Thinking about getting a fox as a pet? The idea of a playful, intelligent, and somewhat exotic pet is certainly appealing. Foxes, with their captivating beauty and intriguing behaviors, have captured the hearts of many animal lovers. However, before you envision a fox lounging on your sofa, it’s crucial to understand that these are not your typical domesticated animals. Foxes are wild canids with specific needs and instincts that differ significantly from those of dogs or cats. If you’re seriously considering a Fox Pet, it’s essential to research different species to determine which, if any, might be a suitable fit for your lifestyle and home.
This guide explores various fox breeds that are sometimes kept as pets, delving into their characteristics, care requirements, and suitability as companion animals. We’ll cover popular choices like the Fennec Fox, alongside other species such as Red Foxes, Arctic Foxes, and more, to help you make an informed decision about whether a fox is the right pet for you.
Fennec Fox: The Popular Miniature Fox Pet
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-979550806-5c32e99146e0fb0001b9cd4f.jpg)
The Fennec Fox ( Vulpes zerda ) stands out as the most commonly kept fox pet. Their popularity stems from their small size, charming personalities, and relatively long lifespans. Bred in captivity across the United States, Fennec Foxes are more readily available than some other exotic fox species, though they still come with a significant price tag, often costing several thousand dollars.
Their diminutive stature, typically reaching only 12 to 16 inches in length and weighing a mere 2 to 4 pounds, makes them appealing to those seeking a smaller exotic pet. Fennec Foxes are known for their playful and inquisitive nature, often described as sweet and affectionate. However, it’s important to note they can be nippy, especially in households with young children or other smaller pets. Due to their delicate build as the world’s smallest fox breed, they require protection from boisterous housemates.
Fennec Foxes are also known for their diverse vocalizations, communicating through whimpers, growls, shrieks, wails, whines, barks, squeaks, and howls. Prospective owners should be prepared for a vocal pet.
Species Overview:
- Length: 12 to 16 inches
- Weight: 2 to 4 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Cream or fawn-colored long, thick fur; distinctively large, bat-like ears; hairy feet adapted for desert environments.
Red Fox: The Classic Wild Card as a Pet Fox
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1457920141-5c32e9d84cedfd00018895b7.jpg)
The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), while not as popular as the Fennec Fox in the pet trade, has its advocates who describe them as affectionate as house cats. However, it’s crucial to remember that Red Foxes are not domesticated animals and come with certain challenges.
One significant drawback is their potent urine odor, often considered the smelliest among fox breeds. While spaying or neutering can slightly mitigate the smell, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Red Foxes also have a natural instinct to dig and require ample space to satisfy this behavior. They need significantly more room for digging and play compared to smaller fox breeds.
A notable exception within the Red Fox species is the Silver Fox. Bred in Russia through a selective domestication program, Silver Foxes exhibit reduced urine odor and improved temperaments compared to their undomesticated counterparts.
Species Overview:
- Length: 36 to 42 inches
- Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Distinctive red fur across the face, back, sides, and tail; long snout with large, pointed ears; grayish-white throat, chin, and belly; black feet and ear tips; fluffy white-tipped tail.
Silver Fox (Domesticated): A Truly Tame Fox Pet Option
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-951107280-5c48fdd6c9e77c000187f787.jpg)
Often referred to as the tame Siberian fox, domesticated fox, or Sibfox, the Silver Fox is a unique case in the world of fox pets. Also classified as Vulpes vulpes, it is a color variation of the Red Fox, but decades of selective breeding in Russia have resulted in genuine domestication. These foxes exhibit genetic and behavioral differences from wild Red Foxes.
True domesticated Silver Foxes are exclusively available from Russia, making acquisition challenging and expensive, potentially costing up to $10,000. Their dog-like temperament is a key feature, displaying traits like tail-wagging when happy, barking, vocalization, and even floppy ears – behaviors intentionally bred into them. Care requirements for Silver Foxes are generally similar to other fox breeds. However, their significantly reduced odor and more docile nature make them a potentially “easier” fox pet for some owners compared to undomesticated varieties.
Species Overview:
- Length: 36 to 42 inches
- Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Black to bluish-gray or silver coat with a white-tipped tail; silver hairs often scattered throughout the coat; long snout with pointed ears.
Arctic Fox: The Cold-Weather Fox Pet with Specific Needs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-7172436351-5c32eb3d46e0fb00010dc7cb.jpg)
The Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) shares similarities with the Red Fox but is typically smaller and less frequently kept as a pet. Adapted to harsh Arctic climates, these foxes are highly sensitive to heat and can overheat more easily than other fox breeds. Owners must take precautions to keep them cool, especially in warmer climates.
Due to a limited gene pool in the US, Arctic Foxes in captivity can be prone to genetic issues from overbreeding. Like Red Foxes, Arctic Foxes are known for their strong-smelling urine and scent marking habits, making them less suitable for indoor living. Their love for digging and playing in dirt or sand can also turn litter boxes into play areas rather than designated bathrooms. Despite these challenges, Arctic Foxes can possess pleasant dispositions.
Species Overview:
- Length: 28 inches
- Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Seasonal coat variation: dark gray to brown or bluish-brown in summer, transitioning to a thick white or creamy white coat in winter; long, bushy tail; short nose; small, curled-back ears; short, sturdy legs.
