Jackal vs. Fox — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Jackals are medium-sized omnivorous mammals of the genus Canis, found in Africa and Asia, while foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous and opportunistic feeders of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide.
Difference Between Jackal and Fox
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Jackals are often identified by their golden, silver, or black-backed fur. They are members of the genus Canis, which also includes wolves and dogs. Jackals are known for their loud, wailing calls and tend to live in pairs or small groups. They are native to Africa and parts of Asia, where they occupy savannas, deserts, and shrublands.
Foxes, with their bushy tails and pointed snouts, are perhaps best known for their cunning nature in folklore. These members of the genus Vulpes are smaller than jackals and have a more varied coat color, from red to grey. They are highly adaptable creatures found in many habitats around the world, from the Arctic tundra to urban environments.
The diet of a jackal often includes a variety of foods, from fruits and insects to small ungulates. Jackals are also scavengers, frequently dining on the remains of kills made by larger predators. They play a significant role in their ecosystems by helping to control pest populations and clean up carrion.
In contrast, foxes have a more varied diet that reflects their adaptability. In addition to small mammals and birds, foxes will eat vegetables, fruits, and even garbage. Their resourcefulness is one reason why foxes have been able to thrive in close proximity to human settlements.
Physically, jackals tend to be larger than most fox species, with longer legs and a more upright stance. This physique aids in their lifestyle as both hunters and scavengers. In terms of behavior, jackals can be more social than many fox species, which are often solitary except during mating season or when raising young.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Size
Generally larger, standing taller on their legs
Generally smaller with more compact bodies
Habitat
Africa and Asia, open savannas and deserts
Worldwide, diverse environments including urban
Social Structure
Pair-bonded, small groups
Mostly solitary, but can be social
Diet
Omnivorous, includes scavenging
Highly varied, opportunistic feeders
Vocalizations
Loud, wailing calls
High-pitched barks and howls
Compare with Definitions
Jackal
A person who performs menial or dishonorable tasks for another.
He was considered the jackal of the corporation, doing the dirty work no one else would.
Fox
A small to medium-sized omnivorous mammal with a bushy tail, found worldwide.
The fox sneaked into the henhouse under cover of darkness.
Jackal
An animal symbolizing trickery and resourcefulness in some cultures.
In the fable, the jackal used its wits to outsmart the lion.
Fox
Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail (or brush).
Jackal
A scavenger animal that often feeds on carrion and small prey.
A jackal was spotted dragging away the remains of a gazelle.
Fox
A member of a North American people formerly living in southern Wisconsin, and now mainly in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Jackal
A wild canine of Africa and Asia known for its cunning and nocturnal habits.
The jackal howled at the moonlit sky.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox, now almost extinct.
Jackal
Jackals are medium-sized omnivorous mammals of the subtribe Canina, which also includes wolves and the domestic dog, among other species. While the word "jackal" has historically been used for many small canines, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal of sub-Saharan-Africa, and the golden jackal of south-central Europe and Asia.
Fox
Baffle or deceive (someone)
The abbreviation foxed me completely
Jackal
A slender long-legged wild dog that feeds on carrion, game, and fruit and often hunts cooperatively, found in Africa and southern Asia.
Fox
Relating to the Fox or their language.
Jackal
Any of several mammals of the genus Canis of Africa, Asia, and southeast Europe, that are chiefly foragers feeding on plants, small animals, and occasionally carrion.
Fox
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
Jackal
One who seeks to gain advantage or profit from the difficulties of another.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox.
Jackal
One who performs menial tasks for another.
Fox
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
Jackal
Any of certain wild canids of the genus Canis, native to the tropical Old World and smaller than a wolf.
Fox
The fur of one of these mammals.
Jackal
A person who performs menial/routine tasks, a dogsbody.
Fox
A crafty, sly, or clever person.
Jackal
(derogatory) A person who behaves in an opportunistic way; especially a base collaborator.
