Best Pet Fox Breeds: Care, Legality & Temperament

Given that they belong to the canine family, fox sometimes resemble domesticated dogs in appearance. They are the only dogs in the family that are skilled tree climbers. Cute, funny, cunning little escape artists can be found in pet foxes. They do, however, have certain requirements when grown in a home, ranging from socialisation with the family and any other pets to learning how to use a little box.

Best Foxes to Keep as Pets

There are various state-specific regulations pertaining to exotic pets. Make sure you are permitted to possess a pet fox in your area before getting one. A fox may be classified as “a wild canine, small canine, non-domesticated species, exotic animal, or native wildlife.”

Examine ten different fox species that have been domesticated and discover which ones make better friends.

Prior to adopting, you should think about the basic requirements of pet foxes, which include frequent care from an exotic animal veterinarian, exercise and enrichment, habitat considerations, and particular dietary demands. The majority of foxes have demanding enrichment needs, high energy levels, and urine markings on their territory.

They need a very committed owner who can provide for their unique demands and put up with their natural habits; they are not a good fit for the typical pet owner. Some important types of fox are given below.

Pet foxes of most popularity are big-eared fennec foxes (Vulpes zerde). Available for several thousand dollars, Fennec foxes are privately raised all throughout the United States. As a pet fox, its small size, long life expectancy, and gentle demeanour make it a great fit. Small children’s homes or homes with other dogs can find it unsuitable since they often get snappy. Being the smallest fox breed worldwide, it is vulnerable and requires protection from more hostile companions. Whimpers, growls, shrieks, wails, whines, barks, squeaks, and howls make up its extensive vocal repertory as well.

Fennec Fox

LENGTH: 12 to 16 inches

WEIGHT: 2 to 4 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long, thick hair cream or fawn in colour; extremely large bat-like ears; hairy feet

Though they are less common as a pet fennec fox, people who have red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) claim they are as sweet as house cats. They have certain shortcomings and are not domesticated. its foul-smelling urine from the fox breeds is maybe its worst offense. Neutering or spaying could somewhat assist to lessen the smell. They also dig and require far more space to do so than other breeds. A domesticated form of red fox, silver foxes have been cultivated only in Russia. The fox’s urine smell has been lessened and their general demeanour has been enhanced by this tamed fox programme.

Red Fox

LENGTH: 36 to 42 inches

WEIGHT: 8 to 15 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long snouts with large pointy ears; red fur across the face, back, sides, and tail; greyish-white throat, chin, and belly; black feet and black-tipped ears; fluffy white-tipped tail

Known by many as the tame Siberian fox, the tame Arctic fox, Sib foxes, the domesticated fox, and under other names, the silver fox is a real tamed fox. Classed as Vulpes vulpes as well, this is another colour variation of the red fox. These foxes have some unique traits and small genetic variations from red foxes by means of a selective breeding program in Russia. Only Russia carries a real domesticated silver fox. Aiming for one might be challenging and run up to $10,000.

Silver (Domesticated)

These foxes have a dog-like behaviour and hardly any scent. Among the dog habits evolved into silver foxes were tail-wagging when joyful, vocalizing and barking, and ear floppiness. Taking care of these foxes is not any different than with other kinds of foxes. A fennec or Gray fox might be a good choice if you are searching for a simpler fox to look after.

LENGTH: 36 to 42 inches

WEIGHT: 8 to 15 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long snouts with large pointy ears; black to bluish-gray to silver coat with a white-tipped tail; silver hairs may be scattered all over

Though usually smaller and less often kept as a pet, the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is somewhat similar to the red fox. Sensitive to hot temperatures and perhaps more prone than other foxes to overheat, this animal has evolved to live in the Arctic. Perhaps measures to keep it cool call for others. Arctic foxes are overbred and some have genetic abnormalities because of a small breeding population in the United States.

Its scenting glands and urine make it a smelly pet choice, much as those of red foxes. It scent identifies its area, thus it is not very fit for life indoors. It may also make their litter box more of a delight sandbox than a restroom area since it enjoys to play in sand and dirt. Regarding foxes specifically, they can be really friendly.

