In Great Britain, historical observations and accounts suggest the existence of three distinct types of foxes: the Highland fox, the Lowland fox, and the Urban fox. These types differ in their physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviours, although environmental changes and interbreeding have blurred some distinctions over time.
Highland Foxes
Highland foxes, often referred to as "Greyhound", ("Milgi" in Welsh) "Mountain" or "Fell" foxes, are found in remote, elevated regions across the UK, including the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, and Dartmoor. The first recorded registration of greyhound dogs in the UK was in 1882 in The Greyhound Stud Book.
This group also includes the "Lakeland Fox" and the "Hill Fox". These foxes share similarities with Scandinavian foxes, suggesting a possible historical or genetic link shaped by similar environments and evolutionary pressures.
Physical Characteristics:
Large, lean, and wolf-like, with long limbs and a noble appearance.
Typically more grey in colour, blending well with the rocky, mountainous landscape.
Exceptionally fit and capable of covering great distances, resembling the stamina and agility observed in Scandinavian foxes.
Historically Reported Behaviour:
Found in remote, craggy highland regions, such as rugged mountains and fell areas.
Adapted to harsh terrains, they prey on hill lambs, grouse, and even full-grown sheep.
Known to cover significant distances during nightly movements, sometimes traversing 50-100 miles in challenging terrain.
In times of scarcity, they may descend into lowland woods in search of prey but usually raise their young in secluded dens, often situated in inaccessible mountain ravines.
Can reach lengths of 5 ft and weights of 20 lbs.
Connections to Scandinavian Foxes:
Historical accounts describe Highland foxes as resembling Scandinavian foxes in both stature and behaviour, with similar adaptability to cold and rugged environments.
This link suggests that both populations share ancestral traits or may have intermingled in ancient times, further enhancing their survival capabilities in demanding landscapes.
Lowland Foxes
Lowland foxes, also called "Cur Foxes," "Terrier Foxes" or "Corgi Foxes" ("Corgi" being Welsh for "Dwarf Dog"), are commonly found in the southern and central parts of England, particularly in rural farmlands, hedgerows, and near villages.
The term is believed to be derived from the Old Norse Kurra, meaning 'to grumble or growl'. Later, being applied to mixed breed dogs.
Physical Characteristics:
Smaller and less robust than Highland foxes, with a furtive demeanour.
Often characterised by a bushier tail than Mastiff foxes, which can sometime be described as tipped with black.
Their smaller size and darker coat are well-suited to life in lowland environments.
Historically Reported Behaviour:
Found in lowland areas, especially near farmland, villages, and suburban edges.
Opportunistic hunters, preying on poultry, small livestock, and scavenging from human settlements.
Less bold than Highland foxes, they are often seen skulking around hedgerows and farmyards.
Highly adaptable, thriving in various environments despite their smaller stature.
The “Corgi fox" reference in Bridgerton
In the modern TV series, Bridgerton - Season 2, a 'corgi' dog appears, prompting discussions about historical accuracy. The confusion arises from the term 'corgi,' which originally referred to a small variety of fox, the 'corgi fox' or 'cur fox,' a name used by Welsh naturalists like Thomas Pennant in the 18th century.
It was later popularised by figures like H. D Richardson, as seen in his article in the New Sporting Magazine, who attempted to raise these foxes in a tame environment to attempt breeding experiments with dogs. This fox sometimes sported a black-tipped tail, and was known for its predation on poultry.
The term 'corgi' in relation to the dog breed only became established much later, with the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeds being first recognized by the Kennel Club in 1925, after the fox species had already been referenced by these early naturalists. We can only presume if it was a breed of dog deliberately bred to look like these foxes.
Urban Foxes
Urban foxes, sometimes referred to as "Bulldog" or "Mastiff" foxes (it is also possible these terms may have referred to a hybrid subspecies between the highland and lowland foxes, or introduced foxes instead), are most commonly found in cities and large towns across the UK, such as London, Birmingham, and Cardiff.
