21 Dogs That Look Like Foxes

Foxes are undeniably one of the most beautiful animals that we can spot in the wild and sometimes in urban areas. With their slender appearance, pointy ears, and bushy tails, these witty creatures stole the heart of many animal lovers. However, foxes do not do well in closed environments and can rarely be kept as pets. Fortunately, there are several breeds of dogs that look like foxes, and they will make a perfect addition to any family.

In this article, we’ve put on the list of 21 dogs that have that vulpine appearance for all fox fanciers.

How Did Fox Dogs Come To Existence?

Both dogs and foxes share the same ancestry and belong to the Canids’ family, together with wolves and coyotes. However, at some point, their evolutions took different paths. Dogs eventually became domesticated while foxes remained true to their wild heritage.

Originating from the same genetic pool, dogs and foxes share many personality traits and physical features. From pointy ears through long snout-like muzzles to fawn, red coats, there are many similarities.

Some dogs that look like foxes are prevalent worldwide, while others are common only in their native regions. Regardless of their popularity, they are all affectionate and loving canines.

20 Dogs That Look Like Foxes

1. Shiba Inu

The smallest Japanese Spitz-type of dog is the Shiba Inu. It is among the few ancient dog breeds that are still in existence. Well, not just in existence – the Shiba Inu is increasingly popular among dog parents worldwide.

Looking like a smaller version of the foxy-looking Akita, the Shiba Inu is a confident, courageous, alert, and highly trainable little dog.

It is naturally friendly and sociable with everybody – including strangers, other dogs, and smaller pets. Unless well-socialized, the Shiba Inu can become possessive and stubborn. This dog thrives on human companionship and is prone to separation anxiety if left alone.

2. Alaskan Klei Kai

The Alaskan Klei Kai is popularly known as Husky lite or the Husky’s lapdog version. Breeders developed the entire breed with one particular reason – to create the perfect, Husky-looking companion dog. However, the Alaskan Klei Kai can be too challenging for first-time dog parents.

Just like its founding father, the Alaskan Klei Kai is stubborn, strong-willed, tenacious, and cannot be trusted off-leash. This foxy-looking dog loves to run and to be mentally challenged. It does not know how to bark, but that does not prevent it from being too vocal.

3. Korean Jindo

Originating from the Jindo Island in Korea, the Jindo is an athletic yet sturdy medium-sized dog with impeccable hunting skills. One of the most elegant dogs that look like foxes, Korean Jindo comes in a plethora of different colors and color combinations. Red and white Jindos look almost the same as the Asian Red Fox.

The Korean Jindo is an extraordinarily territorial and often stubborn dog. It has go-all-day stamina the must be used constructively. Unless physically and mentally challenged, the Korean Jindo may revert to destructive behaviours.

4. Dhole

Popularly known as the Indian wild dog, locals call the Dhole “the red fox dog”. Native to certain parts of Asia, the Dhole looks more like the Arabian fox than an ordinary dog. Sadly, today, this uniquely looking dog is considered to be endangered.

Dholes are true to their wild ancestry – they can run at an impressive speed of over 34 miles per hour and kill prey ten times their size. However, their talents are not limited to the ground; Dholes are skilled swimmers and can jump high in the air.

5. Keeshond

It is believed that the Keeshond originated in Holland around 300 years ago. When it first appeared, the Keeshond was known as the “overweight Pomeranian,” and it was not until 1925 that the breed got its actual name. The Keeshond has a handsome and good-looking overall appearance with an endearing fox-like facial expression and alert carriage.

One of the most popular dogs that look like foxes, Keeshonds have a rather unique personality. They are sweet, polite, and outgoing. These fox dogs love their human families and are very protective of them. Besides their small size and non-biting nature, they will try to protect by using their strong, sharp bark.

6. Canaan Dog

The feral forefather of the Canaan Dog was the Middle Eastern Pariah Dog. Dating back to the pre-biblical times, this foxy looking dog was initially used as a flock guardian. During WW II, people used Canaan Dogs as mine detectors, trackers, messengers, and guardians. Today, they make popular and affectionate pets.

