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You might have heard of people confusing foxes for dogs, given their striking resemblance. Both foxes and dogs belong to the Canidae family, which includes wolves, coyotes, jackals, dingoes, and other canines.
However, dogs and wolves fall under the genus Canis, while most fox species are classified under the genus Vulpes. There’s a significant evolutionary gap of over 10 million years between domestic dogs and red foxes.
Despite these differences—where one is a wild animal, and the other might be trying to snuggle next to you on the couch—some dog breeds remarkably resemble foxes. This similarity might be why people sometimes mix them up. While foxes are undeniably charming, dogs that look like foxes are undoubtedly more suited to be pets.
If you’re interested in a dog with a fox-like appearance, there are specific breeds that might catch your eye. These breeds not only look like foxes but also make fantastic companions.
Dogs That Look Like Foxes
1. Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized, healthy dog breed known for its fox-like appearance. Originating from Iceland, this spitz-type dog was initially bred for herding. It features a floppy tail that enhances its resemblance to a fox, especially with its upward-facing triangular ears and red fur accented with white and tan patches.
This breed is lively and thrives on being part of a family environment. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Icelandic Sheepdogs are very intelligent and friendly, making them excellent in puppy classes and obedience training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and do not take harsh training methods well.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are quite active and require daily exercise. They are not fans of being alone, often experiencing anxiety when left by themselves. These dogs get along well with other pets and people, although early socialization is crucial to help them develop a well-rounded temperament.
2. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is the smallest spitz breed from Japan, originally bred for hunting. This breed is one of the few ancient dog types still around today. With a thick, plush coat and perky ears, Shiba Inus have a striking resemblance to foxes, especially with their color and size.
Known for being stubborn and independent, Shiba Inus are also extremely loyal and affectionate with their families. They are alert, confident, and bold, showing courage and a loving nature. PetPlan states that they are also friendly with children and other pets and are not usually aggressive toward strangers.
Shiba Inus enjoy active play and interaction with their humans but can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. Despite their intelligence and ease of training, their strong-willed nature can sometimes make training a challenge, as they may lose focus and test boundaries. However, with consistent and positive training methods, they learn well and can be excellent companions.
3. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed to offer a lap-sized version of the Siberian Husky, featuring various colors such as black and white, grey and white, red and white, and all-white. The red and white variant is particularly rare and strikingly resembles a red fox. While they might lean more towards a wolfish look due to their lineage, the Alaskan Klee Kai also sports the classic traits of fox-like dogs, such as upright ears, dense coats, and plush tails.
These dogs hail from a lineage of working breeds in Alaska, making them rugged and resilient. Originally bred for activities like sledding, hiking, hunting, and tracking, the Alaskan Klee Kai is an active and clever breed. They are energetic, intelligent, and playful, thriving in family settings. Alaskan Klee Kais are friendly but tend to be cautious and aloof around strangers.
Like cats, they are meticulous about cleanliness. HillsPet notes that these dogs are perfect for those looking for a small, active companion that doesn’t need a large yard but enjoys regular walks and games of fetch. However, they do not fare well when left alone for extended periods.
4. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz, a medium-sized breed from Finland, is renowned for its thick, golden-red coat, which contributes to its fox-like appearance. With a square build and small, pointed ears, this breed closely resembles a fox in both stance and color.
Originally bred as a hunting dog, Finnish Spitz dogs are known as “bark pointers,” a nod to their method of alerting hunters to game through frequent barking. They are quite vocal and excel at expressing themselves, making them notably communicative pets.
The Finnish Spitz is intelligent, active, alert, and lively, often showing a protective instinct towards its owners while remaining reserved around strangers. Training a Finnish Spitz, or “Finkies” as they are affectionately called, can be challenging due to their strong-willed nature. According to WebMD, they require a patient trainer who can apply firm, gentle, and consistent methods. Being sensitive dogs, Finnish Spitzes respond more to positive methods.
5. American Eskimo
The American Eskimo Dog, a small member of the Spitz-type dogs, originally hails from Germany but gained fame in America as a circus performer. Characterized by their straight, wedge-shaped ears and distinctive black points—lips, nose, and eye rims—they strikingly resemble the white Arctic Fox. For those who appreciate fox-like dogs with lighter coats, this breed is a charming choice.
Known for its intelligence, friendliness, and alert demeanor, the American Eskimo Dog is also protective and ranks among the most trustworthy breeds for families with children. This popular dog breed is celebrated for being a reliable and loving companion.
However, this fox-like dog is known to be high-maintenance. They are extremely active and need a significant amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. While their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, their tendency to be vocal can be a challenge for some owners, especially in settings where noise is a concern.
