Fox Terrier is the first Chilean breed of dog. These dogs were originally used to help exterminate rats in the urban areas of Chile, and therefore is also known as the Ratonero (which means rat hunter) and Chilean Rat Terrier.

Later in the year 2007, the National Chilean Terrier Club was established, thereby giving due recognition to the breed and working on its widespread adaptation.

Temperament

Temperament

The Chilean Fox Terrier has a temperament that is very similar to that found in other Terrier breeds, although it does tend to be less sharp than most. This breed tends to be very loyal to its family, with whom it forms close bonds. Chilean Fox Terriers are usually very affectionate with their families, though they are generally not fawningly affectionate. When raised with a family’s children, most breed members do quite well with them.

The Chilean Fox Terrier is easy to train, active, affective, and one of the healthiest and cleanest dog breeds. Brave, gentle, lively, alert and energetic.

Caring for Your Chilean Fox Terrier

Health

General Health

No health problems have been documented in regard to Chilean Fox Terrier dogs. It does not appear that any health studies have been conducted on the Chilean Fox Terrier, which makes it impossible to make any definite statements on the breed’s health. Fanciers seem to believe that his is an incredibly healthy breed. No known health problems have been identified in this breed which is also said to regularly live to advanced ages of 14 or more.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

Chilean Fox Terrier does not require much grooming, due to its short white coat. An occasional brushing is more than sufficient for the dog.

The Chilean Fox Terrier is a relatively low maintenance breed. These dogs should never require professional grooming, only a regular brushing.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

This is a very active little dog that requires a substantial amount of vigorous daily exercise. This breed should receive a minimum of between 30 and 45 minutes of exercise every day, although more would be preferable. Although Chilean Fox Terriers do not have extreme exercise needs, this is a breed that will take any exercise which it is provided. Without the proper exercise, these dogs will probably develop behavioral problems such as excessive barking, destructiveness, hyperactivity, over excitability, and aggression.