Canaan dogs are docile, persistent, and vigilant. However, it should be noted that they tend to wander and even run away. Just like their wild relative, the fox, Canaan Dogs can run at high speeds and almost effortlessly change directions while running.

7. Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund is a Spitz-type herding dog belonging to the oldest Nordic breeds. It is believed that this dog is closely related to the Arctic wolf. According to ancient Scandinavians, Norwegian Buhunds were the underworld’s sacred guardians.

The Norwegian Buhund is a foxy looking, Spitz type, medium-sized dog with a square build, prick ears, and a high-set tail curled over the back. It has a playful, lively, and affectionate personality. As a brilliant dog, the Norwegian Buhund enjoys puzzle games and mental challenges.

8. Chihuahua

Highly treasured by ancient Toltec and Aztec civilizations, the Chihuahua is the world’s 30th most popular dog breed. Although most recognizable, the smallest dog breed in the world is believed to be the least understood.

In spite of their diminutive-sized bodies, Chihuahuas have enormous personalities. These popular dogs that look like foxes are sassy, graceful, charming, and often snappy with people they dislike.

What is more, Chihuahuas have high barking tendencies and are picky eaters. There are two Chihuahua varieties based on coat type – short and long-haired. The long-haired variety has an overall foxy appearance.

9. Akita Inu

People know the Akita Inu by several names, including the Great Japanese and the Silent Hunter. The breed belongs to the hunting dogs group, and has a nickname the Silent Hunter because of its unusual quietness while following its prey’s trail.

The Akita Inu is extremely devoted and loyal to its owner, but we do not recommend it for first-time dog parents. The Akita Inu strikingly resembles foxes – it has high-pricked and pointed, triangular ears, long and thick fur. Acceptable fur colors include red, fawn, brindle, white, and sesame.

10. Volpino Italiano

This small, Spitz-type dog comes from Italy. It is an interesting fact that despite its diminutive size, people initially bred the Volpino Italiano to be a guard dog. It is even more impressive than it managed to excel in this task. Well, the Volpino Italiano’s job was alerting the powerful Mastiffs that an intruder is approaching.

In 1965, with only five individuals left, the Volpino Italiano almost went extinct. Thanks to the joined efforts of dog enthusiasts, the breed was saved from the brink of extinction. In 2006 there were 2000 dogs in the world. Even today, these rarest dogs that look like foxes are barely known outside Italy.

11. American Eskimo Dog

Originating in Germany, the American Eskimo Dog was brought to the United States in the 1930s with the sole purpose of serving as a circus dog. Today, this Spitz-type of dog is a loving, affectionate, and cherished companion.

Resembling a lot the white Arctic Fox, the American Eskimo Dog has high-pricked, wedge-shaped ears and distinctively marked black points on the nose, eye rims, and lips. The American Eskimo Dog is trustworthy, and because of its fondness of children, it makes an excellent nanny dog.

12. Finnish Spitz

As the name suggests, the Finnish Spitz originated in Finland and is considered to be the national dog of the country. People initially bred Finnish Spitz for hunting purposes, and it was a bark pointer – its job was alerting the hunter of the prey’s presence and location.

The Finish Spitz’s fox-like appearance is due to the fluffy red coat, squarely built body, and small, high-pricked ears. However, unlike its fox cousins, the Finish Spitz is outgoing and playful. Even modern Finish Spitz Dogs are true to their barking instincts.

13. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

This foxy-looking dog possesses a unique herding skillset. Namely, it herds by nipping at the heels and barking. Its low stature was particularly useful when avoiding cattle kicks. Today, Corgis have a special place at Buckingham Palace as Queen Elisabeth II’s favorite breed.

The huge personality stashed in a small, stocky body makes the Pembroke Welsh Corgi a somewhat eccentric dog breed. Fun-loving, protective and high-spirited, Corgis make excellent companion dogs.

14. Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an over 100 year long and exciting history. This Spitz group member used to ride alongside the Vikings on their conquering quests. Later on, people gave this breed a more standard job – to herd sheep and ponies.

