Last Updated on March 3, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Dogs that look like foxes can be quite tricky to identify. Have you ever spotted what you thought was a fox, only to realize it was actually your neighbor’s dog? It’s no surprise!
Dogs and foxes share a close family connection. They both come from wolves, but unlike their wild cousins, dogs have evolved to understand and communicate with humans.
List of 14 Dogs that Look Like Foxes
There are 14 different dog breeds that resemble foxes.
1: Icelandic Sheepdog
Dogs that resemble foxes include the Icelandic Sheepdog. This breed might not be as famous as others, but it’s very loyal, loving, and clever.
They often have a cheerful and watchful look on their faces. Originally, they were bred to help herd sheep, but now they’re mostly kept as family companions because they’re so friendly and get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats who like dogs. Sometimes they bark a lot, and they need plenty of playtime and walks to stay happy and healthy.
Icelandic Sheepdog Breed Overview
- Classification: Herding (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years
- Size: Ranges from 16.5 to 18 inches in height
- Weight: Typically weighs between 25 to 30 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Exhibits a medium double coat available in a variety of colors alongside white
2: Keeshond Dog
Dogs resembling foxes include the Dutch Keeshond. This breed often has markings on its face that look like spectacles.
They’re clever, attentive, and quite lively, needing lots of play and activity. Keeshonds are friendly but also make excellent watchdogs, as they’re protective of their family.
They usually get along well with kids, other dogs, and even dog-friendly cats, so they’re great family pets. While they need regular brushing to maintain their fur, they don’t shed excessively.
Keeshond Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Non-Sporting (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years
- Size: Usually ranges from 17 to 18 inches in height
- Weight: Typically weighs between 35 to 45 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Features a long double coat with variations of silvery gray and black
3: Pomeranian Dog
Dogs resembling foxes include the Pomeranian. Despite their small size, they have a big personality. These fluffy dogs with cute faces resembling foxes are known for their curiosity, friendliness, and outgoing nature.
While they require regular grooming, they aren’t tremendous shedders like some other spitz breeds. Pomeranians come in various colors, but red or orange are most common, adding to their fox-like appearance.
Pomeranian Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Toy (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 12 to 16 years
- Size: Generally ranges from 6 to 7 inches in height
- Weight: Can reach up to 7 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Exhibits a long double coat that comes in almost any color or combination, with red and orange being commonly seen
4: Chihuahua Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include many Chihuahuas, especially the ones with long fur. They often resemble the tiny, big-eared fennec fox. These dogs usually form strong bonds with their favorite people but might be shy or distant with others.
Even though they’re small, they need plenty of play and activities to stay happy, although they’re better suited for adults and older kids. They’re also very protective and can make good watchdogs.
Chihuahua Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Toy (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 12 to 20 years
- Size: Usually measures between 5 to 8 inches in height
- Weight: Can reach up to 6 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Available in either a smooth or long coat, with colors including black, tan, fawn, chocolate, and more
5: Alaskan klee kai Dog
Dogs that resemble foxes include the Alaskan klee kai. They look like small huskies that can sit on your lap. These dogs are smart, playful, and have lots of energy.
They’re usually very loving and loyal to their families, but they might be shy around people they don’t know. While they come in different colors, the red-and-white ones look a lot like red foxes.
Usually, they need less exercise and playtime compared to other spitz breeds.
Alaskan klee kai Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Northern Breed Group (United Kennel Club); not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 12 to 16 years
- Size: Typically ranges from 13 to 17 inches in height
- Weight: Generally weighs between 10 to 15 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Features a thick double coat with colors including black and white, red and white, and gray and white
6: German Spitz Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include the German spitz, also known as the Eskimo spitz. They are wonderful companions because they are very friendly and loving. These dogs are loyal to their families and get along well with kids.
They’re also smart and learn quickly, but they need plenty of exercise every day. German spitz dogs are cautious around people they don’t know and are good at watching out for their family’s safety. They’re usually easy to train.
