hunting foxes
Originally domesticated from the smaller pack-hunting cherry foxes of central Zlora, Chereladian hunting foxes have been specially bred as hunting companions.
Additional Information
Social Structure
In the wild, cherry foxes live in family packs usually consisting of a parent couple and their kits, sometimes fully-grown. Due to territory issues, many adult foxes remain with their parents and postpone their own mating in favor of tending their siblings and protecting the family pack. In domesticated foxes, this is less common as kits are often sold upon weaning.
Domestication
Through the process of domestication, Zloran cherry foxes became more friendly to humans, more social with other foxes, and more intelligent overall. Hunting foxes sport thicker, fluffier coats than feral foxes and slightly rounder faces and muzzles, which tend to give them a "smiling" aspect. Additionally, domestication has developed a much wider variety of color morphs in hunting foxes, ranging from pale silver to dark russet and with additional patterning which includes dark "point" markings on face, paws and tail, wide swirling stripes similar to a marmalade tabby, white socks, white facial stripes and chest bibs, and the incredibly sought-after tricolor "calico" foxes.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Feral foxes are still hunted for their pelts in some areas of Zlora and Southern Chereladi. Mostly, hunting foxes are trained and used in hunting ground birds such as quail, ducks, and forest chickens. Some specialized breeds are also used in fishing salmon and perch. Many aristocratic farms and country estates keep hunting foxes to control the rodent population.
Average Intelligence
Domesticated foxes show a marked increase in intelligence in comparison to their wild siblings. Some breeds have been compared to herding dogs or the average intelligence of a human toddler.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Prone to ringworm, ear mites, mange mites, ticks and tick-borne illnesses such as encephalitis. Surprisingly resistant to fleas. Can become infected with rabies and encephalomyelitis. Prone to arthritis, especially in the spine.
Civilization and Culture
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Domesticated foxes have been bred to maintain positive associations with humans. Additionally, they get along well with cats, dogs, long-haired ferrets and other small domesticated animals. Smaller creatures such as mice, rats, and squirrels are seen as prey and often end up eaten, regardless of the rodents' status as a human pet.
Scientific Name
Vulpus vulpus
Lifespan
15-20 years
Average Height
15-22" tall
Average Weight
25-30 lbs
Average Length
30-45" long; tails 18-25"
Average Physique
Lean, rangy with medium-length, silky fur
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Cherry foxes in the wild are usually dark red or ginger with white tail-tips, black paws and black muzzles. Domestication has widened the color morphs for hunting foxes dramatically.
Geographic Distribution
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