The Icelandic Sheepdog can have either a short or long coat. Regardless of the coat length, all breed members have fox-looking faces with long snout-like muzzles and pricked ears. Icelandic Sheepdogs are exceptionally smart and love learning tricks.

15. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever originated in Yarmouth in the southern tip of Nova Scotia. Strictly bred for hunting, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s purpose was to lure or entice ducks. Today the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a companion who still retains much of his strong retrieving instincts.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a foxy-looking and extremely active dog with a never-ending reserve of energy and go-all-day stamina. He is a quick-moving, alert and agile dog and in constant need of physical and mental stimulation. All in all, he is an easy-going, affectionate, happy, and playful dog.

16. Schipperke

Only 13 inches tall and weighing less than 16 pounds, the Schipperke is a confident yet diminutive-sized dog. The breed owes its name to its initial purpose – the term schipperke in Flemish means little captain because this dog’s role was catching rats on ships.

The Schipperke is a fearless, spunky, loyal, and independent dog. This dog that looks like a fox is incredibly prone to barking and enjoys outdoor activities. The Schipperke is true to its rodents-hunting instincts and loves chasing smaller animals. Physical, this dog looks like a little black fox.

17. Khugsa

Also known as the Amerindian Malamute, the Kughsa is a real native American dog. Although genetically, the Kughsa Dog is closer to wolves than foxes, its physical appearance is definitely foxy. Namely, it has erect ears, a lean body, white and Arctic fox-like fur. Plus, it is intelligent, quick, and alert in nature.

Although recently domesticated, Khugsa dogs are not suitable for first-time dog parents. They are too high-spirited and independent. Breeders initially developed Kugsha to carry heavy loads over long distances, and therefore, even modern Khugsa dogs have strong legs and bodies.

18. Basenji

Popularly known as the barkless dog, the Basenji is an ancient dog breed frequently depicted in Babylonian, Mesopotamian, and Egyptian art and artifacts. Pharaohs praised the Basenji because of its foxy and unusual appearance, and African tribesmen cherished its impeccable hunting skills.

Basenjis are friendly and affectionate with their human families but aloof and suspicious of strangers. They are extremely intelligent and energetic, often resulting in misbehavior and questionable actions. Today, the Basenji is a relatively rear dog breed.

19. Japanese Spitz

Physically resembling the Arctic fox, the Japanese Spitz has pricked ears and a white coat that is often described as Kitsune-like. The Kitsune is a Japanese mythical creature with immense wisdom and supernatural powers.

The Japanese Spitz is lively, playful, outgoing, and always ready for an adventure. Its coat is high-maintenance, but the ultimate look is worth the time investment. Owning a Japanese Spitz means taking tons of cute pictures since this dog can smile.

20. Pomeranian

The cute, little, and fox-like Pomeranian might be miniature in size, but its ancestors were the big and powerful sled dogs. With only 3 to 7 pounds, what they lack in weight, they surely compensate with huge personalities.

The Pomeranian thrives on human companionship and enjoys being part of the pack. What gives this breed its foxy appearance are the upright ears, the abundance of fur, tan coat colors, and feisty nature. Do not be fooled by their size; Pomeranians are loud and persistent barkers.

21. Papillon

This breed got its name from the shape of its ears – the term papillon means butterfly in French. The Papillon originated in Spain, but we can trace its ancestry back to 15th century Italy when Tiziano Vecellio started painting his famous family portraits. Although people primarily bred the Papillon as a companion dog and to compete in shows, they now successfully use it as a therapy dog.

The Papillon is a small Spaniel-type dog, with fine bone structure and almost square conformation. The muzzle is thin and tapering, and the eyes are dark, round, and medium in size. The ears are the hallmark of the breed. Overall, the Papillon has a foxy physical appearance.

Dogs That Look Like Foxes – Final Words

If you love foxes as we do,- why not consider owning a foxy-looking dog? The options above will help you choose which of these gorgeous breeds fits your requirements and lifestyle best.

It is important to remember that parenting a foxy-looking dog is a significant commitment, as these breeds have higher grooming needs. However, the rewards will definitely be worth the investment. Apart from being the most loyal and well-mannered dogs, these breeds are indeed visual showstoppers.