Here we see Shadow, in his multi-purpose foxball, in this shape, minimum fox is exposed. He may lack the required protection that something like a hedgehog has, but none the less the idea remains that "If I can't see them, they can't hurt me." This of course, usually ends with a larger being flopping over into the foxball, usually to snuggle with it. It seems being cute has an advantage, also his nose acts as a snorkel.