The fox-dog hybrid was discovered after being hit by a car and taken to a veterinarian in 2021. However, at that time, medical staff could not determine whether it was a dog or a fox due to its unusual physical characteristics.
Scientists from several local universities conducted genetic analysis and determined that the animal was half dog and half fox. The mother was a prairie fox, the father was a domestic dog of unknown breed.
The first fox-dog hybrid was found in Brazil. Photo: Daily Mail
The fox-dog hybrid is female, and resembles a medium-sized dog, according to researchers. The animal has an unusual mix of dog and fox features, with large pointed ears, a long muzzle, and a thick, dark brown coat with white and gray spots.
Although very wary of humans, the fox-dog hybrid was very affectionate, even allowing scientists to pet it.
The fox dog hybrid has behaviors and characteristics of both dogs and foxes, such as eating live rodents, barking like a dog, and occasionally playing with toys, but moves like a fox.
Earlier this year, the fox-dog hybrid died of unknown causes. Scientists are not sure if the animal was able to reproduce, but they believe it could.
The fox terrier is shy and cautious. Photo: Daily Mail
"It's a wonderful animal, really a cross between a prairie fox and a dog," Flávia Ferrari, a conservationist who has been in contact with the fox, told The Telegraph . "It's not as docile as a domestic dog but it's not as aggressive as a wild dog. It's shy and cautious, and it usually likes to stay away from people. After being in hospital for a while, I think the fox started to feel safer."
According to the Daily Mail , this is believed to be the first recorded case of a fox and a dog breeding. Genetic tests showed that the fox hybrid dog had 76 chromosomes - a combination of 74 fox chromosomes and 78 dog chromosomes.
The team, who published their findings in the journal Animals , believe there may be more dogxims in the wild. Domestic dogs have previously bred with wild species including coyotes, wolves and dingoes.
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