What is the female of fox?

The female of a fox is called a vixen.

In English grammar and animal classification, special terms are used to differentiate between male and female animals. For foxes, the male is simply called a “dog fox” or “reynard,” while the female is known as a “vixen.” The word comes from Old English “fyxen.”

Key facts about vixens

• Vixens are usually smaller and lighter than male foxes.
• They give birth to cubs or kits, usually in underground dens.
• They are responsible for nurturing and protecting their young during the first weeks.

Examples in sentences

• The vixen carefully guarded her cubs inside the den.
• A dog fox and a vixen work together to find food.

Other animal gender terms

Therefore, the female counterpart of a fox is specifically called a vixen, a term still used in zoology and literature.