A fox is a widespread member of the Canidae family, found across diverse habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. The specific name for an adult male fox is a “Dog Fox,” or simply a “Dog.” A less common, older term is a “Tod.” The female is known as a “Vixen,” and their young are called “Kits” or “Pups.”
Terminology and Physical Traits
The male fox possesses the typical slender, dog-like build, though generally smaller than other canids. His coat is commonly a reddish-orange color, featuring black legs and ear tips. The tail, known as the brush, is long, thick, and bushy, often ending in a distinctive white tip.
A mature Dog Fox has a head and body length ranging from 60 to 90 centimeters. The brush adds another 30 to 50 centimeters to his total length. A male Red Fox generally weighs between 4 and 8 kilograms, though some individuals can reach 10 kilograms or more.
Sexual Dimorphism
Foxes exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism, meaning the physical differences between the Dog Fox and the Vixen are subtle. Generally, the male is slightly larger and heavier than the female of the same species and region. This size difference typically results in the male weighing about 10% to 20% more than the female.
For example, an average adult male Red Fox may weigh around 6.5 kilograms, while a female might average 5.5 kilograms. Subtle differences in skull structure also exist, with males tending to have broader heads and thicker muzzles. However, distinguishing a Dog Fox from a Vixen in the wild based only on a visual sighting is difficult.
The Role of the Male Fox in Family Life
The Dog Fox plays an important role in the survival of his mate and offspring during the breeding and rearing season. After mating, which typically occurs in the winter, the male assists the pregnant Vixen in securing and preparing the den, often called an earth. He remains in the territory to defend the family unit against intruders and rival foxes, marking boundaries through scent.
For the first few weeks after the kits are born, the Vixen stays inside the den to nurse and warm the young. During this time, the Dog Fox becomes the sole provider of food for the entire family. He hunts continuously, bringing prey back to the den entrance for the Vixen, allowing her to dedicate her energy to the litter.
As the kits grow and begin to leave the den around four weeks of age, the male’s role shifts to a teacher. He continues to supply food, but he also engages in play and mock-hunting behaviors to help them develop foraging skills. This temporary partnership ensures the litter’s survival until the young foxes are old enough to disperse and establish their own territories.