Fourche Terrier

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-15 years
The Fourche Terrier is a hybrid breed of the Yorkshire Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier. This breed has a few different major and secondary health concerns that you should be aware of. You will want to keep an eye out for the following health concerns: lung problems, craniomandibular osteopathy, hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, and PSS.

Your Fourche Terrier may have some lung problems so it is important that you keep this in mind while interacting with him or her on a daily basis. Lung problems can cause your pup to breathe incorrectly which can in turn cause strain on your pup.

Craniomandibular osteopathy is a bone disease that can affect the way that your pup grows and develops. This condition often afflicts the bone around the middle of the ear, the skull, and the jaw joints. When this disease is present, the extra bone growth occurs around the jaw and this can make it difficult for your pup to eat, drink, and function normally.

Hypoglycemia is a condition present in some dog breeds including the Fourche Terrier. Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar and it can cause serious health problems in your pup. In some cases it may even be fatal. Typically, hypoglycemia is controlled with medication and a proper diet.

Patellar luxation is a knee dislocation in dogs and may occur in your Fourche Terrier. When the knee becomes dislocated, it causes pain for your pup and you may notice that your pup holds his or her leg elevated off of the ground.

Lastly, PSS or portosystemic shunts is a condition that occurs when there is a poor or abnormally formed connection between the systemic circulation and the portal vascular system in your pup. When PSS is present in your pup, normal liver functions cannot take place.

The Fourche Terrier has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Fourche Terrier is often regarded as a pup that is curious by nature, intelligent, and very independent of his or her owners. You will find that this breed loves to venture off on his or her own if not watched carefully and will get into things he or she should not.

Since your pup is curious by nature, be sure to keep a close eye on him or her to prevent them from eating something they should not or from escaping through your fence.

Your Fourche Terrier is sure to be alert and active and will make a good watch dog due to their alertness. You will find that your pup will bark and inform you of impending danger or when he or she thinks that there is a threat nearby.

The Fourche Terrier makes a good family dog, however it is important that you socialize your pup from a young age to ensure they are friendly. In some cases your pup may be destructive if other pets and children are present in the home, as he or she wants to be the center of attention.

Your Fourche Terrier is easy to train and is eager to please when it comes to commands and listening to you. You may find that your pup exhibits a stubborn streak and in these instances, your pup will not listen. You should avoid harsh methods of training.

Your Fourche Terrier does not need a lot of exercise besides a walk once per day and some play time with you in your home.

Grooming

The Fourche Terrier has some grooming needs, but nothing that is too difficult. You will find that this breed does not shed a lot, which makes him or her a good option for those who may have allergies.

You need to brush your pup’s coat once per day to remove any tangles and to also remove any debris that might get caught in his or her fur.

You only need to bathe your pup when it is absolutely needed and a dry bath will do the trick in many cases. You should clean out your Fourche Terrier’s ears once per week to ensure you remove a buildup of wax and debris.

Lastly, you should trim your pup’s nails once per month to ensure that they do not grow too long. If they do, your pup may snag his or her nail and this can be painful.

Diet

Your Fourche Terrier will eat anywhere between 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food per day. You should find a dry food brand that meets the nutritional needs of your pup as well as his or her activity level.

While you can feed your Fourche Terrier wet food on occasion, it is not recommended as part of a daily diet because it can lead to obesity in your pup if they do not get enough exercise.
 

Find A Fourche Terrier Breeder

Fourche Terrier Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Fourche Terrier

Cost

A Fourche Terrier puppy will cost you anywhere between $600 and $1,200 depending on the breeder you choose to work with. You may find this breed in a local shelter or rescue and can expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $300 in adoption fees.

In addition to the costs above, you need to make sure you factor in the cost of food, supplies, toys, vet checkups, vaccines, and similar costs.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Fourche Terrier is a great breed for any home and will keep you on your toes. This breed may be tiny, but he or she does have a lot of curiosity. You will find that your pup gets along well with children and other pets in your home, but must be socialized early on to ensure this behavior sticks. This breed ranks a 1.5.

 

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Maltese

Havanese