Raccoon dog (Ussuri fox) – mammal predator canine family, which prefers meat, but does not refuse and from plant foods. Despite its distinctive name, the animal cannot be unambiguously classified as a dog, fox or raccoon, although there is a noticeable resemblance to the latter – the same dark mask, thick whiskers and a luxurious fur coat. The animal is entered to the International Red Book and similar conservation document of the Russian Federation. In addition, the view is under special legislative protection in the territory of foreign states, for example, Lithuania and Ukraine, as well as in several Russian regions.
Content
- 1 What a raccoon dog looks like
- 2 Differences raccoon dog and raccoon
- 3 Where dwells
- 4 Lifestyle
- 4.1 What to eat
- 4.2 Features of behavior
- 4.3 Diseases and natural enemies
- 4.4 Reproduction
- 5 Raccoon dog at home
- 5.1 Features of feeding
- 5.2 Content Requirements
- 5.3 Possible diseases and treatment
- 6 Life expectancy in the wild and domestic conditions
- 7 Interesting Facts
What does a raccoon dog look like?
On the extremities, the hair is shorter, but it is as thick as whole body
This cute beast is medium sized. The length of his body is about 80 cm without a tail, which adds another 20–25 cm. The weight of an adult is more than 4 kg. The fur is thick and long the undercoat is dense and soft, and the awn is rough. Warm and beautiful the fur coat covers the body completely, including the tail.
Medium sized animal head with a dark mask on a narrow fox face. The ears are small, erect, black.
The color of the fur in the animal can be:
- red or dark brown;
- white (in albinos).
In winter, wool acquires a lighter shade.
Raccoon teeth are adapted to chewing not only meat and small bones, but also food of plant origin. Claws rounded, which allows you to easily get roots, and to fish.
Differences raccoon dog and raccoon
The main difference between these animals is their behavior.
The difference between a raccoon and a dog with a similar name is that they are:
- have differences in appearance;
- live in different environmental conditions.
Ussuri fox prefers river banks with forests and shrubs, swampy meadows. A raccoon loves burrows, hollow trees sometimes settles in crevices of rocks, at an altitude of up to 30 meters.
A raccoon dog is less dexterous, so it chooses lower places, not afraid to live in the neighborhood with human housing, and the raccoon other preferences: he does not like lowlands and categorically shuns people.
Animals are not afraid of water, with the only difference being that the raccoon does not leave far from the shore, and the dog floats freely on significant distance for fish, as it is more hardy.
Where dwells
The traditional range of raccoon dogs is plain and mountain forests. northeastern Indochina, as well as China, Japan and Korea. On the territory of the Russian Federation, the animal was originally found only in the Amur Region and Ussuri Territory, but in the first half of the last century it was brought to 76 regions of the Soviet Union. On animals did not take root in Asian lands, but in the European part conditions were more suitable – raccoon stock quickly increased, and the habitat increased markedly.
Lifestyle
Finding raccoon dog accommodation is no problem
In the choice of housing, the animal is unpretentious. It’s easy may press owners in badger and fox burrows, while own digs rarely. Sometimes arranged on open beds between tree roots, and in some cases settles even along roads and settlements. Raccoon dogs are able to climb trees, really low. They do it rarely and only when thus equip housing.
The raccoon sleeps during the day, and goes around the neighborhood at night in search of food, doing gathering.
The dog can be found traveling in shallow forest reservoirs and even along the coast. In the warm season she is capable to overcome up to 10 km, but in winter long trips are difficult – short paws get stuck in the snow.
What eats
Features of the diet allow them to relatively easily provide self-nutrition, which makes it possible to accumulate a layer of fat by winter weighing up to 2 kg
The diet of raccoon dogs is diverse due to their omnivorous nature. Summer the menu for the most part consists of:
- chicks and eggs;
- mice, lizards and frogs;
- insects and larvae.
In autumn, it is necessary to collect fallen fruits, seeds and berries. When nearby there is a village or village, raccoons visit without fear people to check the contents of garbage bins.
Behavior features
Wolves conduct the main hunt for raccoon dogs in between hibernation
This is the only animal of the canine family that lies in hibernation. Her dream lasts from December to March, but interrupted periodically on thaw days. When winter stands out warm, the raccoon does not fall asleep and hides in the shelter exclusively in a period of rare frosts and blizzards.
The Ussuri fox is distinguished by strength and dexterity, while she quite peaceful, outgoing, but slightly cowardly beast. Everything changes during the period of feeding offspring – the animal becomes nervous and aggressive, protecting puppies, can even bite uninvited guests.
Sickness and natural enemies
It is believed that the raccoon has good health and steady immunity. This once again confirmed the situation, arose in the 70s of the last century. In the northwest epizootic of itchy scabies was recorded in the territories of the USSR, which affected 80% of the fox population, and among raccoon dogs there were only isolated cases of death.
Of the other pathologies to which raccoons are susceptible, the following are noted:
- paratyphoid and pyroplasmosis;
- tuberculosis and rabies.
Wolves are considered their main natural enemy. Also danger represent lynxes and large birds – golden eagles and eagles. It happens that stray dogs are also annoying.
As for competition for hunting grounds, it is possible with American mink and forest ferret, which, like Ussuri fox, hunt along the banks of ponds. As for ordinary foxes and badgers, with them almost no problems.
Breeding
Fertility of a female depends on her health, weight, age and weather conditions
The mating season lasts from early February to mid spring. They, like raccoons, are monogamous animals. and pair up in the fall. The female estrus begins at winter during hibernation.
Pregnancy lasts from 60 to 70 days, after which it is born 6–7 puppies appear, sometimes more.
