16 dogs that look like foxes

Foxes are more than cute and have tons more street cred than most animals. But sadly, they aren’t so popular as pets (for obvious reasons). So, what’s a fox-lover to do other than search out dogs that look like foxes? Well if this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. 

Whether you’re after a house sitter and want to learn more about your favorite breed or you’re on the hunt  for pet sitting opportunities (for fox-like pups), then look no further as we dive into 16 adorable dog breeds that look like foxes. Think plush puffs of fluff, almost regal ruffs, blooming tails and of course, those thoughtful, pinched faces. Let’s get into it.

16 dogs that look like foxes

1. Akita
2. Shiba Inu
3. Finnish Spitz
4. Japanese Spitz
5. German Spitz
6. Korean Jindo
7. Schipperke
8. Icelandic Sheepdog
9. American Eskimo
10. Samoyed
11. Alaskan Klee Kai
12. Chihuahua
13. Pomeranian
14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
15. Pomsky
16. Volpino Italiano

Akita 

The Akita is one of the longest living large dog breeds, reaching their golden years at an impressive age of 14. And as one of the dogs that look like foxes on the larger side, it’s safe to say that these cuties are less larger than life and more loyal, dignified and courageous - they’re proud pooches, shall we say! These double-coated fox dogs have a long lineage in Japan’s history, and it’s believed they bring health, happiness and a long life to families that welcome them home.

Group: Working (AKC)

Weight: 70-100 pounds

Height: 24-28 inches tall

Life expectancy: 10-14 years

Shiba Inu

Onto our second dog that looks like a fox - the adorable fox dog that is the Shiba Inu. Similar in appearance to their Akita cousins yet a whole lot smaller, the Shiba Inu has an equally impressive lifespan of up to 16 years. Another popular canine companion of Japan, Shiba dogs are just as sturdy and sporty and they are bold and confident - the perfect addition to any active two-legged pack. And to say they know their own mind is a bit of an understatement - no amount of obedience training will stop these energetic pups from bounding off and pleasing their canine selves.

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)

Weight: 17-23 pounds

Height: 13.5-16.5 inches tall

Life expectancy: 13-16 years

Finnish Spitz

Talking of dogs that look like foxes, let’s move onto the Finnish Spitz - the warm-colored cutie that resembles a wild red fox. Known for their talkative nature, these pups are certainly skilled at expressing themselves. In fact, this fox-looking dog’s unique tracking skills earned them the nickname ‘barking bird dog’. And as you might have guessed, they were originally bred to hunt, so you can guarantee that any Finkie will have a good brain on them!

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)

Weight: 20-33 pounds

Height: 15.5-20 inches tall

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Japanese Spitz

If you’ve ever been perusing your local dog park and spotted a shape - not sure whether it was a dog that looks like a fox, or simply a puff of white fur with a fox-like face, we’re here to tell you that you were most likely feasting your eyes upon a Japanese Spitz. These fox-looking dogs are just as loyal as they are brainy and are thought to originate from the German Spitz (see below for more on these cuties), who were brought to Japan in the 1920s.

Group: Foundation Stock Service (AKC)

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Height: 12-15 inches tall

Life expectancy: 10-14 years

German Spitz

If you’re into dogs that look like foxes but you need a pooch that’s easier to train than their other fox-like cousins, the German Spitz might just be your next pup. Equally versatile on the size front (find these foxy cuties in toy, medium and large), they’re known for their devotion to their humans and high energy levels. Like other Spitz breeds, the German Spitz can be found with an impressive, fluffy mane (otherwise known as a ruff) and puffy tail which curls elegantly over their back.

Group: Foundation Stock Service (AKC)

Weight: Toy: 10-11 pounds. Medium: 15-25 pounds. Large: 30-50 pounds.

Height: Toy: 8-12 inches. Medium: 12-16 inches. Large: 16-20 inches.

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Korean Jindo

If adopting a dog that looks like a fox that’s slightly on the larger side sounds like your cup of cocoa, feast your eyes on the Jindo. Blessed with upright ears and an equally endearing personality, these fox-looking dogs are known for their loyalty, guard dog skills and independent hunting skills. And if it’s canine companionship you’re after, the Jindo is your pal - saying they’re dedicated to their pack is a bit of an understatement, and just beware that they’re not exactly known for their fondness towards other four-legged friends!

Group: Foundation Stock Service (AKC)

Weight: 30-50 pounds

Height: 17-22 inches tall

Life expectancy: 14-15 years

Schipperke

If dogs that look like foxes are your thing but you’re after a unique, compact package of a pup, these (almost) black fox dogs will be right up your street. Originating from Belgium, it’s thought that these little cuties were bred from as far back as the 1600s, either for shepherding or descending from Spitz dogs (it’s an ongoing debate in the Schipperke world). Full of zest yet a little mischievous, this fox dog is on the stealthy side - observe their cat-like hunting style and you’ll know what we mean!

