In Brazil, the first documented hybrid between a dog and a fox was found.
A dog-fox hybrid, named ‘dogxim’, is found in Brazil after being involved in a car accident and subsequently brought to a veterinarian.
- The ‘doxim’ was characterized by its large, pointed ears, thick fur that was wiry in texture, and a long, slender snout.
- Scientists believe that the hybrid animal may have been able to reproduce
A dog-fox hybrid, known as a ‘dogxim’, has been discovered in Brazil, marking the first confirmed case of its kind.
In 2021, a car accident led to the discovery of an injured animal, which was then brought to a veterinary clinic. However, the staff faced difficulty in determining whether the creature was a dog or a fox.
Researchers from nearby universities conducted thorough genetic examinations and concluded that she had an equal genetic contribution from both her mother, a pampas fox, and her father, a domestic dog.
They observed she had an unusual mix of dog and fox characteristics, with large pointy ears, thick wiry fur and a long thin snout.
Despite her initial wariness towards humans, she eventually grew more comfortable with their presence and even permitted them to pet her.
Researchers noticed that she possessed a distinctive combination of traits resembling both dogs and foxes, including prominent pointed ears, dense coarse fur, and an elongated slender snout.
She declined to eat, but consumed live rodents instead. She emitted dog-like barks and occasionally engaged with toys, yet her movements resembled that of a fox.
Scientists believe that she may have had the ability to reproduce, although the exact cause of her death earlier this year remains unknown.
Flávia Ferrari, a conservationist that worked with the animal during her recovery, told The Telegraph: ‘She was an amazing animal, really a hybrid between a pampas fox and a dog.
When handled, it did not display the same level of docility as a dog, but it also did not exhibit the expected aggressiveness of a wild canid.
She possessed a reserved and careful demeanor, typically opting to keep her distance from others. Throughout her stay in the hospital for therapy, I believe she gradually began to experience a greater sense of security.
Researchers from nearby universities conducted thorough genetic examinations and concluded that she had an equal genetic contribution from both her parents – her mother being a pampas fox and her father being a domestic dog.
In 2021, a car accident led to the discovery of an injured animal, which was then brought to a veterinary clinic. However, the staff faced difficulty in determining whether the animal was a dog or a fox.
This is believed to be the initial documented case of a fox and dog reproducing together.
Genetic tests revealed she had 76 chromosones – a combination of the fox’s 74 and dog’s 78.
The team shared their discoveries in the Animals journal and speculate that there could be additional dog-like creatures in their natural habitat.
Domestic dogs have interbred before with wild species including coyotes, wolves and dingos.
