Will Pet Foxes Get Along With Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Generally, get along well with dogs and cats

and often learn their habits. During the molting period (over the summer), the fox should have its hair brushed regularly. Of course, you might want to check if it's even legal to own a domesticated fox, in your state.

Do foxes get along with small dogs?

Even dogs that are close in size to a fox, say a 30-pound dog, for example, is too much hassle and danger for a fox to consider attacking. But

very small dogs, anything under 15 pounds, could be at risk

.

Do foxes mess with dogs?


They are rarely a threat to cats or dogs

. That said, they are predators, and they do like to eat mice and even rabbits, so it's conceivable that one could attack and kill a cat or small dog, but I think that would be incredibly rare, and I've never heard of such a thing happening.

Why do dogs hate foxes?

Foxes are usually smaller than dogs and have flatter skulls. They are also difficult to potty train, and they only live 2-4 years, compared to a dog's 10-14 years. Additionally, foxes are not nearly as affectionate towards humans as your loving Baxter. They also have a nasty scent, which is not appealing to dogs.

Do foxes like being pet?

Gray foxes are the calmest and friendliest fox species. Usually, most foxes are wary of strangers, however,

gray foxes are amiable and affectionate with most people

. Grays and most other foxes will never be truly housebroken, even though gray fox urine is not as pungent as other species.

What to do if you encounter a fox while walking your dog?


Back away slowly or take a wide circle around it to avoid disturbing the creature

. Keep a firm grip on your dog's leash and keep them as calm as possible.

Can foxes and dogs be friends?

Short answer:

no, they can't

. They simply don't have compatible parts. (Of course, that doesn't mean they can't be friends: witness Juniper the Fox and Moose the Dog, above). The longer answer to why dog-fox hybrids can't exist has to do with the two species having vastly different numbers of chromosomes.

Can you pet a fox?

From their sly personalities to their soft-looking fur, you may be tempted to get a fox of your own for a pet. The reality is they don't make great pets, and

in some states it is illegal to own one

. Foxes are wild animals, meaning they have not been domesticated.

What attracts foxes to your yard?

Some of the food they are likely to eat on your premises is

dog or cat food, deceased wildlife, chickens or other poultry if you have any or stuff in your garbage bins

. Also, if your garden has bird feeders, a pond or a fountain where birds gather often, then foxes are attracted to the birds and the water as well.

Are foxes good to have around?


They are not a threat to pets or people–as long as we don't artificially feed them and cause them to associate us with food and lose their natural caution around people

. Red fox kits are cute and curious. Photo by Rick Kramer via NWF Photo Contest.

Will a fox keep coming back?

While there's a chance it was just passing through, you're likely to see foxes return time and time again if: There's a water source such as a pond, fountain, swimming pool, puddles or a pet's water bowl. There's a food source such as bins, pet food or you're feeding other wildlife such as birds or hedgehogs.

Is a fox smarter than a dog?

Foxes are very smart in ways that matter: finding food, surviving in weather extremes, outwitting predators, protecting their young.

They're smarter than most, but not all, dog breeds

. Here's an example of their cleverness: There's a fox rescue organization that sometimes scatters slices of bread in a nearby field.

Do foxes play with dog toys?

Foxes are both inquisitive and very playful like dogs. This means they are not only scent mark objects that interest them but are also

quite likely to play with or chew them

.

How much would a pet fox cost?

The cost of a fox varies greatly. It can be

as little as $500 or as much as $6,000

. It's also important to keep in mind that this price is only for the animal itself.

Can you touch a fox?

Avoid getting too close to the fox.


It is going to have a natural instinct to run away if you attempt to touch or approach it

. Never approach a fox with its young offspring, they may attack to protect their young.

How long does a fox live?

Red fox: 3 – 4 years

Why do foxes scream?

Foxes scream and bark

to communicate with each other

. This becomes more common during mating season, which is at its peak in January. The most common reason that foxes scream is to attract a mate and during the mating process. Because of this, you are most likely to hear these screams during mating season.

What are foxes afraid of?

Foxes have a natural fear of

humans

and will usually run away as soon as they detect our presence. This is because in most cases foxes are far more scared of us than we are of them.

What to do if a fox follows you?

If you encounter a fox or coyote who does not immediately run away,

make some noise

. Yell, clap your hands, wave your arms, stomp your feet—make your presence felt, but do not approach or chase the animal. You can also carry a whistle, or other noisemaker when walking in known coyote or fox areas.

Is a fox more cat or dog?


Foxes are related to dogs and not cats

. The fox belongs to the Canidae family, shared by wolves, and dogs. However, they do have some interesting things in common with cats. Such as some foxes having vertical pupils, and the ability to climb trees.

Which dog looks most like a fox?


Shiba Inu

. Of all the dogs that look like foxes, the Shiba may be one of the most well-known. Made famous by “doge” meme, the Shiba Inu is the most popular companion dog breed in Japan.

What does it mean when a fox laughs?

So, why do foxes laugh? One owner says that domesticated foxes make the adorable noises

to mimic human sounds of happiness & excitement

.

Are foxes aggressive?

Foxes and Their Dangers

These wildlife pests are

not violent or aggressive

, but they may carry rabies and infectious parasites. On the whole, foxes are not dangerous and do not harm people unless threatened.

Do foxes bark?


Foxes also commonly bark

, which is generally used as another type of contact call to reach out to friends or rivals, Harris said. The bark sounds similar to that of a dog, except slightly higher pitched and sometimes shrill.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.