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Foxes are amazing creatures that can be found in most corners of the world. Many foxes live in areas that are fairly close to humans, which means that some will come into contact with domestic dogs at some point. Because of this, one wonders what would happen if a fox mates with a domestic dog.
Although we can imagine how beautiful the combination of fox and dog would be, they cannot reproduce successfully. We want to make sure you understand why foxes cannot be bred from domestic dogs, so let’s dive into all the details below!
Are domestic dogs and foxes related?
Some dogs bear a striking resemblance to foxes, leading many to wonder if they are related in some form. Although they are completely different species, dogs and foxes both belong to the family Canidae. Other members of the canidae family include wolves, coyotes, wild dogs, and even jackals.
While dogs and foxes may belong to the same family, they do not belong to the same genus. Dogs are of the Canis type, while most foxes are of the Vulpes type. Even though foxes belong to one of the breeds that do not belong to the Vulpes type, they still belong to a different genus than dogs.
Can dogs mate with foxes? If not, why?
As we said above, it is impossible for a domestic dog to breed with a fox. We want you to be educated as much as possible on this topic, so let’s break down the reasons why you can’t have dogs and foxes.
their DNA is not compatible
As we mentioned above, both foxes and dogs belong to the family Canidae, but they are not in the same genus. Therefore, they do not have enough identical chromosomes or genetic material to reproduce successfully. Two species need at least the same genus to reproduce successfully, but other genetic factors must also be compatible. Overall, there are many genetic reasons why foxes and domestic dogs don’t interbreed.
It may be dangerous
Trying to breed foxes from domestic dogs is dangerous, even if their DNA is incompatible. Even though foxes have been kept in captivity, foxes are still wild animals and less predictable than their domestic canine friends. Foxes can seriously injure your pup during breeding, so you should not put your dog in this situation.
There are rumors that Chihuahuas are related to foxes, is this true?
At some point, rumors began to circulate that chihuahuas were related to fennec foxes. This may be due to the similarity in their appearance, as well as the small stature of the fennec fox. While the two may seem similar, there is no science to support this claim. Just like other types of dogs, Chihuahuas and foxes have vastly different DNA.
What happens if my dog mates with a fox?
While this is rare, the chances of you accidentally finding your dog trying to mate with a fox are slim. If this does happen, you may be wondering what it means for your dog. Simply put, nothing happens in this case. Foxes and dogs cannot reproduce successfully, so cannot get pregnant as a result. The most likely complications you need to be aware of are any injuries from their interaction, and any subsequent wound infection that may develop as a result.
Are there any fox hybrids?
While it is impossible to have a dog and fox hybrid, there are different types of fox hybrids. This is due to different species of foxes coming into contact with each other to breed, and even breeding different species of foxes in captivity. Since most fox types belong to the genus Vulpes, they share the necessary similarities to create viable young.
final thoughts
A dog and fox hybrid can be an amazing creature, but unfortunately, they cannot be successfully bred. Their DNA is too different to interbreed, so the breeding process is fruitless. We encourage you to check out the details we discussed above on why dogs and foxes can’t reproduce so you can learn as much as possible about the subject.
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.