This strange but true story happened to Ms. Wang, a woman from China, who unknowingly bought what she thought was a Japanese Spitz puppy. For months, she adored the little creature, only to discover later that it wasn’t a dog at all.
A Puppy That Wasn't
When Ms. Wang first brought home the “puppy,” it seemed like an ordinary, cute dog. However, after the animal reached three months old, something unusual began to happen. Its fur grew noticeably thicker, the shape of its face became sharper, and its tail elongated far beyond what she expected for a dog."The fur got thicker when it reached three months old. Its face became pointy, and the tail grew longer than that of a normal dog," Ms. Wang explained to a local Chinese media outlet. What puzzled Ms. Wang even more was the behavior of other dogs. They seemed fearful of her “puppy,” so she always had to keep it leashed whenever they went out for walks.
A Surprising Discovery
After months of caring for the animal and noticing more unusual traits, Ms. Wang decided to consult with experts. She took her beloved “dog” to a local zoo, hoping to get some clarity. The zoo staff were astonished when they saw what she was calling a pet dog. It turned out that Ms. Wang had been raising a fox all along.
Foxes Disguised as Puppies
While it might sound unbelievable, young foxes can sometimes resemble puppies, leading to such mistaken identities. As foxes grow, however, they develop distinct features, such as a pointed snout, bushier tails, and—most notably—a strong, unpleasant odor. This scent becomes more intense with age, making them difficult to keep as pets.Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon in some parts of Asia for foxes to be sold in pet stores under the guise of being dogs. Sellers may pass off foxes as rare or exotic dog breeds to fetch a higher price, misleading unsuspecting buyers.A Happy Ending for the Fox
Thankfully, the zoo agreed to take in the fox. It was placed in quarantine initially and later introduced to other animals, including foxes. Now, it’s thriving in a suitable environment, receiving the proper care and diet it needs.
A Puppy That Wasn'tWhen Ms. Wang first brought home the “puppy,” it seemed like an ordinary, cute dog. However, after the animal reached three months old, something unusual began to happen. Its fur grew noticeably thicker, the shape of its face became sharper, and its tail elongated far beyond what she expected for a dog."The fur got thicker when it reached three months old. Its face became pointy, and the tail grew longer than that of a normal dog," Ms. Wang explained to a local Chinese media outlet. What puzzled Ms. Wang even more was the behavior of other dogs. They seemed fearful of her “puppy,” so she always had to keep it leashed whenever they went out for walks.
A Surprising DiscoveryAfter months of caring for the animal and noticing more unusual traits, Ms. Wang decided to consult with experts. She took her beloved “dog” to a local zoo, hoping to get some clarity. The zoo staff were astonished when they saw what she was calling a pet dog. It turned out that Ms. Wang had been raising a fox all along.
Foxes Disguised as PuppiesWhile it might sound unbelievable, young foxes can sometimes resemble puppies, leading to such mistaken identities. As foxes grow, however, they develop distinct features, such as a pointed snout, bushier tails, and—most notably—a strong, unpleasant odor. This scent becomes more intense with age, making them difficult to keep as pets.Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon in some parts of Asia for foxes to be sold in pet stores under the guise of being dogs. Sellers may pass off foxes as rare or exotic dog breeds to fetch a higher price, misleading unsuspecting buyers.A Happy Ending for the Fox
Thankfully, the zoo agreed to take in the fox. It was placed in quarantine initially and later introduced to other animals, including foxes. Now, it’s thriving in a suitable environment, receiving the proper care and diet it needs.
