Some dogs not only act like foxes, but they also look like foxes. The following 21 dog breeds bear strong resemblances to foxes:
Numbers 1-15 look very similar to the red fox due to their reddish fur color. Numbers 16-21, on the other hand, resemble the white arctic fox and gray-black silver fox.
Now let’s take a closer look at each breed.
1. Akita
Akitas originally come from mountainous areas of Japan. They are still used today as guards and hunting dogs. But the breed was also popular for dog fights in the past.
These dogs also look a lot like foxes. The Akita owes this to its fox-like ears, its coat color, and its pointed snout.
Otherwise, Akitas are considered very clean and good-natured. However, these dogs do not get along well with other animals. Because they are reluctant to share.
Fun Fact: Akitas have webbed toes, although they loathe water. Rather, they use webbed feet to walk on snow.
2. Pomsky
The Pomsky is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian. It is a “designer dog”. This breed has not yet been officially recognized.
Both Pomeranians and huskies share many visual similarities with a fox. So it’s not surprising that Pomskies are very similar to foxes.
Otherwise, Pomskies are very loyal, relatively difficult to train, and have a strong hunting instinct. Brushing is literally a part-time job here. Because dogs shed a lot.
Fun Fact: Pomskies are sort of a wonder box. Because at birth it is unclear from which breed the dogs took over more genes. Not only the behavior is therefore very different, but also the body size varies greatly.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The naming of this breed is not exactly creative. Because Corgi is Welsh and means “ dwarf dog ”. And the breed originated in Pembroke, Wales.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s physique bears little resemblance to that of a fox. On the other hand, his head and ears look very fox-like.
Despite their size, “Corgis” are considered excellent shepherd dogs. They are very intelligent, bark a lot and are considered affectionate and sensitive at the same time.
Fun Fact: Pembroke Welsh Corgis are among the few dog breeds that are born naturally without a tail.
4. Icelandic Dog
The Icelandic dog is also called “Icelandic Sheepdog” in English-speaking countries. Because he used to serve mainly as a guard and shepherd dog.
He also has ears typical of foxes and a pointed snout. The coat color also agrees with foxes. However, they are also available in black.
Otherwise, the dogs are considered very affectionate, friendly, and playful. They are also very obedient and easy to train, making them ideal for first-time owners.
Fun Fact: The Icelandic Dog has such a strong instinct for herding sheep that it will sometimes even stop cars from driving away.
5. Redhound
Red dogs are also known as Asiatic wild dogs. Because they live mainly in the wild and hunt in packs – similar to wolves.
Red dogs look more like foxes than dogs. However, they still belong to the “dog” category. As pets, however, they are rather unsuitable.
The dogs are also the perfect hunters. They can run up to 72 km/h, jump about 2 meters high, and are excellent swimmers.
Fun Fact: Redhounds can have up to 12 puppies at a time. That’s about twice as many descendants as normal dogs get.
6. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz originated in Finland, where it was mainly used as a hunting dog. They could point hunters in the right direction by constantly barking.
The fine owes its fox-like appearance to its fur color, ear shape, and pointed snout. However, their physique is a bit bulkier than that of foxes.
Otherwise, this breed is considered very intelligent, independent, playful, and happy. They also make a variety of different sounds.
Fun Fact: The Finnish Spitz is the record holder for barking for time. The dogs can bark up to 160 times per minute. That’s almost 3 times per second.
7. Pomeranian
Pomeranians come in more than 20 different colors. With a red and white coat, the dogs can also be called “miniature foxes”.
In addition, their ears and snout are also very similar to those of foxes. However, her body is much shorter. They are also generally smaller.
Otherwise, Pomeranians are considered to be very trusting, playful, and calm. They therefore mostly serve as lap dogs. However, they are sometimes used as therapy dogs.
Fun fact: Pomeranian mouths are more likely to have a natural upward curve. In many cases, therefore, it looks as if the dogs are constantly laughing.
8. Longhair Chihuahua
Chihuahuas come in short and long coats. The latter species in particular has similarities with a fox from the front. At least with a little imagination.
Chihuahuas are also the world’s smallest dog breed, weighing 1-3 kg. The animals are also up to 18 years old and rarely get sick.
Despite their small size, however, the animals are very courageous. They are also considered loving, friendly, and watchful. The animals are particularly popular as lap dogs.
Fun Fact: To date, there are thousands of feral Chihuahuas in the United States. They live in large packs and will eat anything smaller than them.
9. Shiba-Inu
Shiba Inus are very similar to Akitas. They also come from Japan and were mainly used as hunting dogs.
Because of their coat color and forward-facing ears, they look a lot like foxes. They are also considered to be very clean and take care of themselves in a similar way to cats.
Otherwise, Shiba Inus are very friendly and kind-hearted. However, they are difficult to train. They are therefore rather unsuitable for first-time owners.
Fun Fact: Shiba Inus are also known as “Drama Queens”. Because at first thought that something is going to be uncomfortable, the dogs literally start screeching.
10. Papillon
Papillon comes from French and means “butterfly”. This is due to the fact that their ears are shaped like a butterfly when their fur is long.
Depending on the color of the fur, the dog’s head can also look like a fox. However, their physique is significantly shorter and narrower.
Papillons are also very easy to care for, calm and playful. They are also very intelligent and friendly by nature compared to other dogs.
Fun Fact: Papillons were originally designed to scare rats out of homes. Nowadays, however, their hunting instinct is so weak that they would rather play with the animals.
11. Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is a breed of dog that originated in Italy. They are also closely related to the “Spitz” group and serve primarily as lap dogs.