Fox
(Slang) A sexually attractive person.
Jackal
A jack (the playing card).
Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
Jackal
(rugby union) a player who steals the ball at the tackle
Fox
(Archaic) A sword.
Jackal
To perform menial or routine tasks
Fox
To trick or fool by ingenuity or cunning; outwit.
Jackal
Any one of several species of carnivorous animals inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf. They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and dismal howling.
Fox
To baffle or confuse.
Jackal
One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated.
Fox
To make (beer) sour by fermenting.
Jackal
Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog; smaller than a wolf; sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair
Fox
To repair (a shoe) by attaching a new upper.
Jackal
A medium-sized member of the dog family with a bushy tail and pointed ears.
Jackals roamed the desert landscape searching for food.
Fox
(Obsolete) To intoxicate.
Fox
To act slyly or craftily.
Fox
To turn sour in fermenting. Used of beer.
Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
Fox
The fur of a fox.
Fox
A fox terrier.
Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
Fox
A cunning person.
Fox
A physically attractive man or woman.
Fox
A person with reddish brown hair, usually a woman.
Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
Fox
(mechanics) A wedge driven into the split end of a bolt to tighten it.
Fox
A hidden radio transmitter, finding which is the goal of radiosport.
Fox
(cartomancy) The fourteenth Lenormand card.
Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Fox
Air-to-air weapon launched.
Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
Fox
(intransitive) To act slyly or craftily.
Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
Fox
(transitive) To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Fox
(transitive) To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
Fox
The European dragonet.
Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
Fox
A sly, cunning fellow.
We call a crafty and cruel man a fox.
Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
Fox
To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Fox
To turn sour; - said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Fox
Alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
Fox
A shifty deceptive person
Fox
The gray or reddish-brown fur of a fox
Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
Fox
A member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox people
Fox
Deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
Fox
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
Fox
Become discolored with, or as if with, mildew spots
Fox
A cunning or sly person, often referenced in tales and fables.
She was known as the fox of the classroom, always outsmarting the others.
Fox
A member of the dog family with a flat skull and variable fur coloration.
Red foxes are iconic for their bright fur and bushy tails.
Fox
A term used to describe someone as attractive or seductive.
At the party, he was considered a fox by all his peers.
Fox
A solitary animal that is known for its intelligence and adaptability.
The urban fox adapted to city life, raiding trash bins for food.
Common Curiosities
Are jackals solitary or social animals?
Jackals are social, often living in pairs or small groups.
Where are jackals most commonly found?
Jackals are most commonly found in Africa and parts of Asia.
Can foxes adapt to urban environments?
Yes, foxes are highly adaptable and can thrive in urban environments.
What are the defining features of a fox?
Foxes typically have bushy tails, pointed snouts, and are smaller than jackals.
What is the typical social structure of a fox?
Foxes are mostly solitary but can be social depending on the species and environment.
What genus do jackals belong to?
Jackals belong to the genus Canis.
Do foxes have a varied diet?
Yes, foxes are opportunistic feeders with a highly varied diet.
What is the significance of the jackal in culture?
In some cultures, jackals symbolize trickery and resourcefulness.
What does it mean when someone is called a 'fox'?
It can mean they are cunning or it can be a compliment to their attractiveness.
Are jackals and foxes related to dogs?
Yes, both are part of the Canidae family, making them relatives of domestic dogs.
Are all foxes red?
No, foxes come in various colors, including red, gray, and arctic white.
Do foxes have different species with various coat colors?
Yes, there are many species of foxes with a range of coat colors.
What kind of habitats can jackals survive in?
Jackals are adaptable to a range of habitats, including savannas and deserts.
Is 'jackal' used metaphorically?
Yes, it can metaphorically describe a person who does dishonorable tasks for others.
How do jackals communicate?
Jackals communicate with loud, wailing calls.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Thx vs. Tnx
Next Comparison
About vs. AroundAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
