Foxes are adorable - their fluffy coats and small build make them irresistible. But foxes are wild animals that would make dreadful pets. Unlike dogs, they really can’t be trained, they have strong hunting instincts, and don’t get us started on the smell!
Thankfully, there are lots of dog breeds that look just like foxes. So if you’re looking for an animal as cute as a fox, but a little more approachable and friendly, this is the list for you. Read on to see the top 10 dog breeds that look like foxes!
Volpino Italiano
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The Volpino Italiano is a typical spitz breed that stands at 30cm tall and weighs in at 11- 14 lbs at its heaviest. Most Volpinos are white in colour, so they look more like Arctic Foxes than the foxes we may find here in the UK. Volpinos are vocal, active little dogs who need a fair amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation, despite their small size.
Finnish Spitz
With its red coat, the Finnish Spitz may be one of the dog breeds that resembles foxes the most. Finnish Spitzes stand at 20 inches tall and weigh in at 29 lbs approximately. Finnish Spitzes make loyal, friendly companions for people who are active and ready to deal with their barking!
Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitzes stand at 15 inches tall and weigh in at 22 lbs approximately. They come only in the colour white, but their fluffy coats and pointed ears make them look very fox-like. Japanese Spitzes are affectionate and social dogs that make good family pets. They can struggle with separation anxiety, so they need to be taught how to stay on their own from a young age.
Shiba Inu
Japanese Shiba Inus can reach 16 inches in height and 23 pounds in weight. They are one of the most popular dogs on the planet and with those cute fox-like faces, it’s not hard to see why! Shibas aren’t for the faint of heart though - they are well-renowned for being incredibly stubborn and difficult to train. They require an expert hand who will know how to curb any bad behaviours.
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kais are a relatively new breed that is not yet recognised by the FCI. They come in three different sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), and basically look like miniature Huskies. Klee Kais were originally bred as companion dogs, so they are very affectionate with their owners. However, they can be wary of strangers, so socialization is key.
Japanese Akita Inu
Standing at 28 inches tall and weighing in at 110 lbs, Akita Inus look like giant foxes! The red fawn coat colour is the most popular one, but they can also come in brindle, white, and sesame. Akita Inus are notoriously loyal towards their owners but as a primitive dog breed, they do need careful introductions with strangers and other dogs.
Long Haired Chihuahua
Standing at 9 inches tall and weighing a mere 7 lbs maximum, Chihuahuas are a tiny breed of dog. With their pointed ears and long coats, long-haired Chihuahuas can resemble very small foxes. Chihuahuas are the quintessential lap dog and are never happier than when they are with their owners. They have strong personalities though, and need proper training to avoid problems such as aggression or excessive barking.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdogs are medium-sized dogs that stand at around 18 inches tall and weigh in at 20 to 30 pounds. Their fluffy coats and tails make them look very fox-like. As sheepdogs, they are eager to please and so, are quite easy to train. They are extremely active dogs who need lots of physical and mental stimulation every day.
American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimos come in three different sizes (toy, miniature, and standard). They have beautiful, long, white coats that need lots of attention when it comes to grooming. American Eskimos are extremely intelligent and trainable dogs, so if you’re determined, you could teach them just about anything!
Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund stands at 15 inches and weighs between 20 and 30 pounds. Their distinctive trait? They are extremely flexible dogs that can bend backwards and forwards at both elbows and shoulders. Lundehunds are very affectionate towards their owners but they are highly sensitive and are not always easy to train. They’re also very active dogs so you’ll need to provide them with lots of daily exercise!
Please remember that you should never pick a breed of dog based on their physical appearance alone. You also need to make sure that their needs match with your lifestyle. And if you do find the right match for you, why not go see if there are any available in shelters? There are so many dogs that need homes! Have any of the breeds on this list caught your eye?
