Understanding Hybridization Through Foxes and Dogs - Can the Two Mate?
There is no denying the cuteness of a puppy and a baby fox. And as per the common opinion, crossbreeding the two after they grow up may result in a more adorable hybrid.
Unfortunately, as enticing as that may sound, that is not feasible. The primary reason lies in their biological differences. Also, the two species are far apart from each other in many other regards.
Let us get into the facts as to why the two can never interbreed.
Do Dogs and Foxes Have Anything in Common?
The two creatures come from the same family of Canidae. Apart from that, certain dogs do resemble foxes in some way or the other. Here are a few examples:
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Finnish Spitz
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Canaan Dog
- Shiba Inu
- Schipperke
- Basenji
- Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever (bred to look like foxes).
However, the similarity ends with their superficial resemblance. And this is not enough when it comes to crossbreeding the two of them.
Why Can’t Dogs Mate with Foxes?
There is a lot separating the two animals. The following are some of the most common reasons why the two can’t reproduce.
Their DNA Is Incompatible
For both species to breed with one another, they need to be closely related. They must, for example, have the same number of chromosomes and a similar genetic pattern.
In the case of the fox and the dog, the two, despite being members of the same family, have taken distinct paths of evolution several million years ago.
The difference in the count of chromosomes present in them is vast. A dog has 2n=78 of them, almost twice that of a red fox, which has only 2n=34 (additionally, 3–5 micro-chromosomes.)
As per the other fox breeds, the Bengal counterpart has 60 chromosomes while the fennec one has 64.
As a result, the probability of a hybrid between the two separated kins is quite remote.
Different Lifespan
The disparity in the number of years both the species survive is another factor why the two cannot mate. The average time a fox survives in the wild is around 2–6 years, while a domestic dog can live between 10 to 13 years.
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Note: The foxes in captivity can stay alive for up to 14 years.
Distinct Behavior
The personalities of a dog and that of a fox are very different. The former is typically amiable, devoted, and enjoys being around people. As a result, domesticating and training them is simple.
Foxes, on the other hand, are wild by nature. They are reclusive beings that despise meeting new people.
While they love their own family, you don’t see them being compatible with other pets, dogs included. This further reinstates the near impossibility of a hybrid.
House Training Foxes Is Tough
Here are some valid reasons to support the statement.
- Foxes tend to bite often when they see unknown faces around, so unlike dogs, they do not share a reputation of being good pets.
- The pee of this wild animal is described as a million times worse than that of a cat. The odor is extremely pungent. So, it is better to keep them as far from your home as possible.
- Besides smelly urine, foxes themselves stink a lot, and there is hardly any way to better that.
- It should also be noted that it is illegal to pet foxes in many regions.
So, even if the prospect of a hybrid emerges in the future, we need to consider that the baby will retain many character traits of the fox. This will defeat the very purpose of crossbreeding, which is to produce offspring that are superior to their parents.
Hence, once again, interbreeding between the two is questionable.
Mismatched Structure
The difference in size has not stopped domestic dogs from producing smaller hybrids. The Dachshund-Labrador mixes are proof of that.
However, in this case, foxes are way smaller in comparison to most average domesticated dogs. Therefore, natural reproduction between the two species is highly unlikely.
Did Dog-Fox Hybrids Ever Live?
We have all heard the tales of the existence of Dog-Fox mixes popularly termed as “dox.” In fact, this topic has been a matter of discussion since time immemorial.
It was said that Aristotle believed the ancient breed “Laconian Hound” to be a blend of both species. Similarly, Xenophon mentioned the Vulpine (on Hunting, iii), which was again stated as the product of crossbreeding between the two.
Some even claimed that they have been successful in producing offspring by interbreeding them. However, all of this information was never scientifically backed and hence holds no truth.
Can Dogs and Foxes Mate with Other Members of Canidae?
It's been only 40 thousand years since dogs have diverted from their nearest cousins. Domestication began approximately 30,000 years ago. Hence, hybridization between them and some of their non-domesticated kins is possible.
For example, crossbreeding can occur with the grey wolfs. They both are related to one another, thanks to the equal number of chromosomes and a comparable gene arrangement.
Dogs have also mated with other wild Canines which include dhole, coyote, and dingo. The mixes may be a result of deliberate interbreeding or may have occurred when stray ones met their untamed kins.
Foxes, on the other hand, separated from the wolf family more than 10 million years ago. Since then, their genetic composition has changed and today, they are the most dispersed member of the Canidae group. Their lineage comes from various regions and continents.
Moreover, they are extremely shy, and it is hard for them to trust and bond with the other species. Hence, crossbreeding is not happening anytime soon.
Conclusion
Foxes and dogs have gone completely separate ways in terms of evolution. They are not only genetically distinct but also have opposing habits, mating patterns, and lifestyles. So, no matter how much we try, it is not possible to create a hybrid.
Hence, it is better we leave them to their own lives and try not to upset the balance.
