There is no other way to put it the Canadian Marble Fox is just cuteness overload. This is seriously one of the most adorable animals you will ever see. The fox’s beautiful marbling will draw you in and their soulful eyes will seal the deal, you’re going to want one of these.
But will they make a good pet? The thought of owning such an exotic animal may be alluring, exciting even, but there are many things to consider before you run out and get one. Read more to find out while you learn a little about this striking creature.
Overview
You might be wondering just what exactly a Canadian Marble Fox is. You could call it an arctic fox and you may have even seen it on one of the many nature shows. But this beauty is distinguished by the unusual marbling hues in the fur.
The marble coloring is not naturally occurring, however, and is a result of man artificially breeding a red fox and silver fox. The fur around the eyes and ears of the Canadian Marble Fox is tinged with black or brown, with the color extending along its back and tail.
They are about the size of a small dog or cat, mature males are a little larger than the females, however, note they don’t have the domestic characteristics associated with the average house cat or dog.
Similar to the arctic fox whose lifespan in the wild is generally 3 to 6 years, the Canadian Marble Fox can live that long if living in the wild, and on average about 10 to 15 years in captivity. However, because this animal is intentionally bred by humans it will not naturally be found in the wild, so typically lives in captivity.
Expert Tip: Like the arctic fox, the marble fox can be found in areas of northern Canada and the arctic tundra. Its thick fur is perfect for that environment, as it keeps them warm in the freezing arctic temperatures.
Because they live in captivity there are not the usual predators to worry about, perhaps the biggest threat to the Canadian Marble Fox is the fur trade industry for their unique and luxurious fur. There are breeders out there that breed these animals specifically for the fur.
You may be wondering if it’s legal to own a Canadian Marble Fox. The simple answer is it depends on the country or state you reside in. There are only a handful of states that allow the ownership of these foxes as pets and they are Indiana, Arkansas, and Alaska.
The laws in the United States, however, do change often, it’s best to consult your local animal control agency or the public health department before purchasing one. The laws vary in Canada and other countries around the world. Always inquire about current laws before you begin the process of obtaining a Canadian Marble Fox.
You’ll need to find a reputable breeder for this exotic animal. An in-depth search online is the best place to start, also check out any exotic animal shows that come to town, as these animal owners are typically knowledgeable about different breeders. It’s a good idea to make sure the breeder is licensed with facilities licensed with the USDA.
In addition, you will want to check into the requirements as far as rabies and any other vaccinations that may be required to own this exotic creature.
With that in mind, understand not all veterinarians will handle exotic animals due to not having the training to provide the care they will need or for fear of any legal repercussions should the animal hurt someone, so you must do your homework and contact the local vets to ensure you’ll have one available to see to your new pet’s health.
As you might expect this Canadian Marble Fox lives up to its name and is smart and wily. When considering whether or not you want to keep one as a pet, remember it is a wild animal and its natural instincts will come out as it matures. Read on for more about that.
Adopting these animals when they are young foxes, or kits is best so you can develop a proper bonding with them. Let’s explore the ins and out of keeping a Canadian Marble Fox as a pet. As stated before, this animal, even though bred by humans, is still a wild animal and can be difficult to domesticate.
Taking on the task will not be an easy feat, but if you are determined you should understand what it will take. It’s a good idea to try to bond with the fox early on, as they tend to instinctively fear humans, so getting them young will help to dispel that fear.
If you do adopt an adult Canadian Marble Fox, make sure to spend a lot of time with them, near them, and petting them so they can get comfortable with you. Talking to them often will accustom them to your voice and help to further the trusting process.
While they can get along all right with dogs as long as they are near them often, other smaller animals, like cats, resemble their natural prey and may cause them to instinctively attack, thus can be in danger living with the marble fox.
You may be able to train them as kits, but as they mature and their natural tendencies surface, they may stop following your commands. They are instinctively wild, and those inclinations will eventually surface. Their mischievous nature can make training them a challenge.
