Canadian Marble Fox: Your Questions Answered

Key Points:

• Marble foxes were bred by humans who have mated red and silver foxes together. The result is fox with thick, gorgeous white fur with streaks of gray, black, or tan. While they are sought after as exotic pets, many U.S. states don’t allow foxes to be kept as pets.
• To own a pet fox, you’d need to keep it in a large, enclosed outdoor pen with a roof and three-story tower. Foxes enjoy straw, dirt, and hiding places for playtime, as well as lots of attention.
•  Marble foxes don’t make for affectionate cuddle buddies, but do have personalities and are very independent. But if given the chance, they will run away, so a quality enclosure is a must.

What is a marble fox? Do they make good pets? Are marble Arctic foxes the same as marble foxes? A reader recently asked these questions, so we got to work and found the answers. You’ll soon be wondering, “Is a Canadian marble fox for sale?” Let’s dive in!

What Is a Marble Fox?

Marble foxes aren’t a naturally occurring species. Instead, they’re the offspring of red and silver foxes purposefully bred by humans. Other names for the animal include “Canadian marble fox,” and “Arctic marble fox.”

What Makes Them Special?

Primarily, it’s the fur — their thick, gorgeous, coveted fur. Secondly, they’re delightfully clever animals.

The feature that is most loved about the marble fox is the symmetrical dark pattern above their eyebrow and along their nose. Some marble foxes have black stripes that frame the sides of their face, and these are especially rare. The marble fox is bred for various blends of grey, black, and brown, like marble. They are also known for an exceptionally furry, pointy muzzle and large ears.

Beautiful Fur

As their name suggests, Canadian marble fox coats are reminiscent of stone marble: mostly white with delicate streaks of gray, black, or tan artistically woven throughout.

Scientifically speaking, their coloration is a genetic mutation known as a “color phase.” The highlight hue typically runs down the spine and across the face. Many look like they’re wearing old-fashioned burglar masks.

Cunning Intelligence

Their second calling card is intelligence. After all, there’s a reason we say “sly as a fox!” 

To keep them happy and healthy, use puzzles. If you’re lucky, they’ll spend time playing with the games instead of plotting ways to nab things from the house!

When Were Marble Foxes Created?

There is very little information on the history of the marble fox, other than a brief statement from the Fur Commission USA stating that the first hybrid marble fox was born in a litter on the Norwegian farm of a man named Sverre Omber in 1945. While details are unclear, as time passed some breeders took offspring and began selectively breeding them for the fur trade.

Do Marble Foxes Make Good Pets?

Foxes are popular “exotic pets,” but they’re illegal to keep in 35 states. If you’re looking for a “Canadian Marble Fox for Sale” sign in the window, you may need to move. Folks in the following jurisdictions can legally own foxes:

• Arkansas
• Florida
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Wyoming

But just because you can have a pet fox doesn’t mean you should have a pet fox.

Cautions

People with cats and small dogs shouldn’t get foxes. They get on like Hamilton and Burr — terribly! Never, never, ever put a kitten near a marble fox. Chickens are also untenable yard partners.

Needs

Before welcoming a marble fox into your home, do the research — and then do it again! Living with one is vastly different than living with a dog or cat. For instance, you don’t need a large, enclosed outdoor pen with a roof and three-story tower for the average family pet — but for a fox it’s a must. They enjoy straw, dirt, and hiding places for playtime as well. 

Activity and lots of attention are also on the marble fox must-have list. If these needs aren’t met, they will get destructive.

Bonding and Buying

The first six months are critical bonding times for foxes, and finding one as young as possible is best. It could mean the difference between a successful and fraught relationship. Foxes are typically born in April, so start contacting breeders in March. 

According to owners, talking to them incessantly during the baby bonding period goes a long way. They learn your voice, which strengthens the relationship.

Here’s another marble fox tip: never spend more than $600 on one!

Litter Training

Believe it or not, foxes can be litter trained. It will take much longer than it does for cats, who instinctively understand that “the sandbox is for peeing.” Prepare to work on it for months with marble foxes. But once they get it, they get it!

Marble Fox Nature

Spaying and neutering foxes is a good idea. However, unlike dogs and cats, they will continue to mark their territory post-procedure.

Another difference between traditional pets and foxes is predictability — or a lack thereof. We learn our dogs’ and cats’ patterns because they establish daily routines. Their reactions are uniform and predictable, which allows us to plan for their comfort and ours.

But marble Foxes — like all wild foxes — are famously unpredictable. One day they may respond positively to a given stimulus and reject it the next. 

Things to Understand Before Getting a Fox

1. If you’re in search of a cuddle buddy, marble foxes aren’t the answer. Yes, they have personalities — and are impressively independent — but they’re not super affectionate. Many don’t even like to be touched.
2. Even if they bond with you, foxes will run away if given the opportunity. As such, quality enclosures are essential.
3. Foxes cannot be punished like dogs and cats. Attempting to do so could end in disaster.
4. Scent sensitive? You may want to think twice about living with a marble fox. They smell way worse than dogs. Their stench is on par with skunk stank. 
5. Foxes like to dig and burrow in holes to escape the heat.

Meet Raven and McCoy at the B.C. Wildlife Park

In 2020, two marble foxes named Raven (female) and McCoy (Male) took up residence at the B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops, British Columbia after being rescued. The park was struggling financially due to the pandemic, but when it re-opened, the two marble foxes were a draw for locals and tourists, and drew 4,300 visitors that year. Below is a video showcasing the two handsome foxes!

Marble Fox FAQ

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Geoffrey Kuchera/Shutterstock.com