Explore these fascinating dog breeds that resemble foxes and wolves. With their unique appearances and captivating traits, these dogs are sure to intrigue you. Let’s dive into 9 breeds with foxlike features and 13 with wolfish looks.
Dogs So Foxlike, You’ll Do a Double Take
Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz, Finland’s national dog, boasts a gorgeous golden-red coat reminiscent of a fox. This breed is renowned for its barking ability, earning the nickname “Barking Bird Dog.”
With a lively and enthusiastic demeanor, the Finnish Spitz makes a devoted companion. Its sharp, erect ears and bushy tail add to its foxlike charm.
Traditionally, these dogs were used for hunting birds, relying on their barking to alert hunters. Their playful nature and beautiful appearance make them a fantastic family pet.
Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is a small, fluffy breed with an appearance akin to a miniature fox. Its name means “little fox” in Italian, perfectly capturing its look. With a lively spirit and playful attitude, it makes for a charming companion.
Historically favored by Italian nobility, the Volpino Italiano is both elegant and clever. Its expressive eyes and thick, fluffy coat are captivating features.
Though small, this breed is alert and protective, making it an excellent watchdog. Its loyalty and affection draw many admirers.
Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a hardy breed known for its foxlike appearance and herding skills. With its pointed ears and bushy tail, it resembles a fox, perfectly suited to Iceland’s rugged terrain.
This breed is cheerful and friendly, often forming strong bonds with its family. Its weather-resistant coat comes in various colors, adding to its visual appeal.
The Icelandic Sheepdog is renowned for its agility and intelligence, making it a versatile working dog. Its adaptability has earned it a special place in Icelandic culture.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian, a tiny yet lively breed, bears a striking resemblance to a small fox. Its fluffy coat and bright eyes make it a favorite among dog enthusiasts.
Once favored by royalty, the Pomeranian is known for its vivacious personality and intelligence. Despite its size, it possesses a bold spirit and enjoys being the center of attention.
This breed’s expressive face and plume-like tail add to its foxlike allure, making it a charming companion for those who appreciate its spirited nature.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu, with its spirited personality, often catches attention for its foxlike appearance. Its pointed ears and curled tail give it a striking resemblance to a fox. Originally bred for hunting in Japan, this breed is known for its agility and independence.
Despite its small size, the Shiba Inu is bold and confident, often showing a keen sense of awareness. Its plush coat, usually in shades of red, further enhances its foxlike allure.
This breed is known for its vocal expressions, with some enthusiasts describing its unique sounds as the “Shiba scream.”
Basenji
The Basenji, often referred to as the “barkless dog,” captivates with its sleek, foxlike appearance. Originating from Africa, this breed is known for its unique vocalizations and keen hunting instincts.
With its alert and curious expression, the Basenji exudes a sense of independence and grace. Its short coat and curled tail enhance its foxlike resemblance.
This breed’s intelligence and agility make it a fascinating companion, though it can be reserved with strangers. Its unique traits set it apart in the canine world.
Corgi
Corgis, with their foxy faces and short legs, are known for their spirited demeanor and charm. Originally bred for herding, Corgis are intelligent and full of energy.
Their expressive eyes and perky ears contribute to their foxlike appeal, while their compact, sturdy bodies make them agile workers.
Corgis are affectionate and loyal, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their playful nature and distinctive looks make them a favorite among dog lovers worldwide.
Schipperke
The Schipperke, with its foxlike features and mischievous personality, is often referred to as the “little captain.” Its small, robust body and alert expression are reminiscent of a fox.
This breed is known for its intelligence and curiosity, making it an engaging companion. Its dense black coat and pointed ears add to its captivating appearance.
Originally bred as a watchdog on boats, the Schipperke is both protective and playful, making it a delightful pet for those seeking a lively and loyal friend.
Jindo
The Jindo, native to South Korea, is a breed noted for its foxlike features and noble demeanor. With a loyal and independent nature, it commands respect and admiration.
Its sharp, pointed ears and bushy tail accentuate its foxlike appearance, while its keen senses make it an excellent hunter.
Known for its strong bond with its owner, the Jindo is both protective and affectionate. This breed’s intelligence and agility make it a treasured companion in its homeland and beyond.
For Those Who Crave a Wild Look with a Loyal Heart
Siberian Husky
With icy blue eyes and a wolfish demeanor, the Siberian Husky is as striking as it is energetic. Bred for endurance in cold climates, this breed is known for its sled-pulling prowess.
Its dense coat and strong build give the Husky a wolf-like allure, making it a favorite among those who appreciate adventure.
Friendly and sociable, the Siberian Husky enjoys companionship and thrives in active environments. Its vocal nature adds to its charming personality, making it a popular choice for families.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute, with its powerful build and wolfish appearance, is a testament to strength and resilience. Bred for hauling heavy freight, this breed is known for its stamina and spirit.