“The ”bulldog” is quite the reverse of the greyhound, a short-legged, very dark, thick-set fox, whose dusky coat is flaked with white, black underneath, broad head, very short dark snout (hence his name!), on which is a small white patch, the brush as a rule tipped with black, his whole appearance giving the idea of strength rather than speed, whilst the greyhound combines both.“ - J. S. Talbot, 1906
Physical Characteristics:
Stocky and compact, with shorter legs and a broad head.
Often darker in colour, especially the belly or brush, with dusky coats flecked with white and can also have a black-tipped tail.
Their appearance emphasises strength over speed, unlike the leaner Highland foxes.
Historical and Modern Reported Behaviour:
Found primarily in urban and suburban areas, these foxes are resourceful scavengers, relying on discarded food and small urban wildlife for sustenance.
Commonly inhabit gardens, alleys, parks, and industrial estates.
Despite their adaptation to human environments, they retain the cunning and survival skills characteristic of their rural relatives.
Historical Perspectives on Fox Types
Over the years, various naturalists have proposed different classifications of fox types based on physical characteristics and regional differences:
Thomas Bewick (1790)
Greyhound
Mastiff Fox
Cur Fox
Oliver Goldsmith (1816)
Goldsmith identified three distinct types of foxes:
Greyhound fox
Mastiff fox
Cur fox
John Sherer (1860)
Sherer described three types as well:
Greyhound fox
Common fox
Little Red fox
Oliver Pike (1950)
Pike expanded the classification to include four types:
Lowland fox
Welsh mountain fox
Terrier fox (found in northern England and southern Scotland)
Scottish Mountain fox
The Highland vs. Lowland Fox Debate
This debate focuses on the differences between foxes found in Scotland’s highlands and lowlands. Many naturalists, such as William MacGillivray (1838) and John Guille Millais (1904), observed that there were two primary types:
Highland fox: Larger, with greyer fur, a broader skull, and often a white-tipped tail.
Lowland fox: Smaller, with lighter red fur and a more slender build.
This distinction has been supported by various naturalists, who noted the regional differences in size and appearance.
Comparative Studies and Findings
As studies continued, researchers compared fox populations from different regions, focusing on their physical differences:
H. Tetley (1941): Tetley found that Scottish foxes were larger than their central European counterparts and resembled Scandinavian foxes more closely than English foxes.
Ivan Hattingh (1956): Hattingh agreed with Tetley’s conclusion that Scottish foxes formed a distinct race, but found no major differences among English foxes.
Roger Burrows (1968): Burrows concluded that Scottish foxes were part of the same species as Scandinavian foxes (Vulpes vulpes vulpes), while English foxes were a subspecies, Vulpes vulpes crucigera.
Historical Context and Evolution
Historically, the distinct types of foxes in Britain evolved in response to their environments. Highland foxes thrived in rugged, isolated terrains, while Lowland foxes adapted to rural and agricultural settings. Urban foxes represent a more recent evolution, shaped by the challenges and opportunities presented by city living.
The Highland foxes, with their physical and behavioural traits resembling Scandinavian foxes, are a testament to the shared challenges faced by populations in northern climates. Over time, interbreeding and habitat changes have diluted these distinctions, yet remnants of these historical types persist in modern fox populations. Understanding these types offers valuable insights into the diversity, adaptability, and history of Britain's foxes.
The historical evolution of fox types offers valuable insights into the adaptability of fox populations, especially in an age of rapid environmental change. How these distinctions might shape future fox conservation efforts remains a subject of ongoing research.
Sources:
The Family Magazine, or General Abstract of Useful Knowledge (1816)
The New Sporting Magazine, was edited by William Hone (1822)
Memoirs of British Quadrupeds by William MacGillivray (1838)
Aikman, J. (1849). A natural history of beasts, birds, and fishes.
English forests and forest trees, historical, legendary, and descriptive
Is the British Red Fox a Different Subspecies to That in Europe and Asia?
Just adding the screenshot of the article by, H.G Richardson, here, so it can be seen where the term originated: The New Sporting Magazine, was edited by William Hone (1822. Page 300-301)