German Spitz Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Non-Sporting (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 13 to 15 years
- Size: Typically ranges from 12 to 15 inches in height
- Weight: Generally weighs between 24 to 26 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Features a straight and stand-off outer coat, combined with a short, soft, dense undercoat; available colors include black, brown, orange, red, and white
7: Norwegian Elkhound Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include the Norwegian elkhound. It’s a mix of hound and spitz breeds. This dog is playful and protective, making it a loyal pet and a good watchdog.
It loves being around people, but it can feel anxious when left alone. The Norwegian elkhound is very active and needs lots of exercise every day. Usually, they’re friendly with kids and other dogs, and they’re easy to train.
Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Hound (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Usually lives between 12 to 15 years
- Size: Typically ranges from 20 to 21 inches in height
- Weight: Generally falls between 48 to 55 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Displays a curled tail and a thick, long, lush coat; available colors include black, gray, white, and more
8: Finnish Spitz Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include the Finnish Spitz. They’re often called the “barking bird dog” because they’re very lively and need a lot of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy, both physically and mentally.
The Finnish Spitz, often called the red dog that looks like a fox,is recognized for its stunning red coat and fox-like features.
While they can be great family pets, they might bark a lot if they’re bored, especially if they don’t get enough exercise. But with the right family, especially one with active kids, they can be a fine canine companion.
Finnish Spitz Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Non-Sporting (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 12 to 14 years
- Size: Usually ranges from 16 to 20 inches in height
- Weight: Typically weighs between 20 to 35 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Exhibits a red-gold double coat
9: Samoyed Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include the Samoyed. They’re a type of spitz breed that originated in the Arctic, primarily in Siberia, Russia.
These dogs are sturdy and smart, and historically, they were bred to pull sleds on polar expeditions. Today, they’re mostly kept as affectionate and playful family pets.
However, they still have a strong instinct to chase small animals. Samoyeds get along very well with children and other dogs, but they can be barkers.
Samoyed Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Working (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 12 to 14 years
- Size: Generally varies between 19 to 24 inches in height
- Weight: Generally falls between 35 to 65 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Exhibits a double coat with colors including white, cream, and biscuit; characterized by a thick undercoat beneath a soft, fluffy, and straight outer coat
10: Schipperke Dog
Dogs that resemble foxes include the spunky schipperke. They’re small and black, looking like foxes. These dogs are independent and full of energy.
While they’re often loyal and affectionate, they tend to bark a lot. They enjoy being part of family activities, especially when it involves outdoor fun.
They’re curious and playful, but one thing to watch out for is that they might run off to chase squirrels or other animals.
Schipperke Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Non-Sporting (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 12 to 14 years
- Size: Typically ranges from 10 to 13 inches in height
- Weight: Generally falls between 10 to 16 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Exhibits a black, straight coat, with a texture slightly rough to the touch; available in various lengths; may include white markings
11. American Eskimo Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include the American Eskimo dog. They resemble the snowy white Arctic fox. These dogs are affectionate and loyal, and they make great watchdogs for their families.
They enjoy playing outside, even when it’s cold, and they usually get along well with kids. However, their thick coats shed a lot, so they need regular grooming.
American Eskimo Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Non-Sporting (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 13 to 15 years
- Size: Ranges differ based on variety – 9 to 12 inches for toy, 12 to 15 inches for miniature, and 15 to 19 inches for standard
- Weight: Also varies by variety – 6 to 10 pounds for toy, 10 to 20 pounds for miniature, and 25 to 35 pounds for standard
- Coat and Appearance: Exhibits an alert expression; possesses a medium-length double coat; available in white or white and biscuit colors
12. Akita Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include the Akita. They’re the largest Japanese spitz breed and are often known as ‘silent hunters.’ These dogs are quiet and can be quite stubborn when it comes to training.
However, they’re also very loyal and have a history of being used as hunting dogs and guards.
Akitas are high-energy and need plenty of exercise daily. While they may seem distant with strangers, they can be affectionate and silly with their own family.
Akita Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Working (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Typically lives between 10 to 13 years
- Size: Generally ranges from 24 to 28 inches in height
- Weight: Typically weighs between 70 to 130 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Exhibits a short, thick, double-layered coat; some may carry a recessive gene leading to a long coat; available colors include black, fawn, red, and other variations
13. Shiba inu Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include the Shiba Inu. Originally bred for hunting, they’re a type of spitz breed from Japan. The Shiba Inu is known as the orange dog that looks like a fox, thanks to its lively nature and striking resemblance to a fox.