Constant reminders and socializing are necessary to keep the animal in line in your home. Training the Canadian Marble Fox is similar to training a puppy. Using a kind, but firm, voice while giving commands will go a long way in helping them learn commands, as these animals can startle easily.
Keep small treats on hand and when they earn a treat make them take it from your hand. If they won’t take it at first, they may even scurry away, try and try again until they’ve calmed enough to take it. Consistency in training is essential.
You will need to set up an area in the home as you bond with the fox. Keeping them in a cage or small enclosure is best. Just as you would cage train a new puppy or kitten, it will keep them and any other animals in the home safe. As with other pets, they will use this as their safe space.
Cover the top and sides of the cage or enclosure to create a den-like feel. Place their food and water near their cage so they know it’s okay to eat.
If they are nervous, they may make a mess of the water by marking it If this happens you can place the water dish in a container a few inches high on each side so the fox will only be able to lean inside to drink. If you have other animals in the home, try to elevate the cage or enclosure to keep them from feeling threatened as they rest.
You’ll want to keep the cage clean, typically cleaning it once a week or more frequently as needed. Also, increase the size of the cage or enclosure as the fox matures. These animals have powerful scent glands, something to be prepared for if you’re planning to keep them inside your home.
This gland is part of their natural protection if they are threatened. If they do feel a threat, they will release the scent much like a skunk would protect itself. You don’t want to bathe them too frequently, as that would not be good for the fur.
You can, however, help with the natural odor in the air by keeping their cage area clean using vinegar and baking soda.
Are you wondering if this animal’s diet is as exotic as they look? You won’t need to go out and buy expensive specialty foods. You can feed them nutritious kibble, fruits, and vegetables.
Their prey in the wild would be similar to the red or silver fox, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects that might sound like a good way to keep your yard clear of those things, and once they spend more time outdoors, they will find these “foods”, be aware, though, the diseases that can come from consuming those animals is a risk.
Just like any other domesticated pet. vaccinations and deworming are essential to keeping a healthy fox.
Expert Tip: The Canadian Marble Fox is going to need a lot of exercises as they are brimming with energy. Think of the most energetic dog and multiply it by 10. They are going to need a good hour or so of running or walking each day.
If you don’t have this kind of time to spend with them, it’s best to reconsider them as a pet, as their quality of life will be poorly affected. A yard for them to run in is ideal, you’ll want to make sure it’s fenced as these animals will make a break for it if the chance presents itself.
Entice them to stay in the space with games or something to challenge them. For instance, make a small obstacle course for them to run through. This will challenge their mind along with their body. Remember, marble foxes are smart and need mental stimulation.
If you don’t have a fenced yard you will need to leash them as you walk them. A dog park will not work either, as these animals can become aggressive when faced with a perceived threat, as unknown dogs and people would represent. A harness is a good idea to use to control them competently.
As you bond with them indoors and they get older these animals will eventually want to be outside more and more. Once the fox reaches about six months old and you’ve been consistent with the bonding and training, spending more time outdoors is the best for them. Remember they are instinctively wild animals and will be naturally drawn outside.
In a fenced yard or enclosure place another cage for them to curl up inside while still giving them access to the fresh air and the chance to run around at will. Otherwise, if they don’t get the outdoor time they crave, they will begin to mark areas of your home.
If they do this, clean up the area as soon as you can, as the urine has a pungent odor, and left too long will only increase the odor and make it that much harder to remove. If you’ve ever had to clean up dog or cat urine, you know it is not easy to get out of carpet, especially if it’s gotten into the pad beneath, or out of fabric furniture.
Douse the area with vinegar and baking soda. Let it bubble up, press down with a cloth, and then let it dry. Once dried scrape it off with a dull knife (you’re not looking to cut out the stain after all). Repeat as necessary until the stain and smell are gone. If you are not going to be breeding the fox, you might want to opt for spaying or neutering the animal.
This can help lessen the urine’s odor but won’t get rid of it completely. Do not remove the scent gland, as that can be dangerous or even fatal to the animal.