Gray Fox: The Calm and Friendly American Fox Pet
Gray Foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were once the most prevalent fox species in the United States. While habitat loss and competition with Red Foxes have shifted their dominance, Gray Foxes are often considered the calmest and most amiable fox species. Unlike many foxes that are naturally wary of strangers, Gray Foxes tend to be more affectionate and accepting of people.
Despite their gentler nature, Gray Foxes, like most fox breeds, are not easily housebroken. While their urine is less pungent than some other species, they still exhibit digging and scent-marking behaviors, and can be destructive indoors, chewing and exploring with their mouths.
Species Overview:
- Length: 31 to 45 inches
- Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Peppery gray coat on top transitioning to reddish-brown on the sides, chest, and back of the head; reddish-colored legs and feet; long, bushy tail with a distinctive black stripe along the top; pointed ears and muzzle; long, hooked claws adapted for climbing.
Bat-Eared Fox: The Insect-Eating Specialist Fox Pet
Bat-Eared Foxes (Otocyon megalotis) are smaller, less common foxes in the pet trade, native to the African plains. Their diet in the wild is primarily insectivorous, with termites and dung beetles constituting a significant portion (around 80%) of their natural food intake. As pets, they can be fed a diet of meat and vegetables.
Bat-Eared Foxes have been successfully kept indoors by some owners. However, like other fox species, they require secure, escape-proof enclosures due to their digging and scent-marking tendencies.
Species Overview:
- Length: 18 to 26 inches
- Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Remarkably large ears, disproportionate to their head size; yellowish-gray coat; black face and legs; black-tipped ears and tail.
Swift Fox: The Gentle and Quiet Grassland Fox Pet
Swift Foxes (Vulpes velox) originate from the North American grasslands and are small fox species that are rarely encountered in the exotic pet trade. They are known for their loving temperaments and are generally less vocal and energetic than Fennec Foxes. Some anecdotal evidence suggests they may be easier to litter train compared to other fox breeds.
Swift Foxes are omnivores, with a diet that includes grasses, fruits, small mammals, carrion, and insects. In the wild, their lifespan is relatively short, around 6 years, but in captivity as pets, they can live up to 14 years.
Species Overview:
- Length: 31 inches
- Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Dark, grayish-tan coat coloration extending to a yellowish-tan on the sides and legs; pale yellow to white throat, chest, and belly; black-tipped tail; black patches on the muzzle; large ears.
Kit Fox: The Inquisitive and Bonded Desert Fox Pet
The Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis) is closely related to the Swift Fox and shares a similar size. Native to southwestern North America, Kit Foxes are naturally curious animals with less fear of humans, often forming strong bonds with their owners.
In the wild, they are omnivores. As pets, their diet should consist of a combination of high-quality, protein-rich dog food, supplemented with cooked or raw meats, vegetables, and fruits for dietary variety. Enrichment can be provided through special treats like hidden crickets or mealworms to stimulate their natural foraging instincts.
Kit Foxes are typically quiet, vocalizing infrequently with low barks or growls. They are considered one of the easier fox species to litter or potty pad train. Being natural climbers, providing a cat tree or cat condo is recommended, along with a sandbox to allow for their digging behavior.
Species Overview:
- Length: 12 to 20 inches
- Weight: 3 to 6 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Large ears; grayish-orange topcoat with a white underbelly; black-tipped tail.
Pale Fox (Pallid Fox): The Low-Odor Desert Native Fox Pet
The Pale Fox (Vulpes pallida), hailing from the Sahara Desert, is another rare find in the exotic pet trade. Acquiring one usually involves importation and can be costly, potentially exceeding $4,000. Pale Foxes are known for being a low-odor species, easier to train than Fennec Foxes, and possessing a friendly disposition.
However, like Fennec Foxes, they tend to be vocal and produce loud, high-pitched screeches.
Species Overview:
- Length: 15 to 17 inches
- Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Pale, sandy-colored coat; whitish underbelly; long-bodied with relatively short legs; narrow muzzle; long, rounded ears at the top; bushy, black-tipped tail.
Corsac Fox: The Potty-Trainable Steppe Fox Pet
Corsac Foxes (Vulpes corsac) originate from the steppes of northern Asia. While not commonly kept as pets in the U.S., they are more frequently found as pets in the U.K. Their behavior, care needs, and appearance are often compared to Swift Foxes.
Corsac Foxes are notably easier to potty train than most fox species. However, they still exhibit scent marking, and their urine can be pungent. Regular bathing is necessary to manage coat odor. If kept indoors, providing a climbing structure is recommended. Owners should be prepared for a significant coat shedding period once a year in the spring.
Species Overview:
- Height: 19 to 24 inches
- Weight: Approximately 6 pounds
- Physical Characteristics: Thick, soft gray coat with silvery tones and a whitish underside; black-tipped tail.
Conclusion: Is a Fox Pet Right for You?
Choosing a fox as a pet is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. While certain species like Fennec Foxes and domesticated Silver Foxes are more commonly kept and may be better suited to a captive environment than others, all foxes retain their wild instincts. They demand specialized care, secure enclosures, and owners prepared for unique challenges such as scent marking, digging, and specific dietary needs.
Before welcoming a fox into your home, thoroughly research local regulations regarding exotic pet ownership, and ensure you can provide the appropriate environment and commitment for these fascinating, but not fully domesticated, animals. Consider connecting with experienced fox owners or breeders to gain firsthand insights and determine if you are truly prepared for the responsibilities of fox pet ownership.