These dogs are smart and independent, which can make training tricky. Sometimes, they can become possessive or aggressive, but they’re usually very loving and devoted to their families.
They might be cautious around people they don’t know well. To stay happy, they need lots of activities that challenge their minds.Â
Shiba Inu Dog Breed Overview
- Classification: Non-Sporting (American Kennel Club)
- Life Expectancy: Generally lives between 13 to 16 years
- Size: Usually falls within the range of 14 to 17 inches in height
- Weight: Typically ranges between 17 to 23 pounds
- Coat and Appearance: Displays a thick double coat characterized by a coarse outer layer and a soft undercoat; available colors include black and tan, cream, and red
14: Volpino Italiano Dog
Dogs that look like foxes include the Volpino Italiano. It’s a small spitz dog from Italy. Even though it’s small, it was originally used as a guard dog. These dogs are full of energy and very lively. Their job was to alert bigger mastiffs about intruders.
Sadly, by 1965, the Volpino Italiano breed was almost extinct, with only five dogs left. But efforts to save them worked well, and by 2006, there were around 2,000 of them.
Most of them live in Italy, but they’re also found in Scandinavia, the U.K., and the U.S. In 2006, the UK Kennel Club officially recognized this breed, and it’s now registered with many famous dog clubs. Volpino Italiano really resemble white Arctic foxes.
Volpino Italiano Dog Breed Overview
- Origin: Italy
- Lifespan: 14–16 years
- Height: Male: 27–30 cm; Female: 25–28 cm
- Weight: Male: 4.5–5.4 kg; Female: 4.1–4.5 kg
- Color: White
Breed Characteristics
Dogs that resemble foxes often belong to a group called spitz breeds, commonly known as fox dogs. These dogs are smart, energetic, and they shed a lot. Spitzes have thick fur that keeps them warm in cold weather.
They also have pointy muzzles, perky ears, and fluffy tails. These features make them look like foxes.
Note: If anyone wants to learn more about pets, they can read our articles at harpersatelier.
Frequently Asked Question
What is a Small Fox-Like Dog Breed?
The Shiba Inu, a japanese dog that looks like fox, fits this description. Originating from Japan, Shibas were initially bred for hunting and are known for their intelligence and independent nature.
Are there Dogs that Look Like Wolves?
Yes, there are several dog breeds that resemble wolves. Examples include the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog.
These breeds often possess physical traits reminiscent of wolves, such as pointed ears, thick fur, and a sturdy build, contributing to their wolf-like appearance.
What is the Dogs that Look Like Foxes Names?
Some dog that looks like a fox names include the Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and the Basenji.
Is there a White Dog that Looks Like a Fox?
Yes, the Finnish Spitz is often referred to as the white dog that looks like a fox due to its stunning red coat and fox-like features.
Is there a Dog that Looks Like a Fox with a Curly Tail?
Answer: Yes, the Basenji is often recognized as the dog that looks like a fox with a curly tail, known for its sleek build, distinctive curled tail, and fox-like appearance.
Is there a Term Fox Animal?
Yes, the term “fox animal” refers to the species of fox, a member of the Canidae family known for its bushy tail and cunning nature.
What Dogs that Look like Foxes Breed?
The breeds of dogs that look like a bear also include those that resemble foxes.
Which Dogs are Similar to Foxes?
Some dogs that are similar to foxes include the Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and Basenji breeds.
What Kind of Dog that Looks Like a Fox?
The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog that often bears a resemblance to a fox due to its similar appearance.
What Dogs Look Most Like Foxes?
Some of the dog breeds that look most like foxes include the Shiba Inu, Finnish Spitz, and the Basenji. These breeds often possess similar physical characteristics to foxes, such as pointed ears, a bushy tail, and a sleek, fox-like appearance.
Which Large Dogs that Look Like a Foxes?
Examples include the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Norwegian Elkhound.
Sources
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