Dogs and foxes belong to the same family. Some dog breeds are a proof of that. This Buzzle article lists 12 domestic dog breeds that look like foxes.
Dogs and foxes belong to the 'Canidae' family, which also includes wolves, jackals, coyotes, and other animals. Dogs and foxes may appear similar in looks, but there exist differences as well.
Dogs are domesticated since so many years, and foxes are still wild. Dogs love to be in packs, which include humans also, but foxes prefer to be lonely.
A foxy-look doesn't make a dog cunning. It still has a real big heart. Here are some dog breeds that resemble foxes.
Shiba Inu
Origin: Japan
Other Names: Shiba, Doge
Type of Breed: Non-sporting
Height: 14.5 - 16.5 inches
Weight: 17 - 23 pounds
Colors: Black and tan, Red and white
Shedding: Moderate/Constant
Litter size: 3 puppies
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years
Shiba Inu was bred for hunting in the ancient times. In Japanese, 'Shiba' means brushwood and 'inu' means dog. These are the smallest dogs belonging to the 'Spitz' breed of Japan. It has an independent nature, so it's difficult to train it. But socializing at a younger age can help. It is not advisable to trust them with other animals or kids. Its chasing abilities can make it run after small animals. Apart from this, it is very loyal and affectionate towards its owner. It might be aloof with strangers, but early socializing helps. An everyday walk is a must along with a leash!
Remember: They are extremely possessive about their toys or food so be extra careful!
Akita
Origin: Japan
Other Names: Great Japanese Dog, Japanese Akita, American Akita
Type of Breed: Working
Height: 24 - 28 inches
Weight: 75 - 119 pounds
Colors: Red and white
Shedding: Moderate
Litter size: 3 - 12 puppies
Lifespan: 9 - 11 years
Akita is called the 'silent hunter'. It doesn't bark much, but may have temperament issues. So, it is not advisable to leave it unattended. Training this breed can be a challenging job, and hence, is not advisable for first-time dog owners. It keeps cleaning itself, but daily brushing is necessary. An everyday walk is a must!
Japanese and American Akita are said to be two varieties of the same breed. They aren't very different. The American Akita is available in many colors, usually with a black mask and pinto markings, but the Japanese Akita comes in only a few colors.
Samoyed
Origin: Russia/Siberia
Other Names: Smiley, Bjelkier, Samoiedskaya Sobaka, Nenetskaya Laika
Type of Breed: Working
Height: 21 - 24 inches
Weight: 44 - 71 pounds
Colors: White
Shedding: Seasonal (Heavy, 1-2 times in a year)
Litter size: 4 - 6 puppies
Lifespan: 12 - 13 years
Samoyeds are one of the 14 most ancient breeds. They are loyal, friendly with kids, active, and perfect as family dogs. This breed was bred for pulling sledges, so it surely has the ability to pull you by the leash! Apart from its loving side, this breed loves chasing small animals.
Finnish Spitz
Origin: Finland
Other Names: Barking bird dog
Type of Breed: Sporting
Height: 16 - 19 inches
Weight: 27 - 33 pounds
Colors: Black, brown, gray, red
Shedding: Moderate/Seasonal (Heavy, 1 - 2 times a year)
Litter size: 4 puppies
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years
As its name suggests, it barks a lot, so the owner has to be firm to make it stop barking. It can be stubborn as it has a mind of its own. It likes being with the family and will love children. The dog needs to be active most of the time. So, a daily jog and some other activities or games to keep it busy are advised!
Pomeranian
Origin: Germany
Other Names: Pompom
Type of Breed: Toy
Height: 5 - 11 inches
Weight: 4.2 - 10 pounds
Colors: Black, black and tan, blue, brown, gray, red, white
Shedding: Constant
Litter size: 1 - 5 puppies
Lifespan: 12 - 16 years
A pomeranian is a cute small ball of fur that is seen very often. Due to its small size, it doesn't need rigorous exercise. It loves attention and is constantly trying to impress the owner. It has an unstable temperament. It can be aggressive if not trained properly. Continuous barking could be a problem.
