One approach is that the Vulpin character recognizes the similarities between itself and the wolf, but ultimately sees the relationship like we would look at a gorilla or chimpanzee. I walk on two legs, wear clothes, use sophisticated tools, etc. It walks on all fours, likes to smell butts, eats poop, kisses anyone whose face gets too close...
Another is to frankenstein the animals.
Step 1: come up with a nonsense name for the new animal.
Step 2: pick one or two traits to change about the animal, (color, limbs, horns, etc) or substitute an entirely different animal in the same "function" (the chocobo solution)
Example: Is that a cow? No, that is a Vack. It's like a cow, only purple and with 6 legs.
Is that a horse? No, that's a Slank. It like a giant rat with really long legs.