Dogs that look like foxes are one of the most unusual breeds alive.
These fox-faced dogs come in different sizes, but it is more common for small-size dogs to have that fox-looking appearance.
They resemble in size, tail look, coat color, and even posture.
Some fox-looking dogs resemble foxes so much that they can easily be mistaken for foxes – this is how much they have in common.
Today we are taking a look at 15 dogs that look like foxes. Some are popular and well-known, while some will surprise you.
15. Shiba Inu
The smallest of all Japanese Spitz breeds is the Shiba Inu.
Shiba is a small dog that looks like a fox but is an incredibly strong-willed and even stubborn breed. As such, this breed isn’t recommended for first time dog owners.
The Shiba is energetic and intelligent and appreciates walks and mental tasks greatly.
Training this breed will take patience and experience!
If you miss training this breed properly you can expect to see some possessiveness issues in Shiba Inu.
Not only that, but this energetic dog may even end up having trust issues with strangers that can grow into aggression issues.
All in all, to have a well-behaved Shiba Inu make sure that you invest time and energy into proper socialization and training.
14. Akita Inu or Great Japanese Dog
Akita Inu / Akita / Great Japanese dog is the biggest among Japanese Spitz breeds.
The Akita was originally used as a personal guard and hunting dog, famously nicknamed “the silent hunter”.
This fox-looking dog won’t bark a lot, but that doesn’t mean that Akita won’t react if needed.
Akita Inu will always show a very strong temperament. This is why this dog requires training and is not the best choice for first time owners.
Besides these features, the Akita is also famous for its extreme sense of loyalty.
Due to this trait, Akita Inu is often promoted as the most loyal breed in the world.
13. Samoyed
Samoyed is a popular breed from the Spitz group.
Originally from the Siberian area of Russia, Samoyed is a true winter lover who enjoys active outdoor sessions. Initially bred for pulling sleds, Samoyed is a hard-working dog.
This globally popular fox-like dog will enjoy both indoors and outdoors, as long as his exercise needs are met.
Samoyeds are excellent family pets, intelligent, loving, and playful.
They are also very good with kids. However, Samoyeds will have issues containing himself when it comes to chasing other small animals.
If you are just thinking about getting Samoyed, think about grooming requirements.
This fox-faced dog always comes with an all-white coat, which requires special care and regular (and additional brushing) after every walk (especially rainy ones).
12. Finnish Spitz
Finnish Spitz or the Barking Bird dog is a tiny dog that looks like a fox, who enjoys watching and chasing birds.
True to the origin of his name, this Barking Bird dog will try to chase anything that flies, so make sure that your provide walk on a leash.
This may be a small size dog, but don’t let their size fool you, as they are highly energetic.
This loving and intelligent family dog comes with a surprisingly strong need for exercise, both mental and physical.
Otherwise – it will most probably pass the time and boredom by barking.
Check out these 15 dog breeds that look like wolves!
11. Pomeranian Spitz
One of the favorite and most common toy pet breeds is the Pomeranian Spitz. Popular PomPoms look like fluffy little foxes and are simply irresistible.
The Pomeranian doesn’t need extensive exercise, but it requires a serious approach to training since they are extremely prone to developing small dog syndrome.
Small dog syndrome includes a lot of barking and even aggression in some cases.
This tiny breed may be super cute as fox faced dog, but you do not want a dog who will bark all day long for no good reason.
That being said, no matter how small or big a dog might be invest in an adequate amount of training. Otherwise, you can end up having a dog prone to destructive behavior.
10. Long Haired Chihuahua
Don`t be fooled by the tiny package and cute fox-like face, because Chihuahuas are very eager watchdogs, ready to bark at anything they consider intrusion, completely unaware of their size.
Chihuahuas must not be treated as toys for their small size but should be trained as any other dog, especially because of their aptitude towards developing small dog syndrome.
There are several types of Chihuahuas, but the long-haired one resembles foxes the most.
9. Welsh Corgi
This distinctive-looking, long-bodied, fox-like herding breed comes in two varieties depending on coloring – Pembroke, and Cardigan.
Popular Corgi is a very active and exercise-loving, intelligent breed, easy to train and eager to learn.
This breed is a perfectly loving and loyal family pet for outdoorsy and active families.
Corgies are among the most popular dog breeds alive, making them also one of the most expensive breeds.
These orange dogs that look like foxes are world-class herding dogs, and one of the most commonly seen breeds in agility competitions.
Although they may be massive people lovers, walking them without a leash isn’t an option – you won’t be able to catch them.
8. Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhound represents the perfect mixture of hound breeds and Spitz breeds, being both protective, self-aware, intelligent, and playful.
Although small, the Elkhound is very energetic and requires extensive exercise.
This breed loves human company and it doesn’t handle isolation from the family or owner very well.
To get this breed what it needs, make sure that you can meet all the breed’s needs.
7. Papillon
Papillon is a sensitive fragile and delicate fox-faced toy breed from France.
Originally bred to be a companion dog, Papillon will enjoy cuddles, but not all the time.
This spirited fox-like dog will always choose to roam around playfully and find something interesting to do.
Papillon means butterfly in French which explains the restless character of this breed.
Papillon is very intelligent and loyal, and takes great joy in attention and pleasing its owner, over and over again.
6. Eskimo Spitz / German Spitz
Eskimo Spitz, also known as the German Spitz, is an excellent companion dog. This is a friendly, loyal and loving dog, a part of dogs that look like foxes.
Eskie (this is the most popular nickname of the breed) is also a quick learner and takes the role of a watchdog very seriously.
This fox-looking dog is very energetic, and thus requires regular exercise. It enjoys human company and is very loyal to the family and is good with kids.
5. Keeshond / Dutch Barge Dog
Keeshond, also known as the Dutch Barge Dog, is a fox-like breed originating from the Netherlands.
Keeshond is extremely intuitive and attached to its owner, so it tends to react according to the owner`s attitude and reaction.
This is a very loving and loyal breed and can turn from a spoiled attention-craving pet to a guard dog in a split second if it feels that what it holds dear is endangered in any way.
This dog breed which looks like a fox comes with profuse fur that requires weekly brushing.
Professional grooming can be an option if you want your Keeshond to have a rich tuft.
4. Schipperke
Originally bred in Belgium, the Schipperke is also known as the Little Captain for its incredible ability to steal the spotlight at any time, as well for the instinct to chase pretty much anything that moves.
These dogs are one of the rarest black dogs that look like foxes.
They may be spirited and always ready for a nice run, but that doesn’t make them any less loyal than other breeds.
These loving dogs are extremely prone to barking, so no-barking training is absolutely necessary unless you live on a desert island.
Schipperke is a tiny dog that looks like a fox, which was originally used to chase rats, hence their need to be active. black dogs that look like foxes
3. Pulin
Pulin or Puli, is a herding dog, who is true to his origin even today.
This fox-faced dog is promoted as an incredibly reliable working and herding dog.
Originating from the region of Vojvodina in Serbia, this black-coated dog is also very loving and affectionate as a pet, but it requires extensive exercise in order to prevent either depression or become destructive.
2. Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kai resembles the Siberian husky, but it’s much smaller and therefore more fox-like.
The Klee Kai is a very intelligent and energetic little dog that enjoys the company of those he’s familiar with very much.
However, Klee Kai tends to be shy around strangers, so some extra effort regarding socialization is extremely welcome and highly recommended.
As one of the newest breeds, these miniature dogs that look like foxes can only be found in a few places across the globe, which is why you should always double-check your breeder.
Always deal with only responsible dog breeders who put dog’s health first.
1. Volpino Italiano
In literal translation from Italian, Volpino Italiano means Italian Foxy.
Small, pointy-faced, and pointy-eared, with a slightly elongated body, the Volpino Italiano truly does resemble an Arctic Fox.
When it comes to choosing one dog that looks like a fox the most, Volpino Italiano is probably the best option. Their resemblance to the real-life fox is amazing.
Despite their small size, they are excellent watchdogs, but when they’re not ”on duty” they take very seriously, they are loyal and playful family pets.
Frequenlty Asked Questions On Dogs That Look Like Foxes
1. Are Any Dog Breeds Descended From Foxes?
No, there is no confirmed link between dogs and foxes. They cannot cross-breed, making them two separate breeds.
Throughout history, these animals evolved into different creatures, although some claim that they had a common ancestor.
Even if this is the case, they eventually became separate species.
2. Why Do Some Dogs Look Like Foxes?
Many dog breeds look like lions, or wolves, which doesn’t make them less of dogs. Identically, some dogs look like foxes.
Most dogs that look like foxes are spitz breeds.
Members of this group are usually double-coated with erect ears, pointy muzzles, and tails that are usually curly or bushy, giving them that famous foxy look.
3. What Kind Of Terrier Looks Like A Fox?
Fox-like dogs are commonly members of the Spitz family group, but some other dogs can resemble this wild animal as well.
For example, a member of the Terrier group who resembles foxes is the Smooth Fox Terrier as this breed has a long and wedge-shaped head, v-shaped ears, and dark eyes.
