There are all sorts of people in the world, and one such kind is those who decide to domesticate rare wild animals instead of the usual pets like a dog or a cat. While petting wild animals are considered legal in some countries or regions, there are still places where you cannot pet a wild creature.
It is usually preferred for people not to lay their eyes on a wild animal and go for a usual pet since such animals will always have a natural tendency to hold aggression against humans no matter how much you train them. However, besides all this, people fall for the cute appearances of some wild animals, and one great example of it would be a Canadian Marble Fox.
Because of their cat-like appearance, many people are usually interested in owning a Canadian marble fox. Although the creature looks like an anime or a movie character, it cannot be easy to tame them because their descendants are the foxes. They can also be highly unpredictable, so their owners have to be highly alert.
Since humans create this breed by getting the parent foxes to mate, people often wonder if it is possible to make them a pet besides their wild nature. If asked by the experts, the short answer to this would be no. However, there have been some instances where these animals are found as people’s pets, so read all the possible information on Canadian Marble Fox below to make an informed decision in the end.
How does a Canadian Marble Fox Look?
A marble fox is a mixed-breed fox created when a red and a silver fox mate. The resulting breed, or as we say, Marble fox, is expected to have white skin with tan or black patches across its ears and face. With a triangular face, bushy tail, and pointy ears, the breed is extremely attractive; hence, some people think about making them a pet. A Canadian Marble Fox’s most notable physical feature is the grayish-black ring around its eyes which is even referred to as the burglar’s mask. Although many of Canadian Fox’s features are similar to their cousins, they are comparatively more minor in size, which puts them aside from the rest.
To clarify the title given to them with the words ‘Canadian’ and ‘Marble,’ it was given to them to describe their fur coloring, similar to marble, and the geographical location they thrive from. People often confuse them to be different from the Arctic foxes, while the reality is that the title only specifies their distinction from other Arctic Foxes. 99% of Arctic Foxes are usually white only, besides the blue morph, which is also genetically and technically dominant over others.
How and When did Canadian Marble Fox Originate?
The Fur Commission USA believes the first Canadian Marble Fox was born from a silver fox in 1945 in Norway. A man named Sverre Omber owned a farm where the incident took place. It resulted from an apparent genetic mutation of a red and silver fox. It is therefore termed an unnaturally occurring color morph breed.
Where are Canadian Marble Foxes found?
Since the Canadian Marble Foxes do not occur naturally, they are found to live wherever they are artificially bred. However, since the origin- Arctic Fox is considered native to northern Canada, and other parts of the Arctic circle, the geographical term Canada was given to these foxes, which is what they call their home.
Characteristics of a Canadian Marble Fox
| Breed Name | Canadian/ Arctic Marble Fox |
| Type | Mammal |
| Order | Carnivorous |
| Weight | 1-10 kilograms / 3-21 lbs |
| Height | Up to 27 inches or 69 centimetres |
| Types of Coat | Marble- colored coat |
| Temperament | Stubborn Aggressive Destructive |
| Grooming Requirements | Low |
| Training Requirements | High |
| Scientific Name | Vulpes Lagopus |
| Average Life Span | 10-15 years |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Coat Colour | Black, Brown, and White |
| Other Names | Red Marble Fox |
Canadian Marble Fox Temperament
It has already been mentioned above how the Canadian Marble fox is a mixed breed of Arctic and Red foxes. That in itself is enough to justify how risky Canadian Marble foxes can be to keep in homes as a pet. However, it is still believed that if the Marble foxes are adequately trained at an early age, they can be taught numerous things.
Below you will find how the Canadian fox will usually behave, and if you are adamant about domesticating them, you must be prepared to take a load of these temperaments:
- They are very stubborn, which even makes the task of training them extremely difficult.
- They need a lot of attention, and you will have to give them all the love.
- One easy thing about them is that they get along quickly with the dogs and cats, and it will help you take them to friends who have these usual pets.
- They can sometimes get very aggressive, but luckily that is not how they are most of the time.
- If not adopted at an early age, these foxes can also grow scared of humans. So, it is better that you adopt them very soon, so they get the required time to socialize.
- They can also be very destructive, as they get that from their Red fox parents.
What makes Canadian Marble Fox special?
