Brasilia, October 17: Brazilian researchers have confirmed the discovery of the world’s first recorded dog-fox hybrid, dubbed the ‘dogxim.’ Found in 2021 after being struck by a car, the animal was brought to the veterinary hospital at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Initially, veterinarians were baffled, unable to determine whether the injured creature was a domestic dog or a wild fox, leading them to pursue genetic testing.

Mirror reported that the long-awaited test results, released this year, revealed that the ‘dogxim’ was indeed a hybrid, combining traits from both species. With its sharp muzzle, dense coat, and large pointy ears, the animal exhibited a striking mix of physical features. It barked like a dog and played with toys, yet preferred live prey and remained wary of humans, showcasing behaviors from both wild and domestic environments. Dogxim Dies: World’s First Dog-Fox Hybrid, Discovered Accidentally After Car Accident in 2021, Passes Away; Probe Launched to Ascertain Cause of Death.

Dog-Fox Hybrid in Brazil

The animal was thought to be the offspring of a pampas fox and an unknown breed of domestic dog. It possessed 76 chromosomes, a genetic mix of fox and dog DNA. Scientists are now speculating that other such hybrids may exist in the wild. US Dog Attack: Family's 'Pet' Wolf-Hybrid Takes Life of Three-Month-Old in Alabama, Probe On.

Animal conservationist Flavia Ferrari, who closely observed the creature, described it as “not as docile as a dog, but lacking the aggression of a wild fox.” Though the animal grew more comfortable around humans during its hospital stay, it passed away earlier this year due to unknown causes.

The findings were published in the journal Animals, marking the first documented hybridisation between a wild canid species and a domestic dog. Researchers hope that this discovery will prompt further study into other potential dog-fox hybrids. The case sheds light on the unexpected genetic combinations that can emerge between species previously thought to be incapable of breeding.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2024 03:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).