Arctic Fox

LENGTH: 28 inches

WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Dark gray to brown to bluish-brown coat in the summer; white or creamy white thick coat in winter; long, bushy tail; short nose; small curled-back ears; short, stubby legs

Originally the most often occurring fox in the United States, gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Red foxes have become the most common animal throughout millennia thanks to human invasion and destruction of forests. Among fox species, gray foxes are the nicest and most composed ones. Though most foxes are cautious of strangers, gray foxes are friendly and affectionate with most people. Though gray fox urine is not as strong as other species, Grays and most other foxes will never be really housebroken. Digging carpets, marking territory, and eating or chewing random objects they shouldn’t all cause issues in the house.

LENGTH: 31 to 45 inches

WEIGHT: 8 to 14 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Peppery Gray coat on top, reddish-brown on its sides, chest and back of head; reddish-coloured legs and feet; long, bushy tail with a black stripe on top; pointed ears; pointed muzzle; long, hooked claws

A small species, the bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is rare to come across and preserve. Native to the African plains are these foxes. Mostly an insectivorous species, they live in the wild and eat termites and dung beetles eighty percent of their natural diet. Pets can be fed meat and vegetables. Owners have housed these foxes indoors. Bat-eared foxes do, however, require an escape-proof enclosure, much like other fox species. With this fox species, be cautious also with scent marking and digging.

LENGTH: 18 to 26 inches

WEIGHT: 6 to 12 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Unusually large ears; yellowish-Gray coat; black face and legs; black-tipped ears and tail

Swift foxes (Vulpes velox), a small species of fox unusual in the exotic pet trade, originate from the North American grasslands. Less boisterous and energetic than fennec foxes, this species is believed to have a friendly nature. According some sources, this species is simpler to teach to use a litter box. An omnivorous species are swift foxes. Its food consists in grasses, fruits, small mammals, carrion, and insects. This species survives in the wild up to six years. Pet life spans can rise to 14 years.

LENGTH: 31 inches

WEIGHT: 4 to 7 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Dark, greyish, tan coat coloration that extends to a yellowish-tan colour across its sides and legs; pale yellow to white-coloured throat, chest, and belly; black-tipped tail; black patches on its muzzle; large ears

Closely similar to the quick fox is the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis). Native to southern North America, it is somewhat similar in size. Naturally curious, it can create close relationships with its owner and has no fear of people. Its natural habitat is omnivorous. For diversity, a pet should be fed a combined diet with cooked or raw meats, vegetables, fruits, and high-quality, protein-heavy dog food. Special goodies can be mealworms or concealed crickets to pique their foraging drive.

This species hardly makes noise, but when it does, the sounds could be low barks or growls. Among the simplest species of fox to litter or toilet pad train is this one. Foxes enjoy climbing, hence get this species a cat tree or condo. One of this fox’s favorite pastimes is digging holes, hence set a sandbox for them.

LENGTH: 12 to 20 inches

WEIGHT: 3 to 6 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Big-eared; greyish orange topcoat with a white underbelly; black-tipped tail

Native to the Sahara Desert is the pale fox (Vulpes pallida). Another rarity in the trade in exotic pets is this species. If you locate one, they often have to be imported and can cost more than $4,000. Low-odour, simpler to educate than fennec foxes, pale foxes have a kind demeanour. Like fennec foxes, they are vocal and produce loud, high-pitched screeches.

LENGTH: 15 to 17 inches

WEIGHT: 4 to 6 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Pale, sandy-coloured coat; whitish underbelly; long-bodied; relatively short legs; narrow muzzle; long ears and rounded at the top; bushy, black-tipped tail

From northern Asia, Corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac) Less often kept as pets in the United States, you are more likely to find them in the United Kingdom. In behaviour, care, and look, this species is often related to quick foxes. Although their urine is strong and they do scent mark, Corsac foxes are far easier to potty-train than most foxes. The fox will have stinky coat if it does not get regular baths. Give this species a climbing frame if you keep it in the house. Once a year in the spring, expect the fox to shed its coat somewhat extensively.

HEIGHT: 19 to 24 inches

WEIGHT: 6 pounds

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thick, soft Gray coat with silvery tones and whitish underside; black-tipped tail

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