The Difference between Foxes and Hounds

Whilst the Fox & Hounds ‘pub’ is a happy place, a fox and hounds ‘hunt’ is an abhorrently unfair pursuit and very unhappy occasion. No wonder it takes a multitude of hounds to trap a single fox. Foxes are incredibly smart. Although foxes and domestic canines stem from the same genetic pool or tribe ‘canis genera’, there are some distinct differences. The species began to separate more than 7 million years ago.

Visual differences are apparent such as a fox’s generally smaller and lighter body. The bushy tail and long snout are the first things we notice. The fox has approximately 30 species of which 12 are ‘vulpes’ whilst domestic canines have close to 500 breeds. Foxes have differing dietary and exercise requirements, are very pungent on the nostrils in comparison with dogs. Training wise they are much more cautious of humans than our domestic breeds and have seldom conformed to requested behaviours. Foxes are famous for their intelligence and cunning whilst your dog will better known his loyalty and preparedness to be your companion.

Although foxes and domestic dogs have been known on rare occasion to make friends with each other (and some dogs even look similar to a fox) the two cannot cross breed. If you are drawn to the beauty of a fox then take an admiring look and move on. Respect the wild in this animal and do not attempt to take one as a pet.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)