Dog vs. Fox: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 21, 2024
Dogs are domesticated mammals known for loyalty and companionship, while foxes are wild, cunning, and more solitary creatures.
Key Differences
Dogs vary widely in size and shape due to selective breeding, but generally have a muscular build and a keen sense of smell. Foxes are smaller, with pointed ears, bushy tails, and are known for their agility and quick movements.
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Jan 21, 2024
Dogs are known for their loyalty and trainability, often serving as companions, working animals, or in various service roles. Foxes are wild, elusive, and known for their cunning nature, typically avoiding human interaction.
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Jan 21, 2024
Dogs have adapted to live in various environments alongside humans, from rural to urban settings. Foxes prefer wilder areas, often inhabiting forests, deserts, or mountains, and are skilled at adapting to different ecosystems.
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While dogs are typically fed by their owners and can have varied diets, many retain hunting instincts. Foxes are omnivores, mostly hunting small mammals, birds, and insects, and are known for their stealthy hunting techniques.
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Jan 21, 2024
Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, with a deep bond formed with humans. Foxes, however, remain predominantly wild and are often featured in folklore and literature symbolizing cunning and intelligence.
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Jan 21, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Physical Appearance
Varies widely; larger, muscular build
Smaller, slender build with bushy tail
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Jan 21, 2024
Role in Human Society
Companions, workers, service animals
Symbolic in folklore, rarely domesticated
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Jan 21, 2024
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Dog and Fox Definitions
Dog
A dog can be a vigilant guardian, protecting homes.
The German Shepherd dog guarded the house diligently.
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Fox
A fox is a small, wild carnivore.
The red fox hunted for mice in the meadow.
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Dog
Dogs are loyal companions to humans.
She found great comfort in her dog's companionship during difficult times.
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Fox
Foxes are often associated with cunning behavior.
The fox cleverly evaded the hunters.
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Dog
Many dogs serve as working animals in various roles.
The rescue team's dog was essential in locating the missing hikers.
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Jan 03, 2024
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Fox
Foxes typically hunt alone.
Under the moonlight, the solitary fox stalked its prey.
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Dog
Dogs are trained as service animals for those with disabilities.
His service dog helps him navigate the city streets.
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Fox
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
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Dog
A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis familiaris syn. Canis lupus subsp. familiaris) occurring as a wide variety of breeds, many of which are traditionally used for hunting, herding, drawing sleds, and other tasks, and are kept as pets.
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Dog
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae, such as the dingo.
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Fox
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
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Dog
A male animal of the family Canidae, especially of a fox or a domesticated breed.
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Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
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Dog
Something of inferior or low quality
"The President had read the speech to some of his friends and they told him it was a dog" (John P. Roche).
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Dog
Any of various hooked or U-shaped metallic devices used for gripping or holding heavy objects.
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Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
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Dog
To track or trail persistently
"A stranger then is still dogging us" (Arthur Conan Doyle).
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Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
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Dog
To hold or fasten with a mechanical device
"Watertight doors and hatches were dropped into place and dogged down to give the ship full watertight integrity" (Tom Clancy).
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Dog
To be persistently or inescapably associated with
Questions about his youthful indiscretions dogged him throughout his career.
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Dog
To be recurrently or persistently in the mind; haunt
Despair dogged him in his final years.
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Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
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Dog
The species Canis familiaris (sometimes designated Canis lupus familiaris), domesticated for thousands of years and of highly variable appearance because of human breeding.
The dog barked all night long.
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Dog
Any member of the family Canidae, including domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, jackals, foxes, and their relatives extant and extinct; canid.
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Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
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Dog
The meat of this animal, eaten as food:
Did you know that in South Korea, they eat dog?
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Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
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Dog
(derogatory) Someone who is cowardly, worthless, or morally reprehensible.
Come back and fight, you dogs!
You dirty dog.
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Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
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Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
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Dog
Any of various mechanical devices for holding, gripping, or fastening something, particularly with a tooth-like projection.
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Dog
A click or pallet adapted to engage the teeth of a ratchet wheel, to restrain the back action.
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Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
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Dog
A metal support for logs in a fireplace.
The dogs were too hot to touch.
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Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
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Dog
A hot dog: a frankfurter, wiener, or similar sausage; or a sandwich made from this.
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Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
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Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
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Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
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Dog
(informal) Something that performs poorly.
That modification turned his Dodge hemi into a dog.
