Female foxes are called vixens and the male fox is called a dog, tod or reynard. A female fox that is not a breeder is referred to as a nanny.
Foxes pair up with one mate, and the two remain together for life. The male and female fox will take on a nanny, which helps raise the pups. Foxes generally only live for 3 or 4 years in the wild, but they can often live 10 to 12 years in zoos. When the female fox is ready to mate, she will call out to let the males in the area know she is ready. After a male and female fox mate, the female will make a burrow with a nest of leaves, which is referred to as a nesting chamber.