Fur
Primarily, it is the Canadian Marble Fox’s fur that sets them aside. Their fur is coveted, gorgeous, and thick. And as the name suggests, Canadian Fox’s coats resemble mostly white marble with slight black, gray, and tan streaks, which seem to be artistically woven on their skin. Scientifically, this process of breeding Canadian Marble Fox is known as the color phase. It is a shame how some people artificially breed them for their valuable fur.
Burglar Masks
The most loved feature of the Canadian Marble Fox is the dark pattern on their eyebrow, which people at times refer to as the old burglar masks. Even the black stripes framing the sides of some foxes’ faces are also rare.
Exceptional Intelligence
We all have already been using phrases like- ‘as sly as a fox.’ But, when it comes to the Canadian Marble Fox, they are the smartest of all foxes. You can even entertain them with puzzles, and they would love that. If you are a lucky owner, you will find them and enjoy these games more than plotting your house’s destruction.
Some usual Behaviors and Habits of a Canadian Marble Fox
Although you can never predict a fox’s behavior since they tend to do whatever and whenever they want to do it, here is a list of their usual habits and behaviors that have been noticed over time:
- Canadian Marble Fox is no different when it comes to the usual intelligent and cunning characteristics of all foxes who love to enjoy their own company. Although these foxes can be extremely friendly, you still have to keep an eye as they can easily be startled by any other human or animal.
- Earlier, foxes were known to be completely nocturnal, so they seemed to see best at night as cats do. They hence usually slept during the day and went out at night. However, foxes nowadays are seen out in the daylight as they are now known to have become crepuscular.
- As mentioned earlier, Canadian Marble Foxes, or any fox in general, like to be on their own, so they act very cautiously before meeting a new person or animal. Canadian Marble Fox, specifically, has extreme energy levels and is always looking for ways to let out that energy. Such episodes can sometimes mean destruction by them.
- Foxes prefer that humans try to interact with them from a distance. This helps them believe that they have an escape if they choose to go away from you.
- If you are somebody who lives in extremely cold weather, you can be relieved about the Canadian Marble Fox to adapt to that weather. Due to their genetics from the Arctic and red foxes, Marble foxes have heavy coats that protect them from frostbites. They also know how to use their tail to curl it and keep themselves warm when required.
How Long do Canadian Marble Foxes live?
The age of a Canadian Marble Fox actually depends on the conditions they are living in. They live a comparatively shorter life of about five years in their ‘real world,’ or you may say in the wildlife. However, in captivity or as somebody’s pet, they tend to live much longer, up to 15 years.
Do not be fascinated by this fact since the fox being able to live longer in a captive environment does not imply that getting them as a pet is a good idea. Domesticating a fox is a huge responsibility and requires a lot of research, commitment, and patience.
How Big can Canadian Foxes Get?
The size varies when it comes to a male Canadian Marble Fox and a female Canadian Marble Fox, even though they are both smaller than other dox species. Males can go as big as 7 to 21 pounds, while females stay in the range of 3 to 8 pounds. Male foxes are also taller, as they can go as high as 27 inches, while female foxes are claimed to reach only 20 inches tall at max.
Is it Legal to Domesticate a Canadian Marble Fox?
The first and foremost thing you need to check before petting a Canadian Marble Fox is its laws with your local authorities. Many or even most of the states in America will not allow it, and you may even notice local area laws for the same. As much as we would like to present you with a brief list of states that allow owning a Marble Fox, it isn’t easy to comprehend a list with the ever-changing laws.
There are as far as only three states known to permit owning foxes as pets, namely Indiana, Alaska, and Arkansas. On the other hand, states like New York, Texas, Oregon, and California have a straight-up ban on pet foxes.
One main reason why many lawmakers do not allow foxes as pets is that they often carry rabies. Hence, allowing the petting of such animals will create unnecessary chaos for the legal bodies that they do not wish to deal with. After all, with state entities saving their own backs here, it is all about simply not wanting a lawsuit.
You will also have to check the legalities of choosing your veterinarian for a wild animal. Not many vets are willing to treat even a dying wild animal. Hence, it would be best if you found someone who can take care of your pet for its lifetime. Vets are usually afraid of the lawsuits that might follow them if the animal harms anyone in their clinic during the treatment.
What is the Approximate Cost of a Canadian Marble Fox?