Long-haired Chihuahua
Origin: Mexico
Other Names: New Yorker
Type of Breed: Toy
Height: 6 - 10 inches
Weight: 3.3 - 6 pounds
Colors: Black, blue, brown, red, silver, white
Shedding: Moderate
Litter size: 3 - 5 puppies
Lifespan: 14 - 20 years
The chihuahua is the smallest dog. It is an indoor dog and loves to cuddle and sleep. Be careful that you don't hurt it because it can go unnoticed because of its size. Its tiny size doesn't stop it from being brave. It is a great watchdog and will bark at any stranger. Its temperament depends a lot on its parents. It is very loyal to its family, but may not be very social with others. It would just be a miniature version of a fox because of its foxy face. Avoid overfeeding it, as it may lead to health problems like diabetes.
Corgi
Origin: UK
Other Names: Cardigan, CWC, Cardi, Pem, PWC
Type of Breed: Herding
Height: 10.5 - 12.5 inches
Weight: 25 - 40 pounds
Colors: Black and tan, black, red, blue, white (Pembroke)
Shedding: Moderate/Constant
Litter size: 5 - 7 puppies
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years
There are 2 types of Corgi: Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh. This dog belongs to the herding breed. It loves the attention of the owner and is very friendly with people. It can be trained easily. It needs regular exercise and regular brushing too. Its shedding can be constant, but regular brushing and cleaning can help. It can compete in herding events and agility trials.
Norwegian Elkhound
Origin: Norway
Other Names: Norsk Elghund, Small Grey Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog, Harmaa norjanhirvikoira
Type of Breed: Hound
Height: 18 - 21 inches
Weight: 40 - 55 pounds
Colors: Black, gray, silver, white
Shedding: Minimal
Litter size: 7 - 14 puppies
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
This dog has qualities of both a hound and a spitz-like dog. It is protective, independent, playful, and friendly. It is a family dog that doesn't like to be isolated. It needs regular long walks or jogs as it is a very energetic dog. It is up for an adventure anytime, even happier if it's in the snow!
Papillon
Origin: France
Other Names: Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Dog
Type of Breed: Toy
Height: 8 - 11 inches
Weight: 8 - 10 pounds
Colors: Black, black and tan, brown, red, silver, white
Shedding: Minimal
Litter size: 2 - 4 puppies
Lifespan: 13 - 16 years
It is not a breed that will sit all the time. It has to roam around and find something to do. It has a friendly nature and loves to be the apple of its owner's eye! This breed is a winner in obedience competitions. The dog is very fragile and not advisable for families having small children. Even if it is a friendly breed, early socializing is recommended.
American Eskimo
Origin: Germany
Other Names: Eskimo Spitz, American Spitz, German Spitz, Eskie
Type of Breed: Non-sporting
Height: 15 - 19 inches
Weight: 20 - 40 pounds
Colors: Gray and white
Shedding: Constant
Litter size: 5 puppies
Lifespan: 12 - 14 years
It is an affectionate, friendly, and a playful breed. Its intelligence makes it learn the rules faster, and its protective quality makes it a good watchdog. It needs regular exercises. Its shedding may be heavy, which has to be brushed and cleaned regularly. Overall, it makes for a great companion!
Keeshond
Origin: Germany/ Netherlands
Other Names: Kees, Dutch Barge Dog, Smiling Dutchman, German Spitz, Wolfspitz
Type of Breed: Non-sporting
Height: 17 - 18 inches
Weight: 35 - 45 pounds
Colors: Black, white, gray
Shedding: Moderate/Constant
Litter Size: 3 - 8 puppies
Lifespan: 12 - 14 years
Keeshond is a very attached-to-the-owner kind of dog. It might be clingy too, but who doesn't need love? It follows the owner's reaction and welcomes a stranger accordingly. Shedding a lot and barking could be some problems. Brushing twice a week might be enough. It needs exercises and adventure, but is quite sensitive and content if it doesn't get it. It is a great domestic dog because of its affectionate side and its alertness to protect you!
Schipperke
Origin: Belgium
Other Names: Little Captain
Type of Breed: Non-sporting
Height: 11 - 13 inches
Weight: 7 - 20 pounds
Colors: Black, black and tan, blue, brown
Shedding: Moderate
Litter size: 3 - 7 puppies
Lifespan: 13 - 15 years
Schipperke is really active and loves getting involved in everything around. It has to be trained to not bark a lot. To stay occupied, it needs daily exercises and games. It has a mind of its own and strong instincts of chasing other small animals. It looks like a small black fox.
It doesn't matter how a dog looks or what breed it is. The temperament and behavior varies from dog to dog. Dogs cannot be blamed for their behavior. It's how you handle them and train them that matters. All they need is love and your time!