Raccoon dogs are a species of canid that is found throughout the world, including in urban areas.
They’re often mistaken for raccoons or foxes because of their similar appearance, but they’re actually more closely related to dogs than either one!
They’re small creatures with bushy tails and pointy ears cute little things! But before you get any ideas about buying one as a pet, let’s take a look at some of the things you need to know about this mysterious animal:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Raccoon dogs are a type of canid native to East Asia. |
| They are not fully domesticated animals and may not be suitable as pets. |
| Raccoon dogs are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and small mammals. |
| While raccoon dogs are generally not aggressive towards humans, they can carry diseases and may be dangerous if threatened. |
| There is controversy surrounding the fur industry in China and its connection to raccoon dogs and the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Are Raccoon Dogs Domesticated?
Raccoon dogs are not domesticated. They are wild animals that live in the wild and cannot be tamed.
There is no way to train a raccoon dog or change its behavior; even if you try to feed it from your hand, it will probably bite you at some point.
The only way to keep a raccoon dog as a pet would be by obtaining one from an animal shelter or rescue organization where the animal has been domesticated for so long that it has become accustomed to human interaction and doesn’t show any signs of aggression towards humans anymore.
How Do You Keep Raccoon Dogs As Pets?
Do you want to own a raccoon dog as a pet? Well, first of all, you should know that they are not domesticated animals and they cannot be kept as pets like dogs or cats.
Raccoon dogs are wild animals that do not make good pets for most people because they are very active and energetic, which means that they need lots of space to run around in.
They also have sharp teeth and claws so it’s important to keep them away from children who might get hurt by them.
Another reason why raccoon dogs aren’t good pets is that they can be dangerous to your family if there is an outbreak of rabies within their population nearby (which happens sometimes).
In addition to this, many states have laws against keeping wild animals as pets so check on whether or not it’s legal before doing so.
“While raccoons are primarily active at night, they can also be dangerous during the day. If you encounter a raccoon dog or any other wild animal, it’s important to keep your distance and call animal control. Learn more about raccoons and their behavior on our article about are raccoons dangerous during the day.”
Are Raccoon Dogs Good Guard Dogs?
Raccoon dogs make great guard dogs. They are excellent watchdogs, and they will let you know if something suspicious is going on in your yard or around your property.
They tend to be territorial, so they will protect their family and the area where they live from outsiders (and probably even from family members).
They bark frequently when there’s something unusual going on, which can be good for alerting you to danger but can also get annoying if they bark at nothing all day long!
Is It Legal To Keep Raccoon Dogs As Pets?
Raccoon dogs are legal pets in most states, but you must follow certain requirements to keep one.
For example, if you live in a state that allows raccoon dogs as pets, you need to make sure that your state has the proper permit for owning these animals.
You will also likely need to apply for a license from your local animal control department or humane society before obtaining this type of pet.
In addition to licensing and permits, owners must be prepared to provide appropriate housing for their raccoon dog the kind of structure that provides warmth and shelter during cold weather seasons and protection from predators during warmer seasons.
If an owner does not have adequate housing available for his or her pet raccoon dog when temperatures drop lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 Celsius),
he/she should consider purchasing an insulated doghouse with adequate insulation properties such as fiberglass batting or other similar materials designed specifically for use with small-sized animals like raccoons.
“Feeding raccoons peanuts may seem like a harmless gesture, but it can actually be harmful to their health. Our article on are peanuts bad for raccoons explains why it’s important to avoid feeding raccoons human food and provides alternative options for their diet.”
What Type Of Food Do do You Feed A Raccoon Dog?
A raccoon dog is an omnivore, meaning that it can eat both plants and meat. Raccoon dogs are carnivores but will occasionally eat fruits and vegetables as well.
The diet of a raccoon dog depends on where it was born: In some parts of the world, raccoon dogs eat mainly insects; in other places, they hunt small mammals such as rabbits; and in other areas, they consume birds that live near water sources like lakes or ponds.
What Are Some Of The Diseases That Affect Raccoon Dogs?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, which means that it can be spread through bites or scratches. Rabies symptoms include aggression, neurological issues, and death.
Distemper is also a viral disease that affects the respiratory system, but it’s spread by coughing or sneezing and can live in the environment for years at low concentrations.
Distemper symptoms include coughing and sneezing as well as red eye discharge or runny nose with nasal discharge during the first few days after exposure;
this may later progress to severe pneumonia with vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea (often bloody), dehydration/shock, tremors/seizures followed by paralysis ending in death within 1-3 weeks after onset of symptoms if not treated early enough–often before being recognized due to its fast progression!
“Mothballs are often suggested as a way to repel raccoons, but using them can actually be harmful to both the raccoons and the environment. Learn more about the potential dangers of using mothballs as a raccoon repellent on our article about are mothballs good for raccoons.”
Do You Have To License Your Raccoon Dog?
Do you need a license for your raccoon dog? Yes! You will need to get a license from your local animal shelter if you want to keep one as a pet.
If you look online, there are plenty of places that sell licenses online (for example at www.raccoonpetshop.com).
You should be able to find one there if you don’t have time to go down to the shelter yourself or if there isn’t one near where you live.