A Canadian Marble Fox’s price depends majorly on its quality. So, the higher the quality, the higher the price you will have to pay for it. However, there has been a range where the approximate cost of any Canadian Marble Fox lies between $400 – $3000.
Where can you Get a Canadian Marble Fox?
If you have beaten the legal restrictions ethically and you are now prepared to purchase a Canadian Marble Fox, you should head on to your search for a reliable source. However, it is challenging to find a trustworthy breeder. Even if you find a breeder you seem to trust, there could be other problems you may be unaware of. In such cases, the fox is often inbred, sick, or has underlying health issues that you can not resolve even with a load of money.
Hence, before you purchase a Marble fox, it is essential for you to understand the implications of this transaction. It will require a significant amount of time, attention, expertise, care, and, consequently, money.
Taking care of a Canadian Marble Fox as a Pet
You can not directly go to a fox breeder to pet one fox and not know anything about the care they require. Below are some points one will have to keep in mind before becoming a fox parent. Note that these are not meant to discourage you but only help you with being a good pet parent at the end of the day.
Food and Diet: What do Marble Foxes Eat?
Foxes are not mainly known to be fussy when it comes to their food preferences. They will eat anything from dry dog food to eggs or gizzards. Some fixes even enjoy eating fruit and vegetables in particular. In fact, to ensure your fox gets all the nutrition, you should try feeding them a variety of foods. Remember these points only:
- Your fox will need frequent deworming if you are feeding it raw food.
- Tasty treats like marshmallows might be a good idea once in a while, but since they do not provide much nutrition, do not feed them too often.
- If you allow your fox to hunt live prey like rats by itself, it will start considering all small animals a fair treat which must not be the case, especially in a sociable environment.
- Feeding grain-free cat or dog food will help your fox grow healthier fur and skin.
Start feeding the fox once or twice a day and observe its eating patterns to know what it likes and what it does not. Also, foxes tend to mark in their water or food dish, and hence you should keep the dish inside something like a cardboard box. This will only allow its head to reach the dish.
Cleaning your Canadian Marble Fox
You will not require much effort in cleaning and grooming your Canadian Marble Fox, as they are a pretty clean species. However, like any other animal, they carry an odor after a while, which is mainly because of their urine and scent glands. Although there is not much to do about it since it is a biological thing, you can surely get rid of the odor they leave in places like their cage or your house with the following tips:
- Spray a mixture of water and vinegar all over your fox’s cage.
- Adding dish soap to this solution will make you deter flies.
- Put a newspaper and a thin litter only when the cage is completely dry.
- Start with cleaning the cage twice a week, and eventually, you will figure out how frequently it will require cleaning.
- You can also use vinegar and baking soda solution to remove stains that your fox may have left on your floor or in its cage. Start with sprinkling baking soda and then pour some vinegar on it. Let the foam present itself and let it sit until it becomes a thick crust. Then, use a knife to scrape it off.
Neutering or spaying your fox will also help reduce markings’ pungency. However, it will not completely disappear, so be prepared for that.
Training and Exercise of Canadian Marble Fox
As mentioned earlier as well, a Canadian Marble Fox is full of energy and always looks for ways to exhaust all that energy. Exercise is a great way to help them let out all that energy. Moreover, training them to control their aggressive behavior from an early age is also essential. Here are a few training and exercise techniques you can try with your fox:
- Experts have suggested taking your dog for at least 2 hours a day for a walk or running. This way, when they are back home, they will not bother you much, creating chaos here and there since they already would have dispensed a lot of energy.
- Keep talking to your fox so they start recognizing your voice and will also follow commands when you give them.
- You can also try tats with foxes as you do with any usual pet, like a dog or a cat.
- If you have made the wise decision of adopting your fox when he is under the age of 6 months, try introducing it to as many humans as possible. Doing this will help it get over the default feats they have for humans.
- It would help if you gave them a lot of attention and time with an adult fox. Lay down with them and spend as much time as possible with them, so they get comfortable with your presence.
- As difficult as it may be to believe, foxes can be litter trained too. Ofcourse, it may take longer to prepare a fox as it does for a cat or a dog, but once the fox gets it, that is it. You will have to give it a few months, but then your job will be done, and you will not need to do it again.
