The fox hybrid dog was discovered after being hit by a car and was taken to the vet in 2021. However, at the time, medical staff could not determine whether it was a dog or a fox due to its physical characteristics. unusual.
Scientists from several local universities conducted genetic analysis and determined that the animal had half dog and fox blood. The mother is a prairie fox, the father is a domestic dog of unknown breed.
The first fox hybrid dog was found in Brazil. Photo: Daily Mail
According to researchers, the fox is a female hybrid dog, whose size is similar to a medium-sized dog. The animal has an unusual mix of dog and fox characteristics, with large pointed ears, a long snout, and dark brown fur with white and brown spots.
Although very wary of humans, the fox-dog hybrid is very warm-hearted, allowing even scientists to pet him.
Fox hybrids have behaviors and characteristics of both dog and fox, such as eating live rodents, barking like a dog and sometimes playing with toys, but moving like a fox.
Earlier this year, the fox hybrid dog died of unknown causes. Scientists are not sure whether the animal can reproduce, but they believe it can.
The fox-hybrid dog is shy and cautious. Photo: Daily Mail
Mr Flavia Ferrari, an animal protectionist who once came into contact with a fox hybrid dog, told the newspaper Wire: “It is a wonderful animal, actually a cross between a prairie fox and a dog. It is not docile like a domestic dog, but also not aggressive like a wild dog. It is shy and cautious, often shy of people. Prefers to stay away. After being hospitalized for treatment, I think the fox hybrid dog is beginning to feel more secure.”
theo daily MailThis is believed to be the first recorded case of fox and dog breeding. Genetic tests revealed that the fox hybrid had 76 chromosomes – a combination of the fox’s 74 chromosomes and the dog’s 78 chromosomes.
The team published its findings in the journal animals (animal) and he believes that there may be many fox-dog hybrids (dogxim) in the wild. In the past, domestic dogs have interbred with wild species including coyotes (North America), wolves, and dingoes.
