Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are a widespread and adaptable species, recognized for their distinctive appearance and ability to thrive in diverse environments across the Northern Hemisphere. These canids are the largest among the “true foxes,” a group within the dog family.
Typical Red Fox Dimensions
Red foxes exhibit a range of sizes, but general averages provide insight into their typical dimensions. An adult red fox usually has a head-to-rump body length ranging from 45 to 90 centimeters (1.5 to 3 feet). Their bushy tail, or brush, adds 30 to 50 centimeters (1 to 1.6 feet).
At the shoulder, red foxes typically stand between 35 to 46 centimeters (14 to 18 inches) tall. Their weight can vary considerably, with a global range of approximately 3 to 14 kilograms (6.6 to 30.8 pounds). Red foxes possess a relatively light build.
Factors Affecting Size
Several factors influence the physical size of individual red foxes, leading to observable variations across their broad distribution. Geographic location and climate play a significant role, with foxes in colder, more northern regions generally being larger than those in warmer, southern areas. This pattern, known as Bergmann’s Rule, suggests that larger body sizes in colder environments help conserve heat more effectively. For instance, Scandinavian and British foxes tend to be larger than those found in North America or southern deserts.
Another influence on size is sex, as red foxes exhibit sexual dimorphism. Male foxes, known as dogs, are consistently larger and heavier than female foxes, called vixens. Male foxes can weigh approximately 17% more than females on average. Furthermore, an individual fox’s diet and overall health throughout its life can impact its growth and final dimensions. Access to abundant food resources can contribute to larger body sizes.
Comparing Red Fox Size
To better understand the size of a red fox, it can be helpful to compare them to more familiar animals. Red foxes are often described as being similar in size to a large domestic cat, though they can appear larger due to their thick fur. A typical domestic cat weighs between 3.6 to 4.5 kilograms (8 to 10 pounds), while red foxes generally fall within a slightly higher weight range. They are comparable in height and weight to small-to-medium dog breeds, such as a Boston terrier or a cocker spaniel.
When compared to other wild canids in their habitats, red foxes are notably smaller than coyotes, which can weigh between 13.6 to 22.7 kilograms (30 to 50 pounds) and stand over 60 centimeters (2 feet) tall. Conversely, red foxes are larger than smaller fox species like the swift fox, which typically weighs only 2.3 to 3.2 kilograms (5 to 7 pounds) and is roughly the size of a domestic cat. Red foxes are medium-sized carnivores.