After absorbing all of this information, you may be asking yourself “why shouldn’t I keep a Canadian Marble Fox?” Try not to be blinded by the cuteness and uniqueness of owning such an animal. It really is a lot of work and there are some negatives to consider:
Cost for one.
You can only obtain this animal through a breeder and that can be spendy and can cost anywhere from a few to several hundred dollars. In addition, the costs of a vet that manages exotic animals are going to be pricier than those that manage domestic animals.
Also, even if it is legal to own a marble fox where you live, you may be required to obtain permits from the city that typically have to be renewed annually. The initial cost of setting up an outdoor place for the fox will be expensive if, for instance, you don’t have a fenced yard.
Also, consider any liability should the fox bite someone or someone’s pet your usual home insurance typically will not cover domestic animals and may require you to obtain another costly policy.
Time is another huge consideration. This fox needs a tremendous amount of socialization with you.
Also, the amount of exercise it needs is crucial. You also won’t be able to just leave town at the drop of a hat, as there aren’t any shelters to house these animals in while you’re gone, finding someone to stay with them brings up that liability issue.
In regard to time, these lovely creatures will be around a while, so the time and financial commitments are huge factors in determining if they will be the right pet for you.
Temperament is another consideration. While they look like the cutest cuddliest things in the world, they are wild animals and can have the temperament you’d associate with one. The marble fox can become aggressive at the drop of a hat. They have very sharp teeth and will if they feel threatened.
Their claws are sharp, and while you can have them clipped, if they get ahold of you or another animal or child, they inflict damage. As stated above, they do fine with dogs, but cats or even small children can be problematic for the fox.
The Canadian Marble Fox does not typically like loud noises, so if your home environment is on the louder side, as with kids, it’s not really conducive to bringing a fox to live.
You will also always need to be aware of the animal’s demeanor when you go to pet them, keep your hand where they can see it, so they never feel threatened by your touching them. If any of these considerations seem like they may be an issue, then owning the Canadian Marble Fox may not be for you.
Are marble foxes rare?
Despite its distinctive look, the marble fox is not a distinct species in and of itself. The fox is essentially little more than an ordinary wild fox with a distinctive black and white coat of colors that was purposely picked by humans.
Although it is not confirmed, it is thought that the marble fox was created from the crossing of two different species, most likely, the red fox and the silver fox (which itself is just another color morph of the red fox). Some sources indicate that it is descended from Arctic foxes as well, however, it is impossible to verify this information.
According to some sources, this intriguing color variant was created as the consequence of a chance genetic mutation that was later picked by a human breeder as long back as 1945. They are typically cultivated and bred in a household environment for their economic worth rather than for personal consumption.
How much does a Canadian marble fox cost?
While marble foxes are attractive creatures, they are not designed to be kept as pets. While this is true, they are nonetheless capable of becoming tamed.
However, living with and caring for a fox is quite different from living with and caring for a dog or a cat, and it is critical to conduct as much research as possible ahead of time to ensure a positive experience.
Expert Tip: For foxes, the first six months are key bonding times, so it’s ideal to find one as young as possible. It might be the difference between a happy and unhappy relationship. Because foxes are normally born in April, begin contacting breeders in March.
In many cases, the price of a marble fox might vary significantly based on your location and a number of other reasons. The bare minimum cost of a marble fox is $100-150, yet marble foxes may be obtained for as little as $200-250 more frequently than not.
Marble foxes, on the other hand, may be found for much more money on the internet, with prices exceeding $500 and $600. Many breeders advise that you should not spend more than 600 dollars on a marble fox.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Canadian Marble Fox is an absolutely adorable and magnificent animal. Its lush and multi-hued fur is a sight to behold, and its unique mask-like face is precious.
Keep in mind, though, that they are not domesticated animals and will be much more difficult to have in your home than a cat or dog or even other exotics, like reptiles. Sadly, as with other types of exotic animals, buyer’s remorse happens, but rehoming a fox is not an easy task.
They are living creatures and should always be treated well. Hopefully, the information here will help you make the decision of whether you want a Canadian Marble Fox as a pet or if a trip to a zoo or an online search satisfies the urge and admire them from afar.
