Toy Foxingese
The Toy Foxingese is a cross between the Pekingese and the Toy Fox Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Toy Foxingese. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a compact, well-balanced toy breed with a distinctive lion-like appearance that reflects its ancient Chinese heritage as a companion to imperial royalty. Standing between 6 and 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 7 and 14 pounds, with very small individuals sometimes called sleeve Pekingese weighing under 6 pounds, this breed presents a surprisingly heavy and stocky body for its height. The build is low to the ground with a broad chest and shorter hindquarters, creating the characteristic rolling gait that distinguishes the breed. The front legs may be slightly bowed, and the large, flat feet point slightly outward, contributing to the unique waddle that Pekingese owners find endearing. The Pekingese possesses a luxurious double coat that requires considerable grooming attention. The outer coat is long, straight, and coarse in texture, standing away from the body to create an impressive mane around the neck and shoulders that enhances the lion-dog image. The undercoat is thick and soft, providing insulation but also contributing to heavy shedding, particularly during seasonal coat changes. The coat forms a distinctive fringe on the ears, backs of the legs, tail, and toes, adding to the breed's regal appearance. All colors and markings are acceptable according to the breed standard, including red, gold, sable, black, cream, white, fawn, brindle, and various parti-color combinations. A black mask over the muzzle and around the eyes is considered desirable and adds to the breed's expressive face. The head of the Pekingese is massive in proportion to the body, with a broad, flat skull and a very short, wide muzzle that gives the face its characteristic flat appearance. This brachycephalic facial structure includes a distinctive V-shaped wrinkle over the nose, large, round, prominent eyes set wide apart, and heart-shaped ears that hang close to the head with long feathering. The lower jaw is slightly undershot, meaning the bottom teeth extend beyond the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. The tail is high-set, carried over the back, and heavily plumed with long, flowing hair that cascades to one side. The overall impression is of a dignified and regal little dog with an unmistakable presence.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Pekingese makes an excellent watchdog despite its small size, remaining alert to unusual sounds and readily barking to announce visitors or potential threats. They can be suspicious of strangers and may take considerable time to warm up to new people. Early socialization is important to prevent excessive wariness or snappiness. While they can coexist with other pets, particularly when raised together, Pekingese may not tolerate rough play from other dogs and may become defensive if they feel threatened. Their low exercise requirements make them suitable for apartment living and for owners with more sedentary lifestyles, though they still benefit from daily short walks and play sessions.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Beyond the respiratory and eye issues, Pekingese are susceptible to several other health conditions. Patellar luxation affects many individuals, causing the kneecap to slip out of position and potentially leading to lameness. The breed's unusual spinal structure can predispose them to intervertebral disc disease and other back problems. Skin fold dermatitis may develop in the facial wrinkles if not kept clean and dry. Heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease, occurs in aging Pekingese with concerning frequency. Dental crowding due to the shortened jaw makes periodontal disease a significant concern requiring diligent dental care. Heat intolerance is a critical consideration, as the compromised airways make it extremely difficult for Pekingese to cool themselves through panting, making heatstroke a genuine danger in warm conditions.
Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, well-balanced toy breed with an athletic and muscular build that belies its diminutive size. Standing between 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 3.5 to 9 pounds, with most individuals falling in the 4 to 7 pound range, this breed presents a square proportion where the body length from forechest to rump equals the height at the withers. Males appear slightly more substantial in size and mass, displaying a masculine quality, while females present a more refined and feminine appearance. The breed possesses sturdy substance with medium bone structure, creating an elegant yet robust silhouette that reflects both its terrier heritage and toy classification. The coat of the Toy Fox Terrier is short, fine, smooth, and satiny to the touch, lying close to the body with slightly longer hair at the ruff around the neck. This single coat sheds moderately and requires minimal grooming, making it relatively easy to maintain. The breed's coloring is predominantly white, with at least fifty-one percent of the body being white or ticked. Acceptable color patterns include tricolor combinations of black, tan, and white, as well as white and tan, white and black, and chocolate variations. The head must be predominantly colored with markings covering both ears and eyes, and blazes on the face are permissible as long as they do not touch the ears or eyes. Distinctive physical features include large, erect V-shaped ears set high on the head and positioned close together without touching, giving the breed its characteristic alert expression. The eyes are prominent, round, and dark in color, conveying intelligence and curiosity. The skull is slightly rounded with flat, muscular cheeks, and the muzzle is strong and proportionate to the head with a scissor bite. The nose is black in most color varieties, though chocolate-colored dogs have self-colored noses. The breed carries a short, high-set tail that adds to its balanced, athletic appearance and confident carriage.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Socialization from an early age is essential for the Toy Fox Terrier to develop into a well-rounded adult. While generally friendly and good-natured with family members, they can be unpredictable around other dogs and may display same-sex aggression. The breed typically gets along well with children who understand how to interact respectfully with small dogs, though their diminutive size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from rough handling. Toy Fox Terriers are adaptable to various living situations, including apartments, provided they receive adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise to channel their abundant energy constructively.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions represent another area of concern for Toy Fox Terrier health. Primary lens luxation, where the lens of the eye becomes displaced from its normal position, can lead to glaucoma and vision loss if not treated promptly. The breed may also be affected by spinocerebellar ataxia, a progressive neurological condition that affects coordination and movement. Due to their small size and fine coat, Toy Fox Terriers can be susceptible to demodectic mange, a skin condition caused by mites. Regular dental care is particularly important for this breed, as toy breeds are especially prone to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Owners should establish a routine of dental hygiene and schedule regular veterinary dental examinations to maintain oral health throughout the dog's life.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Toy Foxingese may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Pekingese and Toy Fox Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.