A license costs about $20-$30 USD depending on which state or country it’s from, but some places offer discounts when buying multiple licenses at once so shop around before deciding which provider offers the best deal for what amount of money paid upfront per month/yearly basis, etc.,
otherwise known as “rental income.” An alternative method would be paying someone else directly over social media sites like Facebook Messenger who’s looking for extra cash under an hour system called “instant payouts”
which means receiving money instantly once all requirements have been met such as filling out forms correctly; doing well on tests given by professionals; showing proof that they’ve done work outside their own home, in other words, proving they’re honest citizens worthy enough not only
Can You Find A Mate For Your Raccoon Dog On Craigslist?
You can’t find a mate for your raccoon dog on Craigslist. These animals are very territorial, so you’ll need to go shopping in person.
If you know someone who has a raccoon dog already, they might be able to help you out with some introductions, but otherwise, your best bet is at the local pet store or animal shelter.
“While hot dogs may seem like a tasty treat for raccoons, they can actually be harmful to their health. Our article on are hot dogs bad for raccoons to eat explains why it’s important to avoid feeding raccoons human food and provides alternative options for their diet.”
Do I Need A Permit To Own A Pet Raccoon Dog In My State?
You will need a permit to own a pet raccoon dog in your state. You can get your permit from the office of wildlife management or animal control in your area.
The cost of the permit varies depending on how long you plan to keep the raccoon dog as a pet and what type of paperwork is required for your particular situation.
Some states require proof that you have an enclosure large enough for the raccoon dog to live comfortably before they issue a permit, so make sure you know what kind of paperwork is required by law before attempting to obtain one.
The cost of owning any pet depends on where you live and what kind of pet it is, but there are also annual fees associated with owning certain types of animals such as dogs or cats (or other domestic animals).
For example, if you want something exotic like an iguana then there may be additional fees associated with those types of pets because they require special care compared with regular household pets like dogs or cats especially when it comes time
How Many Coat Colors Do Raccoon Dogs Come In?
Raccoon dogs come in many different colors. The most common colors are black and tan, brown, grey, and white.
They have a mask that covers their eyes to protect them from dirt when they dig underground. Some raccoon dogs also have spots on their body which can vary from one animal to another depending on their age and genetics.
“Raccoons are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods, including fruits like bananas. Our article on are bananas good for raccoons explores the nutritional value of bananas for raccoons and provides tips on how to incorporate them into their diet in a safe and healthy way.”
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Raccoon Dog?
The average lifespan of Raccoon dogs is between 7 and 10 years, but there have been some reports of them living even longer than that. Some pet owners report that their pet raccoon dogs have lived as long as 14 years!
On the other hand, there are also cases where the animals don’t live past 6 months or 1 year. This is due to many factors such as genetics, diet, and environment.
How Much Do Raccoon Dogs Grow?
Raccoon dogs are fairly small animals. They can live for up to 15 years in captivity, but they only grow to be about 18 inches long and weigh about 10 to 20 pounds.
Raccoon dogs will live for about five years if they’re kept as pets, though they may live longer depending on how well-cared-for they are.
What Are The Characteristics Of A Raccoon Dog?
Raccoon dogs are a medium-sized canid that is native to North America. They have gray coats and black masks, which make them look like raccoons (hence their name).
Their scientific name is Nyctereutes procyonoides, which means “night walker with a pointed nose”.
Raccoon dogs are omnivores that eat small rodents like mice and voles, as well as insects and fruit. They hunt at night when there aren’t too many predators around to bother them.
Where Are Raccoon Dogs Found Around The World?
Raccoons are found throughout North America, Europe, and Russia. In the United States, they can be found in all but five states: Hawaii, Alaska (sorry), Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico.
They’re also native to parts of Canada but not all of it just most of its southern provinces including British Columbia and Ontario.
As for Russia: well that’s a bit more complicated because there are actually two different species of raccoon dogs that live there one lives near Moscow and another one lives in Siberia.
Conclusion
Raccoon dogs are fun and playful animals that make great companions. They can be trained to do tricks and will generally obey commands from their owners.
They enjoy playing with toys, running around the yard, taking walks on a leash, or even just laying in your lap while watching television!
However, it’s important to note that they do not make good guard dogs since they tend toward being shy around strangers or loud noises (like fireworks).
Also, keep in mind that there are some health concerns when keeping raccoon dogs as pets such as rabies or heartworm disease so always consult with your veterinarian before deciding whether one might be right for you!
Further Reading
RSPCA – Raccoon Dogs: The RSPCA provides information about raccoon dogs, including their origins, behavior, and care requirements.
Rover – Raccoon Dogs: What Are They Anyway?: This article from Rover provides an overview of raccoon dogs, including their physical characteristics, behavior, and suitability as pets.
NPR – Raccoon Dogs and Coronavirus: What We Know: This NPR article explores the connection between raccoon dogs and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the controversy surrounding the fur industry in China.
FAQs
What is a raccoon dog?
A raccoon dog, also known as a tanuki, is a type of canid native to East Asia.
Are raccoon dogs domesticated?
Raccoon dogs are not considered fully domesticated animals, although they can be kept as pets in some parts of the world.
What do raccoon dogs eat?
Raccoon dogs are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, fruits, and vegetables.
Are raccoon dogs dangerous?
While raccoon dogs are generally not considered aggressive towards humans, they can carry diseases and may be dangerous if cornered or threatened.
Can raccoon dogs be kept as pets?
Raccoon dogs can be kept as pets in some countries, but they require specific care and may not be legal to own in all areas.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.