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)

Weight: 10-16 pounds

Height: 10-13 inches tall

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Icelandic Sheepdog

Another dog that looks like a fox with a happy-go-lucky approach to life, the Icelandic Sheepdog makes for the ideal canine companion for anyone after a pup completely dedicated to their humans. According to the American Kennel Club, Icelandic Sheepdogs are also classified as Spitz. Even though the name doesn’t give it away, we can tell these cuties are of Spitz origins by their fox-like faces, upright, pointy ears, dense coat and their bushy, curling tail.

Group: Herding (AKC)

Weight: 25-30 pounds

Height: 16.5-18 inches tall

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

American Eskimo

Zesty yet gentle, this fox-looking dog is more than a smushable coat of plush white fluff (although, they’re that too). If you’re interested in dogs who look like foxes but you’re into lighter coats, just look at the cutie that is the American Eskimo! And with their brains, these fluffballs are the whole package if you love pups with a striking appearance and a mind of their own.

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)

Weight: Toy: 6-10 pounds. Miniature: 10-20 pounds. Standard: 25-30 pounds.

Height: Toy: 9-12 inches. Miniature: 12-15 inches. Standard: 15-19 inches.

Life expectancy: 13-15 pounds.

Samoyed

If fox-like dogs are your thing and the American Eskimo dog caught your eye, the Samoyed is pretty similar on the looks front, but a whole lot bigger in size. Unlike their white-coated American cousins, Samoyed dogs are thought to originate from Siberia, bred for sled work in harsh conditions. And they might be fluffy toughies, but these pups are gentle giants - they love their pack and have a grin that just won’t go away.

Group: Working (AKC)

Weight: 35-65 pounds

Height: 19-23.5 inches tall

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Alaskan Klee Kai

While maybe considered more of a wolf dog than a fox dog, the Alaskan Klee Kai has those signature upright ears, dense coats and plush tails that we expect from other fox-like dogs. Descending from working breeds across Alaska, these cuties (at least, their ancestors) are little toughies. Originally bred for sledding, hiking, hunting and tracking, the Alaskan Klee Kai is an active pup with a strong, brainy mind! Originally the canine companions of tribal groups and nomadic peoples, these pups are now pretty popular in the domestic world but are still just as loyal to their pack of humans.

Group: Foundation Stock Service (AKC)

Weight: 6-25 pounds

Height: 12-17 inches tall

Life expectancy: 13-16 years

Chihuahua

You might be wondering why we’ve lumped the pint-sized bundle of fun that is the Chihuahua with other fox dogs. Well, have you ever seen a Fennec fox? They’re almost the spit of a long-haired Chihuahua, so hear us out on this one. Granted, their ears are a whole lot smaller, but they do stand on end and resemble those adorable, pinched faces of Fennec foxes. Known for their apple-like heads, almost bulging eyes and fame in Mexico, the Chihuahua is perfect for any pup lover with a soft spot for terrier-like toy dogs.

Group: Toy (AKC)

Weight: Up to 6 pounds

Height: 5-8 inches tall

Life expectancy: 14-16 years

Pomeranian

Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, the Pomeranian is another fox dog that should be at the top of any fluff-lover’s list. Small yet mighty and among other dog breeds that look like foxes in the AKC’s toy category, these cuties are full of zest with a passion for life and an inquisitive mind. And it’s no wonder they’re one of the world’s most popular toy breeds - with fox-like faces and warm-colored fluff (yes, we’re saying fluff, not fur), it’s hard not to melt in the company of these cuties.

Group: Toy (AKC)

Weight: 3-7 pounds

Height: 6-7 inches tall

Life expectancy: 12-16 years

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

This small dog that looks like a fox (well, a stout, stocky version) is officially the royalty of the dog world (in England, at least). Famously popular with Queen Elizabeth II, Corgis are endearingly stubborn, need a touch of exercise and a whole lot of love. They’re barrels of energy and love nothing more than kicking back with their favorite human pals - just be careful they don’t try to herd you!

Group: Herding (AKC)

Weight: Up to 30 pounds

Height: 10-12 inches

Life expectancy: 12-13 years

Pomsky

Not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Pomsky is a mixed breed dog that looks like a fox. And it’s no wonder if we look at their parents - the (adorable and very fluffy) result of the Pomeranian and Siberian Husky, Pomsky dogs are known for their fun-loving personalities and just how much they thrive in the canine limelight. Despite their lapdog reputation, Pomskies are full of life and love hanging out with their pack. Just a word of warning though - if you’re thinking about adopting a Pomsky, be aware of unethical breeders. They’re designer dogs, so stay cautious, always do your research and adopt if you can.

Weight: 7-38 pounds.

Height: 10-15 inches tall 

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Volpino Italiano

If you love dogs that look like foxes and you’re after a pup who’s got it all, look no further than the Volpino Italiano. These fluffballs have a lot to give on the looks front (just check out that plush puff of white fur), will excel in running and agility, and will happily jump onto your lap for a snuggle at the end of it all.

Group: Foundation Stock Service (AKC)

Weight: 8-16 pounds

Height: 10.5-12 inches tall

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Want to learn about the longest living dog breeds?

Dog life expectancy is a fact of… life, unfortunately. So in our blog on the longest living dog breeds, we explore some of the small, medium and large pooches that make it to some seriously golden years for their size.