Bringing home a new dog is supposed to be a happy, well-researched decision. For a woman in China, it became a very different story. The fluffy “Japanese Spitz” she bought from a pet store reportedly turned out to be a fox, and she only found out after months of caring for it. The tale is surprising, but some of its details are worth treating with caution.
The “Puppy” That Kept Changing
According to reports citing Animal Channel and a Chinese media outlet, a woman identified only as Ms. Wang bought what the store described as a Japanese Spitz, a small, fluffy dog breed (Canis lupus familiaris). For the first few weeks, the animal looked like a typical cute puppy, and she raised it as one.
Around three months of age, things started to change. She said the fur grew thicker, the face became pointed and the tail grew longer than a normal dog’s. Other dogs also seemed afraid of it, so she kept it on a leash whenever they went outside.
The Zoo Visit That Revealed the Truth
Unsure what she was actually raising, she took the animal to a local zoo for advice. Staff were reportedly shocked to see it being walked on a leash like a pet, because they recognized it at once: it was a fox.
Why Fox Pups Can Pass for Puppies
Young fox pups can look a lot like small dog puppies, especially fluffy ones. As they mature, the differences become hard to hide. The report points to smell as the biggest giveaway, since it gets stronger with age. Foxes also grow the narrow snout and long, bushy tail that set them apart from most dogs.
Where the Fox Is Now
The zoo agreed to take the animal in. It was quarantined first and then slowly introduced to other animals, including other foxes. According to the report, it now lives in an environment suited to its needs and eats a proper diet.
What the Report Doesn’t Confirm
Several details are missing or unverified:
- The story names no date, city or full name, and it comes from a single outlet quoting Chinese media.
- The claim that foxes are common in Asia and that some stores sell them as dogs to make a profit is made in the report, but it isn’t independently confirmed here.
- The report doesn’t say which species of fox it was.
So it’s best read as an interesting cautionary tale, not as proof of how widespread this kind of trade is.
Foxes Are Wild Animals, Not Pets
Foxes are related to dogs, but they were never domesticated the way dogs were. They are shy, nocturnal, strong diggers and hard to train, and an adult fox’s musky scent is difficult to live with at home. Their diet and veterinary needs also differ from a dog’s, so ordinary dog care isn’t a substitute. Laws on keeping wild animals vary by country and region, and in many places it requires a permit or is banned. Animals sold illegally as pets can also be taken from the wild or bred in poor conditions, which is one more reason to be cautious.
How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Pet
- Buy from licensed breeders or shelters. Ask to see the puppy’s parents and where it was raised.
- Ask for vet records. A real puppy should come with proof of puppy vaccinations.
- Book a vet check right away. A vet can confirm the species and check overall health.
- Get a microchip. A pet microchip helps prove ownership and identify a lost animal.
- Consider pet insurance. Pet insurance can help with unexpected vet bills for new pets.
- Be wary of suspiciously cheap deals. Vague answers about where the animal came from are a red flag.
Support Wildlife and Responsible Pet Care
If this story interests you, here are a few ways to help animals:
- Support wildlife rescue. Compare wildlife rescue donations and animal sanctuary sponsorships.
- Adopt responsibly. Browse animal shelter adoption options before buying from a store.
- Prepare for a new pet. Look into dog training classes, pet-safe cleaning products and dog food subscriptions.
- Visit zoos and rescue centers. Compare zoo tickets and wildlife park tours that support animal care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the woman think she bought? A Japanese Spitz puppy, a fluffy dog breed.
How did she find out it was a fox? The animal’s fur, face and tail changed as it grew, and zoo staff identified it as a fox.
Can foxes be kept as pets? They are wild animals, and legal rules vary widely. Many places restrict or ban keeping them without a permit.
What happened to the fox? A zoo took it in, quarantined it, and then introduced it to other animals.
Sources: Animal Channel and a Chinese media outlet, as reported in an English-language news article about a woman in China who bought a fox sold as a Japanese Spitz puppy.
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