Did you know that pet lovers are fast domesticating foxes around the world and living comfortably with them just like the canines and felines? This trend is gaining more popularity as time rolls by and if care is not taken, they may well take the place of our beloved canine friends. However, the fox remains a wild animal that will always be difficult to train, and instead of introducing a feral beast into your household, why not try adopting one of those dogs that look like foxes. In this piece, we have the top ten listed out for your consideration.
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Dogs That Look Like Foxes
1. Volpino Italiano
The name Volpino Italiano literarily means Italian Foxy and when you consider the dog’s pointy ears, its small pointy face, and the body that is slightly elongated, you would agree that the Volpino Italiano truly has a close resemblance to the fox family. This breed is highly recommended for prospective pet parents whose taste in household pets leans towards dogs that look like foxes. Place a real-life White Arctic fox and the Volpino Italiano side by side, and you would immediately notice the amazing resemblance.
Though the dog is of small size, it is excellent as a watchdog taking its duty very seriously, however, when this pooch is off-duty, it is very playful and loyal to family members. The dog is equally lively and highly energetic, it may appear too small to be taken seriously by an intruder, but it does an excellent job of alerting the large mastiffs in the household.
One of the top dogs that look like foxes, the Italiano breed was about to go into extinction around 1965 when it was discovered that there were just five Volpino Italianos remaining on earth, however, concerted efforts which were made to preserve them proved successful – this led to the existence of over 2,000 of the breed by 2006. The majority of the Volpinos can be found in their native Italy, but breeding projects equally went on in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and the United States.
2. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu earns a place on our list of dogs that look like foxes for obvious reasons. It is a Japanese Spitz breed, small in size with physical attributes that would make one mistake it for a stealthy fox; this is made possible by the dog’s squinty eyes and pointy ears that are so fox-like.
Originally bred for small game hunting, your Shiba Inu can equally hunt the wild boar on occasions. Their personality is quite interesting, they can be alert and bold, and possess an intelligence that makes them easy to train; however, there are owners who have pointed out the pup’s strong will and independent nature. This only means that it is best suited for pet parents who are ready to take charge.
The Shiba Inu is very athletic; what’s more, its movement is comparable to that of a fox. The challenges an owner is likely to face with training a Shiba Inu may likely give rise to issues, including aggression and possessiveness; However, a well-trained Shiba Inu with proper socialization can turn out to be an excellent family, pet displaying traits of loyalty and affection, though they may be wary of strange faces.
The dog has distinguishing physical characteristics which include a thick double coat that can be black, cream, tan, and red, The tail is naturally curled. Height for the Shiba Inu ranges from 14 to 17 inches while 17 to 23 pounds can go for the body weight.
3. Dhole
Also called the red fox or red dog, the Indian wild dog or Dhole is not among the canids from “Canis familiaris,” rather, it is of “Cuon alpinus.” This Asian breed is one of the dogs that look like foxes, having an amazing resemblance to Arabian and Indian foxes.
Among the canine population, Dholes are comparable to African wild dogs in bravery, they entertain no fears about stalking and killing prey up to 10 times their size. The dog’s running speed is quite high at about 34 miles per hour. Dholes are skilled in aquatic activities and have the capacity to jump up to seven feet into the air. The breed is classed as social animals as they enjoy pack life (eight to 12 dogs in a pack). It is one of the endangered breeds of canine.
The Dhole stands out among the dogs that look like foxes because of its striking features that combine that of the grey wolf and the red fox. From the luxuriant and fluffy tail to the facial features and ear, you might just mistake the Dhole for a fox from a distance.
4. Schipperke
The Schipperke is not called the little captain for the sake of it; this Belgium native has the natural instinct to go after anything that moves and an incredible knack to steal the spotlight anywhere anytime. The dog makes this list of dogs that look like foxes, thanks to its resemblance to a little black fox. The pup is loving, and loyal, but has the tendency to bark excessively, thus, owners must embark on no-barking training to enjoy the company of the Schipperke.
If you have a Schipperke in the family, you must always include the dog in family activities, especially when those activities are staged outdoors; however, you need to be vigilant as your pooch may take off after a squirrel or other game without your knowledge. The Schipperke is recognized for its black coat that can come in different lengths and occasionally with white patterns or markings. It is completely devoid of a tail and stands from 10 to 13 inches in height weighing 10 to 16 pounds.
