A medium-sized canid, the largest fox in the genus Vulpes . Large bushy tail, often tipped in white. Ranges in colour from greyish and rust red to a flame red, usually reddish-brown. Enormous geographical range and corresponding wide variation in all measurements.
Measures given here are ranges with selected European averages.
32-49 cm, males 45 cm, females 38 cm. 10- 12 years in captivity, but generally less than 3 years in much of agricultural Europe. Variation in home range size is proportional to food density and distribution, and probably affected by local mortality pressure. Pups are cared for by both parents, and remain in or near the den for the first three months of their lives. The breeding pair is often associated with non-breeding family members.