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15+ Dog Breeds That Look Like Foxes

By Kerry
Updated on

Foxes are known for being intelligent yet playful. However, these animals aren’t always friendly toward humans. In fact, foxes are often considered dangerous because of their sharp teeth and claws.

Fox in the woods

However, if you still want a fox as a pet, then you may want to consider some dog breeds that look like a fox.

In this article, we have put together the dog breeds that most look like a fox, for all you fox lovers out there. Now you can have your own fox-like dog as a pet. 

1. Shiba Inu

Shiba inu (3)

The Shiba Inu is a type of Japanese Spitz dog that was originally bred to help its owner during hunting trips. They are extremely intelligent dogs who also like their independence. 

They have a thick coat and pointed ears. Yet, it is their coloring that makes them look so similar to a fox. The orange-to-tan upper coat, paired with the cream-like undercoat, makes this dog breed look so much like a fox.

2. Akita Inu

Akita inu

The Akita Inu is another Japanese Spitz breed of dog. These are quite large dogs that are known to sometimes have a bit of a temper but are very loyal.

They can sometimes be referred to as the Silent Hunter. Their thick coat and upright ears are what make them look so like a fox. Alongside this, the coloring of their fur is similar to a fox as well. 

3. The Finnish Spitz

The finnish spitz

The Finnish Spitz is actually the national dog of Finland. This breed was developed for hunting. They are protective of their owners and are, again very intelligent dogs.

The vibrant red coat, with the small fox-like ears, is what has made the Finnish Spitz to be added to our list. You could easily mistake this dog for a fox when walking down the street.

4. Japanese Spitz

Japanese spitz

No one is certain where this breed came from, as the history of this dog was destroyed during WW2. Although, we believe that this dog descended from a mixture of White Keeshonds and White German Spitz.

These dogs have a close resemblance to the Arctic fox due to their white coats. They also have small, pointed ears and a small, narrow snout. All of these features are very common amongst foxes.

As a result, the Japanese Spitz looks like a close match to the Arctic fox.

5. Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic sheepdog

It is believed that the Vikings used these dogs as herding dogs. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a very loving dog who is a quick learner. 

The Icelandic Sheepdog has similar facial features to a fox, due to their narrow face and short upright ears. They also have long fur, which looks similar to a fox’s fur. 

6. Pomeranian Spitz

Pomeranian spitz

You may be surprised to find them on our list, but when you look closely, they do share very similar features to foxes. The Pomeranian Spitz is a smaller breed of dog and will bark at strangers.

They can be quite feisty, and their upright ears with tan-colored thick fur resemble a fox.

7. Samoyeds

Samoyeds

Samoyeds look more like an Arctic fox than the orange ones you may instantly think of. This breed of dog is native to Siberia and Russia and is considered an ancient breed of dog. 

Also known as Smiley due to their friendly personality. Making these the perfect family dog. Their upright ears and fluffy white coats make them look very similar to the Arctic fox. 

8. Long-Haired Chihuahua

Long haired chihuahua

The Long-Haired Chihuahua is another small dog, but it has plenty of personality to make up for its small appearance. 

They have triangular, upright ears, which is a common feature of foxes. Alongside that, they have a thick coat of tan and cream colors. While also their snout is also pointed, which app helps make these dogs look like a fox. 

9. Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan klee kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai may not be your first thought when it comes to foxes. However, during the summer months, the Arctic fox sheds their fluffy white coat for a darker coat. This darker coat is what helps with the resemblance between these two species. 

Not only the darker coat but also features that help make the Alaskan Klee Kai look like a fox. This is due to their pointed and narrow snouts and triangular and upright ears.

10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke welsh corgi (3)

Due to their recognizable features, the Corgi is a very well-known breed of dog. You may not instantly think of foxes when you look at these dogs, but they do share some common similarities. 

This is thanks to their tan-to-red fur, which is most similar to a fox’s fur. Also, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has pointed upright seats and a narrow snout. All of these features are what have helped to put this breed of dog on our list today. 

11. Korean Jindo Dog

Korean jindo dog

The Korean Jindo Dog is a medium-sized dog. He is a very friendly and loyal dog. The wide triangular pointed ears, along with the traditional fox coloring, help to make this dog resemble a fox.

You can either have this dog in either tan or white-colored fur, which helps them look like both a traditional fox and an Arctic fox.

12. Keeshond

Keeshond (2)

The Keeshond is a favorite dog breed among the Dutch. These dogs are always very alert, which makes them ideal to be used as watchdogs.

The Keeshond resembles not just foxes but other animals as well. They even look like the larger Pomeranians that we have already mentioned on our list. 

These playful dogs have a pointed snout and upright ears that give them their fox-like appearance. Also, they are seen to be quite cunning, which is a distinctive feature among foxes in general. 

13. Volpino Italiano

Volpino italiano

An Italian type of dog, which is just like the Keeshond, makes perfect watchdogs. A very loyal and playful dog that loves its family.

Unfortunately, this breed of dog almost became extinct in 1965. However, thankfully by 2006, their numbers began to climb. However, they are still a rare breed.

What makes them look like a fox is their triangular and pointed ears. They have a narrow snout as well. These dogs look a close resemblance to the Arctic fox due to their white fur. 

14. American Eskimo

American eskimo

Another dog that is a close match to the Arctic fox is the American Eskimo. This is a very affectionate dog who is extremely loyal and protective towards its family. 

Apart from their white coats, they also have triangular ears. This helps them give their fox-like appearance.  

15. Kugsha

Kugsha

The Kugsha is native to America. We can’t deny that when you first look at them, you may think of a wolf rather than a fox. However, they still do share some traits with foxes, which is why they are on our list.

They have fur that is similar in color to the arctic fox. They also have lean bodies with wide, upright, and triangular ears. Alongside this, they share some personality traits with the fox, such as being quick and very intelligent. 

16. Schipperke

Schipperke

The Schipperke looks very much like a black fox. They enjoy their independence but can be very loyal to their owners. It is known that this breed of dog likes to voice its opinions regularly and can be quite loud. 

The reason they are on our list is that they have small upright and triangular ears, which are very common with foxes.

They also have a thick black coat, which sometimes has white markings. All these features help to give the Schipperke their fox-like appearance. 

17. Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is the ideal blend of the Spitz and Hound breed of dogs. They are commonly quite protective but playful and intelligent.

These may be small dogs, but they require lots of exercise and love from their family. They do not like isolation and being away from people. 

When you look at a Norwegian Elkhound, you will notice its narrow snout and small, pointed ears. Their fur is also very similar to that of a fox. All of these features help give the Norwegian Elkhound its fox-like look.

18. Basenji

Basenji

The Basenji is known as the barkless dog, which is a very old breed of dog. There are depictions of these dogs in various ancient artworks.

These are very intelligent dogs that are very loving towards their owners. However, they need a lot of exercise. Although these are very uncommon dogs to find.

Their fox-like appearance isn’t very strong, but it is their orange coloring and long pointed ears and snout. These features are what help make this breed of dog look close to a fox.

Takeaway

If you love the look of a fox, then you may want one as a pet. However, foxes don’t make the best pets. As a result, you require a dog that looks like a fox, as they will be the closest resemble that you can get.

As you can see, there are various breeds of dogs that you can choose from. Hence, there is no reason why you can’t have a dog that looks close to a fox. 

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About the author

Kerry

Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Kerry has been writing for PetDT for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners.Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Kerry knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.