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Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
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Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
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Dog
(transitive) To follow in an annoying or harassing way.
The woman cursed him so that trouble would dog his every step.
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Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
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Dog
To fasten a hatch securely.
It is very important to dog down these hatches.
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Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
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Dog
To watch, or participate, in sexual activity in a public place.
I admit that I like to dog at my local country park.
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Dog
To intentionally restrict one's productivity as employee; to work at the slowest rate that goes unpunished.
A surprise inspection of the night shift found that some workers were dogging it.
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Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
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Fox
Alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
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Dog
A quadruped of the genus Canis, esp. the domestic dog (Canis familiaris).
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Dog
A mean, worthless fellow; a wretch.
What is thy servant, which is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?
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Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
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Dog
A fellow; - used humorously or contemptuously; as, a sly dog; a lazy dog.
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Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
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Dog
One of the two constellations, Canis Major and Canis Minor, or the Greater Dog and the Lesser Dog. Canis Major contains the Dog Star (Sirius).
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Fox
A member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
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Dog
A grappling iron, with a claw or claws, for fastening into wood or other heavy articles, for the purpose of raising or moving them.
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Fox
Deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
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Fox
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
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Dog
To hunt or track like a hound; to follow insidiously or indefatigably; to chase with a dog or dogs; to worry, as if by dogs; to hound with importunity.
I have been pursued, dogged, and waylaid.
Your sins will dog you, pursue you.
Eager ill-bred petitioners, who do not so properly supplicate as hunt the person whom they address to, dogging him from place to place, till they even extort an answer to their rude requests.
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Fox
Foxes frequently appear in folklore and myths.
In the story, the wise fox outsmarted the bear.
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Dog
A member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds;
The dog barked all night
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Fox
Foxes play a role in their ecosystems as predators.
The presence of the fox helps control the rodent population.
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Dog
A dull unattractive unpleasant girl or woman;
She got a reputation as a frump
She's a real dog
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Dog
A smooth-textured sausage of minced beef or pork usually smoked; often served on a bread roll
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Dog
A hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward
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Dog
Metal supports for logs in a fireplace;
The andirons were too hot to touch
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Dog
Go after with the intent to catch;
The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
The dog chased the rabbit
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Dog
Dogs are often showcased in competitions for their breed characteristics.
The Poodle was awarded best in show at the dog competition.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are foxes dangerous to humans?
Generally, foxes are not dangerous to humans and tend to avoid contact.
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Jan 21, 2024
Do foxes make good pets?
Foxes are wild animals and typically do not make good pets; they require specialized care and environments.
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Can dogs and foxes interbreed?
No, dogs and foxes cannot interbreed due to genetic differences.
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Do foxes hibernate in winter?
No, foxes do not hibernate but may reduce activity during extreme cold.
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How do dogs communicate?
Dogs communicate through body language, vocalizations, and scent markers.
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Can dogs eat the same food as humans?
Some human foods are safe for dogs, but their diet should be specifically tailored to their needs.
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Can foxes adapt to urban environments?
Yes, some fox species have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.
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Can dogs be trained to hunt foxes?
Historically, some dog breeds were trained for fox hunting, but this practice is now controversial and often illegal.
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What do foxes eat?
Foxes are omnivores, eating small mammals, birds, insects, and sometimes fruits and vegetables.
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Are foxes solitary animals?
Yes, foxes are generally solitary, though they may come together during mating season.
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What is the average lifespan of a fox?
In the wild, foxes live for about 3-4 years, but can live longer in captivity.
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How long have dogs been domesticated?
Dogs have been domesticated for at least 15,000 years, but possibly much longer.
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Jan 21, 2024
What role do foxes play in their ecosystems?
Foxes play a vital role as predators, helping control populations of rodents and other small animals.
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Are all dog breeds suitable for families with children?
While many dog breeds are great with children, it's important to consider the temperament and size of the dog.
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Do dogs have a strong sense of smell?
Yes, dogs have an extremely developed sense of smell, far superior to humans.
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What is the intelligence level of dogs compared to other animals?
Dogs are considered highly intelligent, with abilities to learn commands, solve problems, and understand emotions.
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Can all dogs swim?
While many dogs can swim, not all are good swimmers or enjoy water.
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Do foxes carry diseases?
Foxes can carry diseases like rabies, but the risk to humans is generally low.
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Are dogs colorblind?
Dogs are not completely colorblind, but they see a limited range of colors compared to humans.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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