The first ever confirmed dog-fox hybrid, dubbed a 'dogxim', which was discovered in Brazil, has passed away from unspecified causes.
The unusual creature was initially found after being hit by a car in 2021 and taken to a hospital in Rio Grande do Sul.
Veterinarians were baffled by its appearance as they couldn't work out if the young female was a dog, or a fox.
‘Dogxim’ displayed characteristics that didn't align with either wild or domestic animals.
Following her discovery, scientists from local universities performed extensive genetic tests and determined she was half-half.
Further tests confirmed that it was indeed a crossbreed between a pampas fox and a domestic dog.
According to a study published in the journal Animals on August 3, 2023, this discovery marks the first documented case of hybridization between these two species.
Officials observed that she had an unusual mix of dog and fox characteristics— with large pointy ears, thick wiry fur and a long thin snout.
The creature refused food but ate live rodents, barked like a dog and sometimes played with toys, but moved like a fox.
Hybridization, whether it arises naturally or is induced by human activities, is observed in roughly 10 percent of animal species, particularly within closely related ones.