Most specimens of this breed have white fur. However, with a reddish coat color, the dogs also look very similar to foxes.
This breed also rarely gets along with other dogs and pets. Incidentally, there are said to be fewer than 3,000 of these dogs in the entire world.
Fun Fact: Volpino Italiano is said to have inherited Italian character traits. Because the small dogs are louder than average and like to share their food with others.
12. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog originated in Israel and belongs to the “Spike” group. It is therefore also known as the “Isreal Spitz”.
In particular, the snout, eyes, and ears are very fox-like. The dogs are also just as alert and agile as foxes.
Canaan dogs are difficult to train and aloof with strangers. This is because the majority of these animals still live as strays.
Fun Fact: Thousands of Canaan dogs rule city life at night in Cairo – the capital of Egypt. Since the midday sun is very strong, the strays only come out from under the parked cars at night.
13. Basenji
The Basenji originally comes from Central Africa and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The animals also look similar to foxes due to their fur color.
In addition, this breed cannot bark by nature. Foxes, on the other hand, do. However, foxes bark a maximum of 1-2 times in a row. Constant barking is a trait of dogs.
The Basenji is also considered to be very easy to care for, intelligent and curious. These dogs also shed very little and are very playful.
Fun Fact: In Africa, Basenji is still used as hunting dogs. However, because they cannot draw attention by barking, several bells are tied around their necks.
14. German top
The German lace originated in – you guessed it – Germany. Here the dog is mainly used as a family and guard dog.
The dogs owe their fox-like appearance to their snouts, ears, and the color of their fur. However, they are significantly smaller compared to foxes.
German Spitz is also considered to be very devoted and attentive. The dogs are easy to train and therefore ideal for beginners.
Fun Fact: The German Spitz is colloquially referred to as “Kläffer”. Because the dogs are known for loudly pointing out any potential danger.
15. Korean Jindo Dog
The Korean Jindo Dog is also just called “Jindo” in Korea. In his homeland, he served mainly as a hunting and guard dog.
From afar, these dogs are more often mistaken for foxes. This is not only due to their appearance but also to their similar gait.
In addition, dogs are considered very brave, loyal, and active. However, Korean Jindo Dogs can also be very stubborn and therefore need an experienced master.
Fun Fact: Korean Jindo Dogs are very afraid of water. It can therefore be a real struggle to get the dogs into the bathroom.
Short note:
All of the following dog breeds do not naturally have red fur. They, therefore, do not resemble the typical German red fox.
On the other hand, these dogs resemble the white arctic foxes and black-grey silver foxes all the more.
16. Samoyed
Samoyeds are originally from Russia and are closely related to wolves. But instead of hunting, the animals served mainly as shepherd dogs.
In appearance, they are very similar to an Arctic fox. They are also among the cleanest dog breeds in the world. Because they instinctively groom their fur like cats.
Samoyeds also howl more often like wolves. However, this breed is known to be very friendly, playful, and easy to get along with. They shed all the more for that.
Fun Fact: Many Samoyeds have the back part of the lip curved upwards. A neutral look therefore often looks like a fake grin.
17. Wolfspitz
Also known as “Keeshond”, the Wolfsspitz is originally from Holland. There he served predominantly as a house and guard dog.
The Wolfsspitz looks very similar to a silver fox. The face resembles a fox and the coat color resembles a wolf. However, its behavior is entirely different.
This breed is known to be very friendly, sociable, and easy to train. Despite their size, the dogs even live up to 15 years.
Fun Fact: To cool off in the summer, wolf heads like to dig big holes in the garden. When the work is done, the dogs lie down in the cold dirt.
18. American Eskimo Dog
Contrary to general expectations, the American Eskimo Dog does not come from America, but from Germany. To be more precise, he descends from the German Spitz.
Because of their white fur and fox-like head shape, the dogs look like arctic foxes. They are also very friendly, intelligent, and reserved.
American Eskimo Dogs are primarily used as guard dogs, shepherd dogs, and hunting dogs. Since they are easy to train, they are sometimes used as circus dogs.
Fun Fact: American Eskimo Dogs get into a gambling frenzy more often. To calm the hyperactive dogs, stroking the dog’s forehead helps.
19. Japanese Spitz
Although Japanese lace has its origins in Japan, they are said to have descended from German lace. They are most commonly used as guard and companion dogs.
The entire group of “spikes” bear very strong resemblances to foxes. Here, too, it is primarily due to the ears and the shape of the snout.
Japanese Spitz is also very intelligent, loyal, and playful. They are also easy to train. But the dogs shed very heavily.
Fun Fact: Japan Spitz are the comedians among dogs. They do and repeat literally anything that makes the master laugh.
20. Schipperke
Schipperke has their origin in Belgium, where they were mainly used as guard and shepherd dogs. They are also a relatively new breed of dog.
Because of their black fur color, they look very much like silver foxes. The shape of the ears and the snout also resembles that of a fox.
Schipperke is also at least as curious. Otherwise, the dogs are considered very brave, trusting, and agile. As a result, they tend to be stubborn.
Fun Fact: Some Schipperke is born without a tail. The exact reason for this has not yet been fully researched.
21. Indian Spitz
The Indian Spitz is also said to be descended from the German Spitz. However, it is mainly at home in India. It is also available in two different sizes.
Visually, this breed bears strong resemblances to an Arctic fox. Because in addition to the coat color, Indian Spitz also has ears typical of foxes.
Otherwise, the dogs are considered very active, playful, and lovable. However, they must be accustomed to other animals early on in order to get along with them.
Fun Fact: Spitz is particularly preying on their own tail. However, since this is curved upwards, they can reach it.