Young raccoons bring 2-3 babies each, with age cubs is increasing. After the offspring, males do not leave the females, and share with them the cares of raising puppies. IN at first, the mother hardly leaves the nest, so the father of the kids carefully brings her food. After the brood grows up, on both parents go hunting. Young growth reaches sexual maturity by 8–10 months.
Raccoon dog at home
As a refuge you can use any thing where the animal will climb and sleep
The animal has recently been started as a pet pet. When choosing puppies, it is important to pay attention to the following:
- documents of the baby’s parents confirming the breed;
- conditions of keeping animals at the breeder;
- the look and behavior of the future pet – it should be well-fed and fluffy, active, friendly, without signs of spontaneous aggression.
The animal is better to settle in an aviary or booth. On the street beast will feel more comfortable than in the house. it due to the presence of thick and long hair. If contain pet in the apartment, you will need to ensure that the air is always was cool enough, and often walking for a long time pet.
The pet molts once a year in the spring. Wool begins to change during second half of February or early March depending on the region and features of spring weather. First, the underfill is lost, and over the summer old spinous wool falls out. By the fall, the Ussuri fox is fully puts on a new fur coat, which by the beginning of December looks brilliantly.
Returning to the topic of home content raccoons, it is worth noting that, according to dog handlers, it requires the same care as Caucasian Shepherd Dog. One of the things you should pay attention to special attention is the aggressiveness of the beast. Do not forget that it is a wild animal that does not get used to other domestic animals pets, especially cats, as well as children.
Another point is the smell. The dog itself does not smell much, but how any beast, it is prone to mark territory, which ultimately leads to the appearance in the home of a persistent, pungent odor. To avoid this, It is worth considering castration or sterilization of a pet. Detailed Information on this subject can be obtained from your veterinarian. There vaccinations should also be consulted. Vaccination raccoons, like any domestic dog, are required.
Regarding nutrition issues, feeding her is easy. Wherein, as with other dogs, don’t give sweet, spicy, salty and too fatty dishes, as all this can negatively affect the health of the Ussuri fox.
A well-bred and well-bred animal is capable of Become a reliable friend and guard. It will take a lot of effort. and time, so the future owner should think carefully, objectively evaluate your capabilities before taking a puppy.
Feeding Features
The easiest way to maintain a healthy pet diet is purchase premium dog foods
As mentioned above, the raccoon dog’s diet is simple. Basis It consists of:
- vegetables and fruits;
- chicken and beef, offal;
- cereal cereals;
- pork (low-fat), game and fish.
The latter must be given fresh from time to time. So that the animal does not become infected with helminth eggs, meat and fish it is recommended to keep products in advance freezer. Shortly before feeding, they are allowed to thaw and warm to room temperature, then cut and give pet.
It is important to ensure that large fish and tubular chicken bones. They can injure the esophagus and stomach, which is fraught with dangerous consequences.
When it is decided to feed the raccoon natural foods, it is important to periodically give her vitamin and mineral additives, in this case the animal will be active, healthy and beautiful.
In the case when the animal consumes dry food, in additional drugs are not necessary. One has only to choose compositions premium for medium sized dogs. Regardless of the method food in the reach of the Ussuri fox should always be bowl of fresh water.
Do not mix natural and dry food, as this may cause digestive upsets in the dog: ready-made in-store the compounds are digested easily and quickly, and natural, especially raw food takes much longer. Items allowed another system in small quantities only in quality goodies.
Content Requirements
The animal does not tolerate content in the apartment
It is worth highlighting the main points, which include:
- preference for outdoor (aviary) maintenance;
- sufficient physical activity;
- proper nutrition;
- regular hair care;
- timely vaccination;
- castration / sterilization if the animal is not used for breeding breeding.
Possible diseases and treatment
Infectious Dangers pathology. To protect the pet, there are measures prevention, the main of which is vaccination. Besides, Do not allow the dog to come into contact with sick animals.
Diseases associated with the presence of pathogenic microorganisms – not the only danger awaiting the beast, living at home. Improper feeding and care may provoke metabolic problems and a decrease in immunity, which, in turn, causes:
- gastrointestinal dysfunction;
- food allergies;
- skin diseases;
- visual impairment;
- joint problems
- other health disorders.
If the pet is sick, it is urgent to show it to the veterinarian. The doctor will give professional advice on treatment and care, prescribe the right drugs.
Life expectancy in the wild and domestic conditions
The life span of a raccoon dog depends on its nutrition, past diseases and living conditions
In the natural environment, raccoon dogs live, as a rule, not longer than 5 years. At home, their life expectancy is twice, or even three times higher.
Interesting Facts
A raccoon dog is an amazing animal that has features like dogs and raccoon
It is believed that raccoon intelligence is lower than that of other canids, therefore, the beast is difficult to train and train. But, Despite this, the dog is quite cunning – in case of danger she does not run away, but simply pretends to be dead. It is still possible accustom to the cat tray, which greatly facilitates homework content.
If puppies of other breeds are not recommended to excommunicate ahead of time, then in the case of the Ussuri fox this is recommended, so that the future owner fed the young pet for a while artificially. Otherwise, the baby may not recognize in the person the owner and from childhood to show aggression to him.
An adult female raccoon is able to give birth to 19 puppies in one litter.
The male helps to nurse offspring. If the “mother” suddenly left without his support, the brood rarely survives.
Living in humans, the Ussuri fox becomes an active day, and not at night, as in the wild.
A raccoon dog is an amazing beast, smart and beautiful. The size of its population today does not cause unrest, therefore the animal can easily be found in the wild.
When deciding to have such a pet at home, it’s worth remembering that this is a wild beast, which means there will be more trouble with it than with an ordinary the dog. With poor care, the raccoon will grow aggressive and incredulous, will suffer in captivity, creating many problems to the owner.
