Which fox species is the smallest living fox?

The fennec fox is the smallest living fox species.

The fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) is a tiny desert fox native to North Africa. Its unusually large ears are its signature feature: they help release heat and detect insects and other prey beneath loose sand. A pale, sand-coloured coat reflects sunlight, while fur on the feet protects against hot ground and improves traction on shifting dunes.

Fennecs live in the Sahara and nearby desert regions, where they shelter in burrows and feed on insects, small mammals, birds and other available food. Their kidneys and behaviour help them cope with intense heat and scarce water. They obtain much of their moisture from food and can remain active in conditions that would challenge larger foxes.

The red fox is much larger and has the widest natural distribution of any living carnivore, while the swift fox and Arctic fox are also substantially heavier. Another useful distinction is that the fennec is the smallest fox species, not merely the smallest member of the dog family; it is also commonly described as the smallest canid.