11 Dog Breeds That Resemble Foxes

October 13, 2022 / Dog Breeds / By: iPupster

Dogs breeds that look a lot like foxes

Is your dog staring at you attentively with its ball in its mouth, wagging its tail? You might notice that your furry friend somewhat resembles a fox or wolf. It's triangular, pointed ears, short slender snout, and bright eyes are all characteristics of foxes – So, what's the story?

The reality is dogs are the descendants of wolves. Our domesticated breeds all share genetic heritage with the Grey Wolf.

This wolf species is common throughout Eurasia and North America. Locals hunted it to near extinction at one stage, but packs recovered, and you can hear them howling in almost every state. It might terrify you to learn that there are even sightings of grey wolves in Central Park, NYC!

The fox is an omnivorous animal belonging to the Canidae genera, and it's for this reason, many dogs share characteristics with foxes and wolves.

Trying to tame a fox as a pet is impossible, and you'll end up with a trip to the emergency room after you upset it one day. If you want a dog that has a fox's traits, we recommend looking into one of these 11 dog breeds that resemble foxes for your canine companion.

Also Related: 24 Dog Breeds with Hazel Eyes [From A to Z]

11 Dog Breeds That Resemble Foxes

Dhole - Indian Wild Dog

A dhole Indian wild dog sitting on the rock

The Dhole

The Dhole, also referred to as the "Indian Wild Dog," is a breed designed for hunting. When sitting at attention, the characteristic triangular-shaped ears stand up straight at attention.

Originally bred as hunting dogs, the Dhole is an intelligent and obedient dog. The dog's short snout and quiet behavior make it easy to train and bond with at an early age.

The Dhole also goes by the monikers of the "red dog" or "red fox dog" due to its characteristic red coat with white fur on the chest.

The Dhole originates from the "Cuon alpinus" family native to parts of Southeast and Central Asia.

Some locals claim the dog has a similar look to the Arabian or Indian fox, with short and powerful limbs capable of accelerating at speeds up to 34-mph.

The Dhole are skilled swimmers, and they have a tremendous jumping ability. These dogs can launch themselves seven feet into the air to catch birds and other low-laying prey.

The Dhole is a rare breed, and it's challenging to find good kennels in the US.

It's a highly social creature and likes living in packs of four or more dogs. If you want a Dhole, you'll have to give it constant attention.

Finnish Spitz

A cute Spitz Finlandais

Finnish Spitz Dog

This medium-sized breed has Scandinavian origins, hailing from a non-sporting group in Finland.

The Finnish Spitz is Finland’s National Dog, and many households in the country have a Spitz in the family.

The Fins originally bred the Spitz as a hunting dog, with it having a unique quality of barking and pointing at prey. This behavior earned it the moniker of the “bark pointer” in hunting circles.

These dogs enjoy barking – it’s an instinct, and they do it to alert their owners after locating prey on the forest floor. However, if your dog doesn’t get exercise, the Spitz develops barking disorders quite readily.

Its square, reddish coat and small stature accent its triangular-shaped ears and short snout, giving it a foxlike look. The Finnish Spitz is alert, active, and lively – and you can expect it to demand your attention.

Korean Jindo

A white Korean Jindo dog lying down fox like features

Korean Jindo Dog Breed

The Jindo breed originates from the Jingo Island off the Southern Korean Peninsula.

This mid-sized breed has an athletic build, with sturdy legs and a foxlike face, especially as a puppy.

Jindos are a common breed across Asia, Europe, and Northern America. They enjoy colder climates and come in various colors, from white to red or brindle.

The red and tan varieties have an eerily similarity to foxes when they’re young.

The Jindo is a stubborn dog and prefers to do its own thing. They require plenty of long walks to relieve stress, and if you don’t take them out enough, they’ll start ignoring you.

Alaskan Klee Kai

Small husky, Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed is sleeping on the floor

Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a lap-sized version of the Alaskan Husky breed.

These dogs received recognition by the American Kennel Club in the later 1980s, after nearly twenty years of breeding programs producing the dogs starting in the 70s.

