If you are looking for a smaller pet with unending amounts of playful energy, the Fennec Fox might be for you. Weighing less that three and a half pounds the Fennec is the smallest of the Foxes, and is very similar to dogs in temperament. Friendly to most everyone, including family pets, the Fennec Fox would make a loving addition a variety of homes.

The Fennec has an admiral personality: with Fennec Foxes, no one is a stranger. They can get defensive if they are feeling cornered or threatened, so younger children should probably be kept at a distance; but other than that, a cat is more likely to bite than a Fennec Fox. The Fennec Fox's only conflict with other pets is its unending energy supply, and its constant desire to play. The Fennec often tires long after the family cat or dog. The Fennec Fox can be trained to fetch, led by a leash, and some can even taught to use a litter box, though that takes effort with some Fennecs. They usually adapt well to hot and cold weather as long as they have adequate shelter. This Fox is nosey, they are always searching every nook and cranny of the house, looking to steal anything that might be left out in the open. The Fennec may not be a suitable pet, however, if you are looking to show him off. The Fennec would much rather be playing in the closet than to come out and cuddle. The Fennec Fox is also a fan of digging and burrowing, so make sure you secure your yard if you are going to keep him outside. It should be mentioned that the Fennec Fox is very nimble and can jump straight up as well as sideways. Like many domestic dogs it is important that the young Fennec Fox be well socialized to help ensure good adult behavior. In the wild, the Fennec Fox is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of beetles, lizards, rodents, birds, and plants. In captivity, however, it has been known to be fond of anything from mealworms, french-fries, to fresh fruits and vegetables. The wild Fennec Fox will typically store excess food underground. The Fennec Fox is nocturnal by nature, but rarely has any problems adapting to his owner's schedule. It should be noted that in the wild male Fennec Foxes will mark their territories with urine, this behavior is similar to that in domestic dogs. Whether or not neutering helps as it does with the domestic dog has not been cited in the research. The Fennec Fox is easily domesticated, but it is not common as a pet.

The Fennec Fox has a sand colored back, white underside, and reddish-brown ears and black tipped tail. This enables him to blend in with the surroundings, and hide within his burrows in the sand. His soft fur is very dense, protecting him from the extremes. The Fennec Fox even has hair on the bottom of its feet! This hair serves to protect them from hot rocks, sand and stones as they walk across them. The Fennec's muzzle is pointed and thin, and has eyes that seem too large for its head. The Fennec is also known to have very large ears that help to radiate heat and intensify hearing. The mature Fennec Fox will measure 14 to 16 inches in length from head to the end of the body, and stand eight inches tall at the shoulders. Its tail is fairly long measure eight inches on average. They are a small fox and will generally weigh between 1.75 and 3.25 pounds. Like other foxes, the Fennec Fox has a scent gland located at the tip of its tail, which produces a potent oder. Thankfully minimal amounts are produced at one time. The scent fland is used mainly as a defense in the wild, but it may also used out of fear or over excitement in captivity. This scent leaves the fox with a distinct oder to its body after it is released. This scent washes away with a good bath and washes from clothes and hands with normal soap and water.

The Fennec Fox's markings reflect its desert origins of northern Africa and Arabia. They are social animals, and often travel in packs of 10 to 15. The Fennec is abundant in these areas, and is not on any endangered lists; however, they are hunted for their pelts and to be sold as pets. It is this hunting that causes various agencies to become concerned, so trade of the Fennec Fox is strictly regulated. To ensure that you are able to keep a Fennec Fox in your area, check the laws in your state.

Before acquiring a Fennec Fox it is important to find a veterinarian who is experienced with their unique needs. Many veterinarians may not be willing to treat exotic animals and it is wise to find one before any problems occur.

Care for the Fennec Fox is not as difficult as with some other exotic animals. It is important to have him vaccinated with the same shots as canines. Give the Fox adequate shelter for your particular climate and give him as much time to expend energy as possible. The ideal diet for the Fennec is a commercial wild canid diet, similar to what the zoos would give him; but he will be perfectly happy with a mixture of dog food, cat food, vegetables, and fruits.

Some Fennec Foxes cannot be litterbox or paper trained, you should carefully consider this fact before purchasing one.

Since the Fennec Fox is a wild animal, it is important that you consult local government authorities for the proper permits in your area.

The life span of the Fennec Fox is 10 to 12 years, and they reach sexual maturity around eight months old. Breeding season is January through March, and gestation time is approximately two months. The Fennec Fox is unusual because she is capable of breeding twice a year, having from two to five pups each litter.

If you decide to breed the Fennec, make sure that you give it a pen sufficient enough in size to ensure its privacy. They must be able to burrow in the ground, for that is where they will have their young. They should not be disturbed at all until the day when you plan on pulling them from their mother, to raise by hand. If you search out their hiding spot, the female Fennec can become alarmed and may destroy her own litter. So, be patient, you will get to see them soon enough.

It is important that you wean the pups as soon a possible from their mother. That will ensure that you have friendlier Fennecs. It has been observed that pups that are taken from their mothers at an earlier age have far better temperaments. It should also be noted that they should NOT be disturbed during whelping. Newborn puppies can die if disturbed.