If you’ve ever admired the beauty of a fox, you may be interested to know that several dog breeds share similar traits. These dogs, with their pointed ears, bushy tails, and sleek, fox-like faces, can add a touch of wild elegance to any home. Whether you’re looking for a small companion or a larger, more energetic breed, there’s a fox-lookalike dog for every lifestyle.
In this blog, we’ll introduce you to nine stunning dog breeds that resemble foxes in their appearance and charm. From the playful Pomeranian to the majestic Akita Inu, each breed brings its unique personality and characteristics. So, if you’re ready to discover your next furry friend with a fox-like appearance, keep reading!
1. Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized breed with a striking resemblance to a fox. Originating from Iceland, this breed was primarily used for herding sheep, making them agile, intelligent, and active. They have a thick double coat that comes in various colors, such as black, brown, or cream, and their erect, pointed ears and bushy tail that curls over their back enhance their fox-like appearance.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for their friendly and energetic nature, making them excellent companions for families. Their playful personality and high energy levels mean they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Despite their wild appearance, Icelandic Sheepdogs are affectionate and loyal to their owners, bonding closely with their family members.
2. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a small-to-medium breed originating from Japan, often compared to a fox due to its pointed ears, curled tail, and alert expression. This breed was initially used for hunting, which explains its independent and confident personality. The Shiba Inu has a dense double coat that can be red, black and tan, or sesame (red with black-tipped hairs). Their fox-like looks are further accentuated by their strong, muscular build and expressive face.
While they are independent and often aloof with strangers, Shiba Inus form strong bonds with their families. They are intelligent, but their independent nature can make them a challenge to train. Regular exercise is essential for Shiba Inus to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, and they require consistent socialization to prevent them from becoming overly territorial or aggressive.
3. Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a large, powerful dog breed that hails from Japan. Its fox-like traits are apparent in its pointed ears, bushy tail, and broad face, which give it a strong and alert expression. Akitas have a thick, double-layered coat that can be various colors, including white, brindle, or red.
Known for their loyalty and courage, Akitas were historically used for guarding and hunting large game, which contributes to their strong, independent personalities. While Akitas are calm and reserved with their families, they can be wary of strangers, making early socialization critical. Their hunting instincts are strong, so it’s important to keep them under control around smaller animals. Due to their large size and strength, Akitas require daily exercise and mental challenges to keep them healthy and happy.
4. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz, known as Finland’s national dog, is often referred to as the “fox dog” due to its fox-like appearance. With a red, golden-brown coat, pointed ears, and a tail that curls over its back, this breed looks strikingly similar to a fox. Finnish Spitzs were originally bred for hunting, particularly birds, and they are known for their keen sense of smell and ability to work independently.
Their fluffy, double coat is perfect for cold weather, and their energetic and alert personality makes them excellent watchdogs. Finnish Spitzs are intelligent and trainable but can be a bit stubborn, so patience is key when training. They require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy, and their friendly nature makes them great companions for active families.
5. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a small dog with a large personality and a fox-like appearance. Their thick, fluffy coat and pointed ears give them an almost toy-fox look, especially when they fluff up their tails. Pomeranians come in a wide range of colors, including orange, black, white, cream, and sable. Despite their tiny size, they are bold and confident, often acting much larger than they are.
They were originally bred as sled dogs in cold climates, so they have a high energy level and enjoy engaging in playtime and walks. Pomeranians are highly social dogs that bond closely with their families and can become quite vocal if they feel the need to protect their home. Their independent nature can sometimes make them a bit challenging to train, but they are quick learners when motivated by positive reinforcement.
6. Long-Haired Chihuahua
The Long-Haired Chihuahua is a small dog with a big attitude and a resemblance to a fox, thanks to its pointed ears and flowing, luxurious coat. The breed’s coat, which can be smooth or long, forms a ruff around the neck that adds to its fox-like appearance. Long-Haired Chihuahuas come in various colors, including fawn, chocolate, black, and white.
They are well known for their confident and sassy personalities, often acting as though they are much larger than they actually are. Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal to their owners and tend to form close bonds with their families. They can be a bit reserved around strangers but are affectionate and playful with those they trust. Despite their small size, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and avoid becoming overweight.
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, sturdy dog breed that resembles a fox due to its triangular ears, expressive eyes, and foxy face. Known for their short stature and long bodies, Corgis have a playful, energetic personality. These dogs were originally bred for herding, which makes them agile and quick, despite their short legs. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are highly intelligent and easy to train, though they can be a bit stubborn at times.
They are affectionate dogs that enjoy being around their family members and are particularly good with children. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but they do shed seasonally. Due to their herding instincts, Corgis are naturally social and can get along well with other pets if properly socialized.
8. Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a small to medium-sized dog breed that closely resembles the American Eskimo and Samoyed but has a more fox-like face with pointed ears and a plumed tail. Their thick, white coat gives them a fluffy, elegant appearance, and their small, compact body adds to their charm. Japanese Spitzs are known for their friendly and energetic personalities. Originally bred as companion dogs, they are loyal and affectionate and thrive in family environments.
They are intelligent and trainable, but like many Spitz breeds, they can be independent and a bit stubborn. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their fluffy coat, and they require regular exercise to burn off their energy. Japanese Spitzs are good with children and can be quite vocal, so early socialization and training are important to ensure they are well-behaved.
9. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small to medium-sized dog that closely resembles the Siberian Husky, but in a more compact form. Their fox-like appearance is evident in their pointed ears, thick double coat, and facial markings. This breed comes in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard, all with the same alert expression and energetic personality.
Alaskan Klee Kais are intelligent, loyal, and very active, requiring daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Though they are independent and sometimes reserved, they bond closely with their families and are known for being good with children and other pets. Alaskan Klee Kais have a strong prey drive, so care should be taken around small animals. Their thick coat requires regular brushing, and they tend to shed heavily during certain times of the year.
Bottom Line
Dog breeds that look like foxes are not only visually striking but also bring a range of personalities, from playful to protective. Whether you’re drawn to their wild appearance or their unique traits, these dogs can make loyal companions. Consider your lifestyle and choose a breed that fits your energy level and temperament, ensuring a harmonious and happy relationship with your new fox-like friend.
FAQs
Which dog breed looks most like a fox?
The Shiba Inu is often considered the dog that resembles a fox the most, thanks to its pointed ears, curled tail, and alert expression.
Are fox-like dog breeds good for families?
Many fox-like breeds, like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Icelandic Sheepdog, are friendly and good with families, but it’s important to consider individual temperament.
Do these dog breeds require a lot of grooming?
Yes, many fox-like breeds such as the Alaskan Klee Kai and Finnish Spitz have thick coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding.
Are fox-like dog breeds easy to train?
Some fox-like breeds, like the Shiba Inu, can be independent and challenging to train, while others, like the Pomeranian, tend to be more eager to please.