The Klee Kai comes with all the character traits of a husky. It’s intelligent and playful, and full of energy. They typically get along with everyone in the family, but they may be cautious of strangers.

That’s a counter-trait to Huskies, who naturally welcome anyone without prejudice.
The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in various colors, with different grey and white hues in the coat.

The rare red and white Klee Kai is the most sought-after color, and it looks almost identical to a red fox when young.

Indian Spitz

A cute fox like Indian spitz dog

Indian Sptiz

The Indian Spitz is an intelligent dog, and they come in small or mid-sized varieties.

Their long, fluffy coat protects them against the winter winds, with triangular, pointy ears and slender snouts.

The Indian Spitz has a similar look to the Arctic Fox, with an alert and vibrant personality that demands attention.

This breed is similar in appearance to the German Spitz, and both have a similar likeness to the Arctic fox.

These dogs like being around the family, and they get along with kids.

However, they are a loner breed and might fight with other dogs around the house. The Kennel Club of India recognizes this breed as the official dog of India.

Volpino Italiano

Volpino Italiano Dog Breed

Volpino Italiano

This breed is another Spitz-type with Italian origins. The Volpino Italiano is a small dog, and surprisingly, it was a useful guard dog for homeowners.

This dog has an energetic and enthusiastic personality, with triangular, pointy ears and a long, slender snout that resembles the red fox.

The Volpino Italiano gets along well with other dogs, and it sleeps light. Therefore, it’s primary function as a guard dog was to alert the larger, heavy-sleeping mastiffs to the presence of an intruder on the property.

The Volpino Italiano almost died out in 1965. However, the numbers have since recovered, and as of 2006, there were more than 2,000 dogs counted in a global census. Most reside in Italy, but you can find them in Scandinavia and the US as well.

Shiba Inu

This foxlike breed is the smallest dog in Japan, and it’s National breed. These dogs have a similar appearance to the Akita Inu, and both share visual characteristics with foxes.

The Shiba Inu is a hunting breed, and it’s one of the oldest dog breeds still around in modern times. The Shiba Inu displays alert and friendly behavior around people, and it’s great with kids.

Its triangular ears, long slim snout, and reddish coat give it the look of a fox. These dogs are loving, confident, and easy to train. They get along with guests to your house and are loyal and eager to please.

Long-Haired Chihuahua

The long-haired Chihuahua is the world's smallest breed. They originate from Mexico, with the first pups born in the 1850s. These dogs have eccentric personalities and foxlike features, and they do well in warm climates, despite its long coat.

The Chihuahua enjoys playing with the family, and it's great around kids. However, males dogs might be somewhat domineering around women and girls.

The red-haired variety of the long-haired Chihuahua has the distinct look of a fox, with a slender, long snout, bog eyes, and pointy ears.

American Eskimo

The small member of the Spitz family is another breed with foxlike features. Originating in Germany, the American Eskimo arrived in the States in 1930 as a circus dog.

The American Eskimo is highly intelligent and easy to train, making it a great choice for a protective, friendly breed that’s great with kids.

The wedge-shaped ears of the dog and it long, slender snout give it the look of an Arctic fox, especially as a puppy.

Amerindian Malamute

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The Kugsha, also known as the Amerindian Malamute or American Husky, is a wolf hybrid native to Northern America. This breed is highly intelligent and quick to act.

They are easy to train and learn quickly, making them suitable for guard dogs and protection dogs.

The Khugsa is a born traveler, with strong legs and a back that can carry heavy loads across distances. Being that these dogs are a recent domesticated breed, they have an independent personality and don’t crave attention all the time.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic Sheepdog or Icelandic Spitz

Icelandic Sheepdog or Icelandic Spitz

This breed is the descendant of the Welsh Corgi and Shetland Sheepdog. It’s an active breed that needs daily exercise, with dense coats that help them stay warm in the coldest environmental conditions.

The Icelandic Sheepdog gets anxiety when left home alone and requires constant contact with people to feel secure.

The upward-facing, wedge-shaped ears and reddish fur with tan and white patches give it a foxlike appearance.

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