5. Korean Jindo Dogs
This breed takes its name from Jingo Island, Korea, which is its origin. The Korean Jindo Dogs can come in any imaginable color – from red to yellow, white, tan, black, and brindle. We have equally seen color combos like red and white, tan and white, and black and tan. Jindos with red and white coats are very similar to Asian Red Foxes.
Though they love spending time with family, the Korean Jindo Dog is very stubborn and prefers to follow its own mind most of the time. It is territorial by nature and thus, does not tolerate the presence of other pets in the household. Regular exercise is necessary for the Jindo which can become very stubborn in the absence of physical exertion to expel excess energy.
6. Akita
Among the Japanese spitz breeds, the Akita is the largest. Often called the silent hunter, this furbaby is a quiet pooch that presents a challenge when it comes to training. However, they can be fiercely loyal to their owners and loved ones. The breed originally functioned as hunting and guard dogs; this means that they are highly energetic and need daily vigorous exercise to keep them on their best behavior.
The dog’s distinguishing features include. A curled fluffy tail, triangular head, erect ears, and dense double coat that can be black, red, fawn, and more. Weighing between 70 to 130 pounds, the Akita can stand from 24 to 28 inches.
7. Pomeranian
Though the average fox does not have as much fur as the Pomeranian, their similarity lies in their faces. The pup can serve as a lap dog or could just be happy playing in the compound. It has served royalties for centuries as a loyal companion.
The life expectancy of the Pomeranian ranges from 12 to 16 years; it weighs around 3-7 pounds with 6-7 inches in height. With strangers, the Pomeranian is stand-offish, and while it is not known to be purposely stubborn, the pup does not take easily to commands which must be issued repeatedly for it to stick. Training for the breed must be regular and consistent for it to stick.
8. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai can be taken as a smaller version of the Siberian Husky which makes it fox-like rather than wolf-like. The dog is energetic, loyal, loving, playful, and intelligent. It loves to be in the company of its family members. However, the pup exhibits shyness around visitors and strangers, but this can be addressed with early socialization.
The breed may come in many color combos of white and black, white and grey, but there is this white and red version that looks strikingly like a red fox. Wearing double-coated fur, the Alaskan Klee Kai can weigh from 10 to 15 pounds, standing from 13 to 17 inches in height.
9. Finnish Spitz
Among several other traits, one aspect of the Finnish Spitz’s physical attributes that would remind one of a fox is its coat color. It is this trait that places it on the line-up of dogs that look like foxes. The breed is equally great at hunting with the physical capabilities of lynching both big and smaller prey, from bears to squirrels. Of course, any dog that possesses all these instincts must benefit from having daily tasks to perform, and thus, the Finnish Spitz must be given something to do, both mental stimulation and regular exercise. From learning new tricks to playing catch, exercise certainly keeps them happy and gives them a purpose.
Pet parents who love to spend quality time outside will make their Finnish Spitz happy as the pup loves to stay in the great outdoors. Remember that the barking level for the breed is quite high and this might not change with training, but the dog is very playful and needs to feel the presence of an authoritative pack leader that it can look up to. The canine matures slowly and has this rebellious nature that demands strictness in your training approach.
Read Also: Spotted Dog Breeds: 10 Popular Dogs With Captivating Designs
10. Samoyed
The Samoyed may be our last on the list of dogs that look like foxes but that does not reduce its resemblance to the fox one bit. With all that fur, the dog would remind one of a winter white fox. Perfect for the arctic climates, the Samoyed was bred for the purpose of herding reindeer and hauling sleds. However, the breed can be your ideal canine companion as it loves being among people.
People who keep the Samoyed as a family pet should always remember that it is a working dog and must be given tasks to perform at all times. The dog can come in handy for tracking and pack hiking – it just benefits from having one purpose or the other. This points to the fact that the breed is not your usual lap dog that loves to sit around and do nothing. This furbaby is happiest when it is active, it doesn’t matter if it’s just playing with a ball or having a good run in the compound.
Training for the breed is compulsory and must start early as the Samoyed is known to be strong-willed – it takes quite some time, but your furry friend can learn new things, all you need are patience and perseverance. When well trained and socialized, the pup will reward you with a loving and gentle disposition. Grooming can be a pain in the neck with the breed as they shed heavily.
Recap Of Dogs That Look Like Foxes
- Volpino Italiano
- Shiba Inu
- Dhole
- Schipperke
- Korean Jindo Dogs
- Akita
- Pomeranian
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- Finnish Spitz
- Samoyed