17 Fox-Looking Dog Breeds You'll Love to Admire Learn about foxy dog breeds with intelligence, loyalty, and charm. By Jennifer Lesser Jennifer Lesser Jennifer Lesser is a pet health and wellness expert and writer with over a decade of experience covering pet behavior, health, and news. Her work can also be found in Whole Dog Journal, Health, Dogster, Catster, and Animal Sheltering. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 06/09/25 Reviewed by Nelva J. Bryant Reviewed by Nelva J. Bryant Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. She has worked with airlines and the Centers for Disease Control to improve pet travel through veterinary oversight. Dr. Bryant is a Veterinary Review Board Member for The Spruce Pets. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: Sandra Schmid / Getty Images Many dogs that resemble foxes are spitz breeds. These dogs are typically intelligent, active, and shed a lot. Spitz breeds are cold-weather, double-coated dogs with perky ears, pointed muzzles, and curly or bushy tails. These spitz qualities give them their foxy appearance. Like foxes, they have red fur, bushy coats, and pointed ears and muzzles. Discover more about these 17 dog breeds that resemble foxes. Tip Spitz breeds prefer cold climates. If you live in a warmer area, these dogs might struggle to cope and could be prone to overheating. 01 of 17 Shiba Inu Credit: Yuki Cheung / Getty Images Initially bred for hunting, the Shiba Inu is a spitz breed of Japan. These intelligent, and independent, which can make training challenging. They can develop issues like possessiveness and aggression. Shiba Inus are affectionate and loyal to their families but may be wary of strangers. They need plenty of mental stimulation to remain happy. Breed Overview Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: 14 to 17 inchesWeight: 17 to 23 poundsCoat and Color: Thick double coat; outer coat is coarse while undercoat is soft; colors include black and tan, cream, and redLife Span: 13 to 16 years 02 of 17 Akita Credit: Yuan Yao / Getty Images Known as the "silent hunter," the Akita is the largest Japanese spitz breed. These dogs are quiet and temperamental, which can make training difficult. However, they are fiercely loyal and have long served as guard and hunting dogs. As a high-energy breed, Akitas need rigorous daily exercise. Although often aloof with strangers, they can be silly and affectionate with their family. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 24 to 28 inchesWeight: 70 to 130 poundsCoat and Color: Short, thick, double-layered coat; some have a recessive gene that gives them a long coat; colors include black, fawn, red, and moreLife Span: 10 to 13 years 03 of 17 American Eskimo Credit: nwbob / Getty Images The American Eskimo dog resembles the snowy white Arctic fox. These dogs are affectionate, loyal, and protective watchdogs for their families. They love outdoor play, even in cold weather, and usually get along well with children. Their coats are heavy, shed significantly, and require diligent grooming. Breed Overview Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: 9 to 12 inches (toy); 12 to 15 inches (miniature); 15 to 19 inches (standard)Weight: 6 to 10 pounds (toy); 10 to 20 pounds (miniature); 25 to 35 pounds (standard)Coat and Color: Medium-length double coat; colors include white or white and biscuitLife Span: 13 to 15 years 04 of 17 Icelandic Sheepdog Credit: HunterBliss / Getty Images The Icelandic sheepdog, though not well-known, is one of the oldest dog breeds. Experts believe Vikings introduced spitz-type dogs to Iceland, which evolved into the Icelandic sheepdog. Devoted, affectionate, and intelligent, these dogs usually display a happy, alert expression. Originally bred for herding sheep, they now mainly serve as family companions due to their friendly nature and ability to get along with children, other dogs, and dog-friendly cats. They can be prone to barking and need significant attention and exercise. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 16.5 to 18 inchesWeight: 25 to 30 poundsCoat and Color: Medium double coat in almost any color plus whiteLife Span: 12 to 14 years Continue to 5 of 17 below 05 of 17 Schipperke Credit: Mickilu / Getty Images The independent, spunky Schipperke resembles a small black fox. These dogs are loyal and loving but are prone to barking. They enjoy being part of daily activities, especially outdoor exercise, with their families and are curious and playful. However, they might dash off to chase a squirrel or other wildlife. Breed Overview Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: 10 to 13 inchesWeight: 10 to 16 poundsCoat and Color: Black, straight coat, slightly harsh to the touch; several lengths; can have white markingsLife Span: 12 to 14 years 06 of 17 Samoyed Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris The Samoyed is a spitz breed from the Arctic, particularly Siberia in Russia. Originally bred to pull sleds on polar expeditions, these solid and intelligent dogs are now affectionate and playful family pets. They have retained a strong instinct to chase small animals. Samoyeds get along well with children and other dogs but can be prone to barking. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 19 to 24 inchesWeight: 35 to 65 poundsCoat and Color: Double coat; colors include white, cream, and biscuit; thick undercoat beneath a soft, fluffy, and straight outer coatLife Span: 12 to 14 years 07 of 17 Finnish Spitz Credit: Johnner Images / Getty Images Known as the barking bird dog, the Finnish spitz is among Finland's most popular breeds. This highly energetic breed requires significant daily exercise for physical and mental health. Though loving family pets, they bark out of boredom, especially if their exercise needs are unmet. However, with an active family, especially one with children, they make excellent companions. Breed Overview Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: 16 to 20 inchesWeight: 20 to 35 poundsCoat and Color: Red-gold double coatLife Span: 12 to 14 years 08 of 17 Norwegian Elkhound Credit: Hillary Kladke / Getty Images The Norwegian elkhound is a hound and spitz mix. These playful and protective dogs are loyal pets and effective watchdogs. They crave human companionship and may experience separation anxiety. As a high-energy breed, they need rigorous daily exercise. Norwegian elkhounds typically get along well with children and other dogs and are responsive to training. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: 20 to 21 inchesWeight: 48 to 55 poundsCoat and Color: Curled tail; thick, long, lush coat; colors include black, gray, white, and moreLife Span: 12 to 15 year Continue to 9 of 17 below 09 of 17 German Spitz Credit: westend61 / Getty Images Also called the Eskimo spitz, the German spitz is an exceptional companion due to its friendly and affectionate nature. These dogs are loyal to their families and great with children. As a quick-learning and intelligent breed, they require plenty of daily exercise. They are wary of strangers, making them good watchdogs, and are typically easy to train. Breed Overview Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: 12 to 15 inchesWeight: 24 to 26 poundsCoat and Color: Straight and stand-off outer coat paired with a short, soft, dense undercoat; colors include black, brown, orange, red, and whiteLife Span: 13 to 15 years 10 of 17 Alaskan Klee Kai Credit: Gotham / Getty Images The Alaskan klee kai resembles a lap-sized husky. These dogs are intelligent, playful, and highly energetic. They are usually loving and loyal to their families, though often cautious around strangers. While available in various colors, the red-and-white version closely resembles a red fox. This breed generally requires less intensive exercise and playtime compared to many other spitz breeds. Breed Overview Group: Northern Breed Group (UKC); not recognized by the AKCHeight: 13 to 17 inchesWeight: 10 to 15 poundsCoat and Color: Thick double coat; colors include black and white, red and white, and gray and whiteLife Span: 12 to 16 years 11 of 17 Chihuahua Credit: Tomoaki Takahashi / Getty Images Many Chihuahuas, particularly those with long fur, resemble the tiny, big-eared fennec fox. These dogs often bond closely with their favorite humans but can be standoffish with others. Despite their size, they require substantial mental and physical exercise to stay happy and thrive best with adults and older children. Chihuahuas are protective and make good watchdogs. