The world’s first known dog-fox hybrid known as a ‘dogxim’ is discovered in Brazil after being hit by a car and taken to the vet

The very first confirmed dog-fox hybrid, a so-called ‘dogxim’. has been found in Brazil.

The animal was discovered after being hit by a car and taken to a vet in 2021, but staff were unable to determine whether the young female was a dog or a fox.

Scientists from local universities conducted extensive genetic testing and determined that she was half-half: her mother was a pampas fox and her father a domestic dog.

They noticed that she had an unusual mix of dog and fox characteristics, with large pointed ears, thick, wiry fur and a long thin snout.

Although she was very wary of people, she warmed to them and even let them pet them.

She refused food but ate live rodents, she barked like a dog and sometimes played with toys but moved like a fox.

She died earlier this year of unknown causes, but scientists believe she may have been able to reproduce.

Flávia Ferrari, a conservationist who worked with the animal during her recovery, told The Telegraph: ‘She was an amazing animal, basically a hybrid between a pampas fox and a dog.

‘He wasn’t as docile as a dog, but he also lacked the aggressiveness you expect from a wild dog when you handle him.

‘She had a shy and cautious personality and generally preferred to stay away from people. “I think over the time she was in the hospital for treatment, she started to feel safer.”

This is believed to be the first recorded instance of fox and dog breeding.

Genetic testing showed she had 76 chromosomes – a combination of the fox’s 74 and the dog’s 78.

The team published their findings in the journal Animals and believe there may be more dogxims in the wild.

Domestic dogs have previously interbred with wild species, including coyotes, wolves and dingoes.