Location
Another massive task about domesticating a Canadian fox is deciding where to put it. So, where should it be? Outdoors or indoors? The answer is simple- foxes love being outdoors since that is where they naturally belong. Moreover, if you think about keeping it inside, you will always have to deal with marking your furniture, blankets, clothes, and carpet, and a fox’s urine tends to leave a terrible smell if left alone, even for a few minutes. Hence, since cleaning a tile floor outside will be easier than cleaning your carpet, you better make a home for your fox outdoors.
For a cage, you will need one that is a minimum of 100 square feet. A five-by-five or a six-by-four will be suitable for a start. It should just be at least 4 feet tall. However, always go for a bigger home for your pet since that will keep them happier with more space to play around. A congested cage will also make them hostile, and they can try escaping as well.
Entertaining a Canadian Marble Fox
You must know that your bored fox will be a considerable danger to your home and the things in it. It is, therefore, essential to keep your fox entertained. But what can you do to occupy your Canadian Marble fox?
- You can get some squeaky toys since foxes love playing with them like any usual pet. It would help if you tried getting a lot of toys at once since foxes are thieves by nature, so they will also hide their toys. So, the more, the better. Also, try fox-proofing your home keeping essential and valuable things out of your fox’s reach so they do not get missing.
- Foxes love to play with their own kind, but since it is difficult to find people who own foxes, you can try getting your fox to meet some dogs or cats too. However, remember not to expose them to the pets all at once because they can feel threatened and attacked too.
- You can also try rearranging your fox’s pen every once in a while. Such tiny changes may go a long way for you and your fox.
- Try giving your fox spaces to explore. Make it some climbing spots, or try placing it in a place where it can figure out hiding places too. These things will keep your fox entertained throughout the day, even when you are not there to engage it.
Some Cautions and needs for a Canadian Marble Fox
If you already own a small cat or a dog, do not even think about getting a fox. In the early stage of housing, when the fox is already getting accustomed to you as its owner, it will not get along with other animals. A kitten, especially, should never be kept around a young fox. Chickens, too, are not good play buddies for foxes. Below are some more things one must know before becoming a fox parent:
- If you imagine a cuddle buddy in a Canadian Marble fox, do not even think about it. Yes, foxes have playful personalities, and once they are comfortable with you, they will be adorable, but they are highly independent and not very affectionate. A lot of them do not even like being touched.
- Quality enclosure is essential when it comes to Marble foxes. Please do not rely on the bonding you have with your Canadian fox since they will indeed run away the first chance they get. That is in their nature!
- Do not even think about punishing your foxes like a dog or a cat. They do not like that. Even an attempt to do so could end in a disaster for you.
- When it is too hot for foxes, they will dig holes and burrow in them to escape the heat.
Healthcare Tips for a Canadian Marble Fox
Like any other pet people own, a Canadian Marble fox, too, needs a veterinarian to keep an eye on its health and to make sure they are not suffering from any severe illness. It is also important to vaccinate your fox since they are prone to distemper and rabies. However, some vaccinations can give out bad reactions, so it is essential that your vet is an expert on wild or exotic animals.
What can you do when Your Canadian Marble fox is Behaving Aggressively?
- Leave your fox in his own space for a while. Put him in the cage as this will make him feel safe in his domain and will also provide him enough room to walk around.
- Please do not focus on training when the fox is acting aggressively since it will only agitate it even more.
- Try talking in an extremely sweet voice without being seen by the fox. The more familiar they are with your calm voice, the more they will reciprocate your affection.
- It will only make it more confusing and angry if you introduce it to more faces, so do not have any people meet it for a few days.
- Do not touch it, and definitely do not try picking it up if your fox is angry.
- Once it is a little better, offer them a treat, preferably from your own hand.
Is the Canadian Marble Fox Endangered?
You can not consider the Marble foxes to be endangered even though they are low in the count since they do not occur naturally and are created artificially by humans. However, this very fact allows some people to exploit the marble foxes in unspeakable ways. Although some organizations are working on illegal breeding practices here and there, it is still a long time to go until this nonsense stops completely.
Are Canadian Marble Foxes Good Pets?
After all, is said and done, it is on you to decide if a Canadian Marble fox can be a good pet for you. Despite the money, attention, and caution the marble foxes require, some people would love to pet them. It is simply an individual perspective that can not be set with any set of words. People will continue to love whatever they do since they, too, have no control over that. So, go ahead and read the points above, again and again, to realize if this adorable-looking animal will be a good pet for you.
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