6. Akita
The Akita, a breed that originated in Japan, is known for its double coat and its significant role in Japanese history. It’s said that Akitas brings health, happiness, and longevity to the families that adopt them. With their plush coats and tapered ears, these large-breed dogs bear a strong resemblance to foxes.
Akitas are celebrated for their courage and are often used as guard dogs. They tend to be wary of strangers and often do not get along well with other animals. However, their loyalty is immense, and they truly live up to their reputation as steadfast protectors. Akita Inus thrives on human companionship and is dedicated to keeping their loved ones safe.
As pets, they can be quiet but unpredictable, and they pose a challenge in training. According to the PDSA, owning an Akita requires considerable effort from their owners. In return, an Akita offers unwavering loyalty and affection, making for a lifelong friend.
7. Korean Jindo
The Korean Jindo is a medium-sized breed originating from Jindo Island in South Korea. With a well-proportioned build, a double coat, pointy ears, and a furry tail, Jindos have a distinct fox-like appearance that makes them quite striking.
Known for their loyalty and protective nature, Jindos are commonly used as hunting dogs. They are known to be quite stubborn, with a strong independent streak, but they enjoy being close to their family and owners. These dogs are very territorial and generally do not welcome other pets into their space.
Jindos require regular exercise, and a brisk walk daily is essential to keep them content. Without sufficient exercise, their stubborn nature can become more pronounced. Despite their high intelligence, Jindos are not the easiest to train. They value their independence and lack the strong desire to please, which is seen in some other dog breeds, making the training process more challenging.
8. Samoyed
The Samoyed, with its triangular ears and luxurious white fur, hails from Siberia, where it was historically used as a sled and herding dog. This breed’s fox-like appearance and playful personality make it an excellent choice for family pets.
Despite their fluffy appearance, Samoyeds are known as gentle giants who deeply love their family, often showing their affection with a constant, endearing grin. They are very intelligent, which can make training a challenge. Therefore, they are best suited to experienced owners who can dedicate the necessary time to consistent training and establishing a routine. Their high-maintenance coats also require substantial attention.
According to Greencross Vets, Samoyeds are highly active dogs that need at least two hours of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy, along with a complete and balanced diet. Regular grooming is essential due to their double coats and shedding tendencies, making upkeep a significant part of owning a Samoyed.
9. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian, a tiny breed with a massive amount of fur, was originally bred in Germany and became a favorite among royalty. With its upright ears and elongated snout, the Pomeranian has a distinct fox-like appearance.
Despite its diminutive size, the Pomeranian boasts a larger-than-life personality and loves being the center of attention. This breed stands out in the toy category for dogs that resemble foxes, and these adorable dogs are vibrant, full of life, and highly curious.
Pomeranians crave the spotlight and can display a sassy and spirited temperament. Unlike actual foxes, Pomeranians are quite trainable. Coupled with their gorgeous, fluffy coats, they are not only fun to train but also a delight to cuddle and pet.
10. Schipperke
If you’re captivated by dogs that resemble foxes but prefer something uniquely small and almost black, then these dogs from Belgium might just capture your heart. Believed to have been bred for herding or descending from Spitz dogs, these compact pups are both adorable and intriguing.
This breed is full of energy and a bit mischievous, often displaying a stealthy, cat-like hunting style. Their intelligence is high, necessitating engaging in activities to keep them occupied and prevent unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, and digging.
According to Orvis, Schipperkes requires extensive socialization. They tend to fare better with adults or older children rather than babies and are not recommended for first-time dog owners. Schipperkes are known for being headstrong and independent, qualities that demand a knowledgeable and patient owner to guide them.
Conclusion
For enthusiasts of the cunning fox-like allure, selecting from popular dog breeds that embody these features brings a special vibrancy to your home. From the spirited Shiba dogs and Jindo dogs, celebrated for their intelligence and hunting prowess, to the charming Pembroke Welsh Corgis with their thick double coat, all the dogs in the list offer a unique combination of beauty and companionship.
Among the most popular dog breeds, the long-haired Chihuahua and the German Spitz stand out for their distinctive appearances and engaging personalities. The Canaan dog breed, known for its versatility and protective instincts, and the quiet, barkless dog breeds add to the diverse range of fox-like canines.
Whether it’s the robust barking bird dog qualities or the popular companion dog traits you seek, these breeds promise to be delightful and loyal companions, enriching your life with their distinct charm and affection. Embrace the journey with one of these enchanting breeds and add a touch of wild sophistication to your family.
