13 Dog Breeds That Look Like Foxes

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Have you ever wished you could cuddle a miniature fox? Well, dog lovers, this dream is more attainable than you think! Many dog breeds boast features that share an uncanny resemblance to their sly canine cousins. Here are 13 dog breeds that will have you doing a double take and wondering if a fox just wandered into your living room (it’s a dog, we promise!)

Shiba Inu

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This ancient Japanese hunting dog is practically the poster child for foxy canines. Their small stature, triangular ears that stand perpetually alert, and coppery fur with black accents are undeniably fox-like. Shibas are known for their independent personalities, playful spirit, and occasional bursts of Shiba screams (which are more hilarious than scary).

Finnish Spitz

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Hailing from the land of a thousand lakes, the Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog known for its exuberance and striking appearance. Its dense, reddish-brown covering and pointy ears with white accents are undeniably fox-like. These vocal pups were originally bred to hunt birds, and their distinctive “yodeling” bark can be quite the conversation starter.

Japanese Spitz

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While not the most common foxy lookalike, the Japanese Spitz deserves a spot on this list for its surprising transformation. Beneath their fluffy exterior lies a darker guard covering that can peek through in a maroonish shade, especially around the ears and tail, bringing a hint of foxy flair. Their thick coat requires regular brushing, and their lively nature demands an outlet for exercise.

Norwegian Elkhound

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Bred to hunt elk (hence the name!), the Norwegian Elkhound is a majestic breed with a dense gray covering and a distinctive black mask. However, a closer look reveals a coppery undercoat that peeks through, particularly on the legs and tail, adding a touch of foxy charm to their overall look. These loyal and independent dogs are famous for their courage and stamina.

Icelandic Sheepdog

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Don’t let the name fool you—the Icelandic Sheepdog is more than just a herder! This fluffy breed boasts a double coat in various shades, including a stunning fox-like red with white markings. Their playful personalities, alertness, and agility make them a joy.

Akita

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Don’t be misled by the Shiba Inu’s popularity—the Akita is also a strong contender in the fox-like appearance competition. With its thick hair, curled tail, and pointed ears, this breed is as majestic as it is fox-like. Akitas are known for their regal appearance, loyalty, and protective nature. However, they require experienced owners who can provide them with proper training and socialization.

Keeshond

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It is easy to be deceived by their consistently cheerful expression, which earned them the nickname “Smiling Dutchman,” but Keeshonds have a hidden sly side! Their thick double covering comes in a variety of colors, including a beautiful wolf-gray with black markings that often reveal a surprising amount of reddish-brown throughout, especially on the face and legs. These loyal and intelligent dogs have playful personalities and watchful natures.

Pomeranian

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While dwarfed by their Shiba Inu relatives, Pomeranians undeniably resemble their canine relatives. These tiny titans boast a thick, double coat in various colors, including a vibrant orange that mirrors the fox-like look. This breed is as adorable as spunky with its fluffy hair, pointed ears, and bright eyes.

Long-Haired Chihuahua

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For those seeking the ultimate pint-sized fox impersonator, look no further than the Long-Haired Chihuahua! These miniature marvels have luxurious coats in various colors, consisting of reddish-brown that channel their inner fox. Despite their size, Chihuahuas are famous for their prominent personalities and unwavering loyalty to their humans.

Korean Jindo

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Hailing from the Korean island of Jindo, this breed has a unique and somewhat mysterious history. Jindos have a dense coat in several colors, including a stunning reddish-brown with white markings that give them a striking fox-like appearance. Bred for hunting and guarding, they possess a strong work ethic and alertness. Jindos can be wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.

Schipperke

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Don’t let their all-black covering dupe you – the Schipperke harbors a surprising secret! These small, alert dogs were initially bred to hunt rats on Belgian barges. While their hair is typically black, a closer look reveals a reddish-brown undercoat that peeks through on their legs and tail, adding a touch of vulpine charm. If you’re looking for an intelligent and playful companion with a touch of the vulpine spirit, the Schipperke might be your perfect match.

Volpino Italiano

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Rounding out our list is the Volpino Italiano, a lesser-known gem that looks a lot like a fox. This small, spitz-type breed boasts a thick white coat that might not initially scream “fox.” However, a closer look reveals a hint of reddish-brown around the ears and tail, adding a hint of foxy flair to their overall look.  

Basenji

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Often called the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is unique, with an uncanny resemblance to their canine cousins. Hailing from Central Africa, these elegant sighthounds boast a short, coppery coat with white markings and distinctive wrinkles on their forehead. While they don’t bark traditionally, Basenjis are known to communicate with a range of vocalizations, including yodeling and “chattering.”

Alaskan Klee Kai

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Looking for a foxy friend with a touch of the north? Look no further than the Alaskan Klee Kai! These miniature versions of the Siberian Husky feature beautiful coats with a wide variety of colors, comprising a stunning reddish-brown with white markings that give them a vulpine resemblance. Klee Kais is energetic and requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Their thick hair needs regular brushing, and their intelligence makes them highly trainable.

Dhole

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While not technically a domestic dog breed you can bring home, the Dhole deserves an honorary mention for its undeniable foxy resemblance. Also famous as the Asian or Indian wild dog, this social canine boasts reddish-brown hair with black markings and a bushy tail, making it look like a fox on stilts! Dholes are found in the wild across Asia and play a vital role in their ecosystems.

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