Have you ever longed to have a fox as a pet? Sadly, it’s not a good idea to keep wild animals at home — they belong to their natural habitat. Plus, it’s illegal to have a pet fox in many places. But perhaps you can opt for one of the dogs that look like foxes instead?
We’ve been told since childhood that foxes are cunning, but they’re quite cute, too. Many of them even act like small dogs, being playful and loving to humans. So if you can’t have a fox, let’s explore the closest dog compromises you can make.
List of Dogs That Look Like Foxes
While dogs are direct descendants of wolves, some share plenty of genetic similarities with foxes. You’ll find breeds that truly have an uncanny resemblance. Since foxes have quite a wild nature, and you can’t train them properly, your best bet is to look for the next best thing.
Let’s find out what dog looks like a fox the most.
Small Breed Dogs That Look Like Foxes
We found plenty of fox dog examples, but which one is the closest?
1. Basenji
One thing you should know about Basenji is that they’re very vocal animals. They love to howl to grab their owner’s attention, but they’re also called “barkless” dogs. Why is that? The Basenji dogs’ voice is a mixture of a yodel and a chortle, so they’re not too noisy.
Basenjis are also quite demanding when it comes to mental and physical stimulation. Out of all the types of dogs that look like foxes, you’ll find that Basenjis need exercises the most. If you don’t give them ample opportunity to expend their energy, they can cause a lot of destruction around the house from sheer boredom. But they’re pretty clean and even tend to groom themselves like kitties.
2. Akita Inu
With so many Japanese dogs that look like foxes, it’s not surprising that more than one made our list. Akita Inu dogs are quite popular in Japanese culture since they symbolize long life, happiness, and health. The dog breed is known to be challenging, even if you get them puppy training collars. They’re also generally quiet and unpredictable. You should only get an Akita Inu if you don’t have other pets, as they can be intolerant of others. What’s more, these dogs are very suspicious of strangers, so you need to provide ample social training.
Akita Inus are incredibly loyal pets and guard dogs by nature. They thrive with human companionship and make sure to keep their loved ones safe.
3. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are dogs that look like foxes because of their size and color. They’re descendants of an ancient hunting dog. It’s among the Japanese famous dog breeds, which are considered companion dogs.
These dogs love running around and playing with their human companions. So much so that among the small breed dogs that look like foxes, these are prone to separation anxiety. The Shiba Inu is a versatile breed, meaning they can be equally happy in small apartments with bustling life or large houses with open fields.
4. Keeshond
The Keeshond is related to the Samoyed and Pomeranian breeds. Among the dogs that resemble foxes, they don’t do well if left alone for too long and prefer to stay in the presence of their owners. You need to make sure to take these dogs out for a walk or run every day as that will keep them in optimum health. They’re very keen on playing with their owners, too.
5. Long-Haired Chihuahuas
When you think of these dogs, you probably picture them being carried in a purse or barking loudly. Long-haired Chihuahuas are a tiny breed that doesn’t need a lot of grooming or exercise. These long-haired dogs that look like foxes can make cute and loving companions. They’re perfect for dog owners who aren’t keen on high-maintenance dogs. Also, they’re incredibly loyal pets, and their small stature does nothing to faze them when they’re protecting the ones they love.
6. Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz breed resembles Arctic foxes more than the red-haired ones. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll do well with this dog. They’re keen on big adventures and love hiking, beaches, car rides, and views. Plus, these Japanese fox dogs are excellent at training programs since they learn quickly, but you might need some indestructible dog crate pads to keep them safe at night. These dogs are also famous for their cute smiles after a hectic day of fun physical activities.
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a tiny breed of barely 30 pounds in weight and a foot in height. But you shouldn’t look too much into their size. They’re outdoorsy dogs that love going on walks and working hard. Rightfully so, they’re also the favorite pet of Queen Elizabeth II.
Corgis have that large dog energy in a small stature. These dogs that look like foxes are sensitive and clever creatures but independent in their own right, too. Plus, Corgis are loving and loyal dogs who love their daily walks that keep them fit and healthy.
8. Schipperke
Schipperkes are small dogs that weigh around 16 pounds and reach a maximum height of 13 inches. The breed was popular for ship crews since they would catch rats pretty quickly. That led to their Flemish name, Schipperke, meaning “Little Captain.”
These dogs make excellent guard dogs as they’re loyal and fearless creatures.
Large Dogs That Look Like Foxes
Ready to look at some medium to large-sized dogs that also resemble foxes? Here are the best ones you can get if you prefer bigger dogs:
9. Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are excellent companions for folks who love the outdoors. These dogs enjoy physical exercise to let out their immense energy. The original aim of their breeding was to create lap-sized versions of Huskies, but the end result had some significant differences. The Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are more suited to being companion dogs than Huskies. Also, this fox dog has a higher demand for physical activity and comes jam-packed with energy.
If you’re an inexperienced pet owner, you might find this breed quite a challenge. Still, they’re lovable and sweet pets with continuous training. If you decide to adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai, read up on their training and physical requirements beforehand.
10. Finnish Spitz
Finnish Spitz dogs are quite playful, friendly, and loving. They’re perfect for families as they get along well with humans. It’s a medium-sized breed that originates in Finland and is still famous as the country’s national dog. They aren’t shy like foxes. Instead, these fox-like dogs are quite friendly and outgoing.
Finnish Spitz dogs are popular as yodeling dogs. At one point, their famous yodels of 160 barks a minute were used to attract prey. You might want to follow some training techniques to make sure they don’t bark the house down.
11. Korean Jindo
Korean Jindo dogs come from the Korean Jindo Island. They’re quite athletic and reach medium size. These dogs have amazing confidence and excellent hunting instincts, resulting in them running alongside islanders for thousands of years.
Jindo dogs can get a bit stubborn, which can sometimes lead to trouble. But this fox dog breed loves spending time with its human companions. While they prefer to be the only pet around the house, they get along well with family members.
12. Icelandic Sheepdog
As you can guess by the name, this Sheepdog originates from Iceland. Their ancestry can be traced back to the Viking days. These dogs have upright ears and facial features that look like a fox. But their size is larger than average foxes.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are quite active creatures who thrive on intense physical exercise. As long as you give them proper social training in their puppy days, they’re quite friendly, too. But they can have trouble dealing with separation, so you shouldn’t leave them on their own for too long.
13. Kugsha
Kugshas are clever, speedy, and attentive creatures. They originate from the US and are hunting dogs that look like foxes. They used to carry loads over long distances very easily. These dogs still have their predatory nature since they were only recently domesticated. You shouldn’t get them if you have small children in the family.
Conclusion
While you shouldn’t get a fox pet since they’re wild creatures, you can still get dogs that look like foxes. Any dog on the list above will make a loving pet if you pick one that meets your needs and energy. Make sure to do proper research before your final decision and find responsible dog breeders. Good luck!
