The gray fox is often confused with the red fox because the gray has rusty-red fur on its ears, ruffs and neck. Overall coloration is gray, and the darkest color extends in a suggested stripe along the top of the back down to the end of the tail. The belly, throat, and chest areas are whitish in color.

Gray fox appear smaller than red fox. The shorter leg length and stockier body are deceptive. Many gray fox weigh about the same as red fox in the same habitat types. Males and females both weigh 8 to 11 pounds on average. Weights are often about 8 pounds in southern states, and nearer 11 in northern states. Compared to red fox, grays have shorter muzzles and shorter ears which are usually held erect and pointed forward. Many grays stand about 15 inches tall at the shoulders and overall lengths are around 40-44 inches including a tail of 12 to 15 inches.

The claws on a gray fox are strong. They are not retractable. Gray Fox have dark eyes with elliptical pupils. Teeth number 42, including 4 canine teeth. Both male and female gray foxes have a scent gland under the skin on the top of the tail.