Discovering the world’s first fox hybrid dog

Unveiling the Discovery of the "Dogxim" or "Graxorra": A Unique Fox-Dog Hybrid in Brazil

The British newspaper Daily Mail shared a remarkable revelation on September 14, highlighting the confirmation of the existence of the first fox hybrid dog. This extraordinary creature, known as "dogxim" or "graxorra," was unearthed in the vast expanses of the Brazilian wilderness.

A Puzzling Encounter in 2021

In 2021, a peculiar incident unfolded when a fox hybrid dog was struck by a car. Promptly taken to a veterinarian, the enigma deepened as medical professionals struggled to discern its identity due to unusual physical traits.

The Unraveling of Genetic Secrets

Local scientists from multiple universities embarked on genetic analyses, unraveling the creature's unique lineage. Their revelations unveiled a fascinating heritage — the fox hybrid dog bore a genetic makeup comprising half dog and half fox. The maternal contributor was a prairie fox, while the paternal link traced back to an unidentified breed of domestic dog.

A Glimpse into the Hybrid's Traits

Researchers detailed that the fox hybrid dog, a female, possessed the physique of a medium-sized dog. Its distinct features included large pointed ears, an elongated muzzle, and a coat of thick, dark brown fur adorned with white and gray spots.

An Enigmatic Blend of Traits

While the fox-dog hybrid maintained a cautious distance from humans, it exhibited warmth, even allowing scientists to interact and pet it. The creature displayed a unique amalgamation of behaviors, encompassing traits of both dogs and foxes — from consuming live rodents to barking like a dog, occasionally engaging in playful antics with toys, all while moving with the grace of a fox.

A Bittersweet Conclusion

Tragically, the journey of the fox hybrid dog concluded earlier this year under mysterious circumstances. Scientists, uncertain about its reproductive capabilities, hold the belief that the creature could reproduce.

Insight from Conservationist Flávia Ferrari

Flávia Ferrari, an animal conservationist who encountered the fox-dog hybrid, shared her impressions with The Telegraph. Describing it as a captivating blend of a prairie fox and a dog, she highlighted its unique disposition — not entirely docile like domestic dogs, yet not overly aggressive like wild dogs. The creature exhibited shyness and caution, often preferring to keep a distance from humans.

Unprecedented Crossbreeding

Daily Mail reported this groundbreaking discovery as the first recorded instance of fox and dog crossbreeding. Genetic tests further unveiled that the fox hybrid possessed 76 chromosomes, merging the fox's 74 chromosomes with the dog's 78 chromosomes.

Potential for More Discoveries

Published in the journal Animals, the scientific team behind this revelation believes that more fox-dog hybrids, akin to the "dogxim," might exist in the wild. This discovery echoes historical instances where domestic dogs interbred with various wild species, including coyotes, wolves, and dingoes.