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 5 to 8 inchesWeight: Up to 6 poundsCoat and Color: Smooth or long coat; colors include black, tan, fawn, chocolate, and moreLife Span: 12 to 20 years 12 of 17 Pomeranian The Pomeranian is a joyful ball of fluffy fur. Credit: Rita Kochmarjova/Shutterstock While small, Pomeranians have big, spunky personalities. These fluffy dogs have adorable, foxy faces that reflect their inquisitive, outgoing, and friendly nature. Although they need regular grooming, they don't shed excessively like some other spitz breeds. Pomeranians come in various colors, with red or orange being the most common, enhancing their fox-like look. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 6 to 7 inchesWeight: Up to 7 poundsCoat and Color: Long double coat in almost any color or combination of colors, although red and orange are most commonLife Span: 12 to 16 years Continue to 13 of 17 below 13 of 17 Keeshond Credit: Photo © terri_brown on flickr The Dutch keeshond, a spitz breed, often sports markings that resemble spectacles on its foxy, furry face. These intelligent, alert, and energetic canines need ample playtime and exercise. Keeshonds are friendly but protective of their families, serving as both good watchdogs and companions. They generally get along well with children, other dogs, and dog-friendly cats, making them excellent family pets. Regular brushing is necessary, although they don't shed excessively. Breed Overview Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)Height: 17 to 18 inchesWeight: 35 to 45 poundsCoat and Color: Long double coat in combinations of silvery gray and blackLife Span: 12 to 15 years 14 of 17 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris With their low-set bodies, erect ears, and red coats, Pembroke Welsh corgis closely resemble foxes, but with shorter legs. They are loyal, highly intelligent, and affectionate companions. However, they require training and socialization to curb behaviors like nipping at ankles, especially in homes with children. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 10 to 12 inchesWeight: 24 to 30 poundsCoat and Color: Medium length double coat; colors include red, black and tan, fawn, or sable, typically with white markingsLife Span: 12 to 13 years 15 of 17 Japanese Spitz Credit: Lyubov Demus/Getty Images The Japanese spitz resembles an Arctic fox due to its white coat and long muzzle. Developed in Japan by crossbreeding spitz-type dogs imported from countries like the United States, China, Siberia, Canada, and Australia, these small dogs make excellent family pets and get along well with children. They are fun, intelligent, easy to train, playful, and friendly. Breed Overview Group: Northern Breed Group (UKC), Foundation Stock Service (AKC)Height: 12 to 15 inchesWeight: 10 to 25 poundsCoat and Color: Straight, stand-off outer coat; short, dense, soft undercoat; whiteLife Span: 12 to 14 years 16 of 17 Basenji Credit: Madjuszka / Getty Images The Basenji is known for its cat-like personality, even grooming itself like a cat, but it looks like a fox. These dogs often choose a favorite family member and can be aloof with strangers. High-energy and requiring a lot of exercises, Basenjis can be challenging to train due to their independence and mischievousness. They are quiet and minimal shedders, making great companions for active people and families. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: 16 inches (female), 17 inches (male) Weight: 22 pounds (female), 24 pounds (male)Coat and Color: Short and smooth; colors include red and white; black and white; brindle and white; black, tan, and whiteLife Span: 13 to 14 years Continue to 17 of 17 below 17 of 17 Korean Jindo Credit: Jamongcreator / Shutterstock The Korean Jindo, a rare spitz breed, is protective, intelligent, and energetic. Originating from Jindo Island off the coast of South Korea, they have a pointy muzzle and perky triangular ears, making them resemble foxes, especially when red fawn. Breed Overview Group: Northern Breed Group (UKC), Foundation Stock Service (AKC)Height: 17.5 to 21.5 inchesWeight: 33 to 50 poundsCoat and Color: Medium double coat with a light undercoat; colors include red fawn, black and tan, white, and blackLife Span: About 14 years Breeds to Avoid If you desire a foxy-looking canine, avoid breeds that don't resemble foxes, such as sighthounds, scenthounds, bully breeds, and giant breeds like Newfies, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. Top Pet Fox Species and How to Care for Them Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds