I think this design works quite well

It's very true characters can evolve in appearance over time, and it can be a stylistic change that doesn't need to be explained. I actually do like this design, but I have no problem with either of them, the original nor this. In my own personal taste I like it when cartoon animals retain elements from their source designs and that is why I think this works out, but if you like the previous one, I wouldn't have any concerns there either.

Cute fox, cute round tummy, cute round. Sounds like win to me ^^

I think this redesign makes him stand out more as a vulpine. Would he be the only style change though or would other characters being looking at artistic updates?

Perhaps other canines and felines would go digitigrade as well. I'll have to practice it first though.

Awww he looks cute c:

I like it! Go new!

Hmm... I think standing on his toes would be good for certain situations, but I think it'd look a bit silly if he's just walking around.

Actually, it might look better if his feet were lowered a bit, or if he were wearing sandals.