Its thick, weather-resistant coat and bushy tail enhance its resemblance to a wolf, making it a striking companion.
The Malamute’s friendly and loyal disposition endears it to families, while its intelligence and independence make it a confident and capable working dog.
Tamaskan Dog
The Tamaskan Dog, known for its wolf-like appearance, combines beauty and brains in an extraordinary package. Bred to resemble wolves, this breed is both captivating and gentle.
With a thick, double coat and striking facial markings, the Tamaskan is a picture of elegance and strength. Its friendly, sociable nature makes it a wonderful family pet.
This breed’s intelligence and eagerness to please make it highly trainable, making it a versatile companion for those seeking both beauty and brains.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, a breed created by crossing German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves, is known for its striking wolf-like appearance. This breed is both intelligent and courageous, making it a formidable companion.
Its sleek, muscular body and expressive eyes contribute to its wild allure. The Wolfdog’s loyalty and strength make it a popular choice for various working roles.
Despite its wild origin, this breed forms strong bonds with its family, demonstrating both affection and protectiveness.
Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog, bred to capture the essence of a wolf, exudes both grace and strength. This breed is known for its independent nature and striking appearance.
With a coat that mimics the wild, the Saarloos Wolfdog is both mysterious and beautiful. Its loyalty and intelligence make it a unique companion for those who appreciate its wild roots.
Though reserved with strangers, this breed forms deep connections with its family, offering both companionship and protection.
Northern Inuit Dog
The Northern Inuit Dog, with its remarkable similarity to a wolf, has captured the imagination of many. This breed is gentle and sociable, making it a delightful companion.
With its thick coat and powerful build, the Northern Inuit Dog is both striking and robust. Its friendly nature and eagerness to engage make it a favorite among families.
Bred to resemble wolves, this breed’s intelligence and adaptability make it a versatile companion for those seeking a touch of the wild.
Utonagan
The Utonagan, named for its wolf-like appearance, offers both beauty and companionship. This breed is known for its gentle and friendly nature, making it a beloved family pet.
With its thick, plush coat and striking facial features, the Utonagan’s resemblance to a wolf is undeniable. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a versatile and engaging companion.
Bred for companionship, this breed’s adaptable nature and loving disposition make it a wonderful addition to any home.
Akita Inu
The Akita Inu, with its noble stature and wolfish features, is a breed of both beauty and strength. Known for its loyalty and courage, the Akita is a revered companion.
Its thick coat and dignified expression give it a commanding presence, reminiscent of its wild ancestry. The Akita’s intelligent and independent nature makes it a confident guardian.
Originally bred for hunting in Japan, this breed’s loyalty and devotion make it a cherished family member.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd, renowned for its intelligence and versatility, bears a striking resemblance to a wolf. Its strong build and keen senses make it a formidable working dog.
With a loyal and protective nature, the German Shepherd is a trusted companion and guardian. Its agility and strength enhance its wolfish allure.
Bred for various roles, from herding to law enforcement, this breed’s dedication and capability have earned it admiration worldwide.
Shikoku
The Shikoku, with its agile build and wolfish features, exudes both grace and strength. This rare Japanese breed is known for its loyalty and hunting prowess.
With a dense coat and alert expression, the Shikoku’s resemblance to a wolf is striking. Its independence and intelligence make it a unique and captivating companion.
Bred for hunting in mountainous regions, this breed’s endurance and determination are matched by its affectionate nature.
Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog, with its robust build and wolf-like appearance, is a testament to endurance and resilience. Bred for sled work, this breed is both strong and spirited.
Its thick, insulating coat and powerful frame give it a wild allure, making it a striking companion. The Greenland Dog’s friendly and loyal nature endears it to those who appreciate its working heritage.
This breed’s adaptability and strength make it a favored choice for those seeking adventure and companionship.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, with its wolfish appearance and sled-pulling prowess, is a symbol of strength and survival in Arctic climates. This breed is known for its resilience and vigor.
With a thick coat and expressive eyes, the Canadian Eskimo Dog’s resemblance to a wolf is remarkable. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a dedicated working companion.
Despite its tough exterior, this breed is affectionate and forms strong bonds with its family, offering both companionship and assistance.
Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund, with its short legs and wolf-like face, is a breed of charm and agility. Known for its herding skills, this breed is both energetic and intelligent.
Its pointed ears and bushy tail contribute to its wolfish allure, making it a captivating companion. The Vallhund’s playful nature and loyalty make it a popular choice for active families.
With roots tracing back to the Vikings, this breed’s history and versatility add to its appeal, making it a treasured pet.