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 incredible fox like dog breeds out there. 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.
The breed was recognised by the UK Kennel club in 2006, and the AKC in 2021.
Volpino Italiano Personality
Volpinos are vocal, active dogs who need a fair amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation, despite their small size.
These intelligent little dogs form strong bonds with their owners.
Finnish Spitz
With its red coat, the Finnish Spitz may be one of the most fox like dogs there is.. Finnish Spitzes stand at 20 inches tall and weigh in at 29 lbs approximately.
As with many breeds in the northern group, the Finnish Spitz is characterised by its pointy ears and curvy tail.
Finnish Spitz Personality
These dogs make loyal, friendly pets for people who are active and ready to deal with their barking!
The Finnish Spitz can be a challenge to train, so it's important to keep your dog engaged, with short, fun sessions they enjoy.
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 very fox like dogs.
Japanese Spitz Personality
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!
The most popular coat for a Shiba is the red coat, but there are also the lesser known coat variants of black and tan, sesame and cream.
Shiba Inu Personality
Shibas aren’t for the faint of heart - 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.
Alaskan Klee Kai Personality
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 and white.
Akita Inu Personality
Akita Inus are notoriously loyal towards their owners but as a primitive dog breed, they do need careful introductions with strangers and other dogs.
The can be independent and sometimes stubborn, meaning they require patient, consistent training.
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.
Chihuahua Personality
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.
The origins of the Icelandic Sheepdog can be traced back to the 9th century, with the arrival of Viking settlers in Iceland. The dogs they brought with them are believed to be the the ancestors of the Icelandic Sheepdog, quickly proving themselves to be invaluable working dogs.
The breed's popularity sharply declined in the 19th century, and by the 20th century was almost extinct. Thanks to revival efforts, numbers have slowly increased in recent years.
Icelandic Sheepdog Personality
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).
The breed name was adopted in 1917, even though these dogs were not related to the indigenous Eskimo culture or their dogs.
As a member of the Spitz family, the breed has the characteristic pointed ears and curly tail. They have beautiful, long, white coats that need lots of attention when it comes to grooming.
American Eskimo Dog Personality
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.
This small, hardy dog was originally used in Norway as a puffin hunter, and they have adapted completely to this environment.
While the breed may belong to genus Canis, and therefore shares a lineage with the wolf, it has developed in the most unique and specialised way.
The Lundehund has six toes, for extra stability and grip, and ears that can fold shut. This protects them from dirt and water.
Norwegian Lundehund Personality
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?
