African Wild Dog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The African Wild Dog also called as the hunting dog, is a vanishing species in the East Africa. They belong to the Lycaon pictus species found in savannas and lightly wooded areas. Field studies have shown that the wild dog is a highly intelligent and social animal. Like most predators, they play an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals, thereby helping maintain the natural balance and ultimately improving prey species. They commonly known as a cruel butcher replaced little by little with a less harsh image.

These breeds have similar size and shape of a medium-large domestic dogs, however only distantly related to other canis. They have a mottled coloring and large round ears that make them unmistakable. Their muzzle is black and the forehead has a black line in the middle. Their large head resembles that of a hyena. They have a long and slender legs with a tail that has a white plume at the tip, and their feet have only four toes and no dewclaws.

The African Wild Dog is listed by the IUCN as threatened by extinction. They are nearly as endangered as the black rhino and they are still persecuted by farmers and hunters. Fewer than 5,000 dogs remain and because they need vast home ranges, it makes conservation difficult.

Color

These dogs are very distinct with their coat having a dark brown, black and yellow patches.

Coat

The coat of these dogs are mottled, short, straight and close fitting.

Personality

The African Wild Dog are very social animals that live in packs. They fill the ecological role or niche of the wolf in Africa. They do not hesitate to attack small hares or large zebras. They specialize in preying and they do not hunt in relays but rather depends on endurance that is greater than their prey. They can run at about 35 meters per hour for 3 miles or more.

Care

African Wild Dogs have a coat that is very easy to take care with. Brushing once a week and a two weeks bath should suffice their needs.

Training

The African Wild Dog is a highly intelligent and social animal. They can be at their best temperament especially when they are socialized and trained well at puppyhood or by the time they got home.

Activity

The African Wild Dogs will need to be taken outdoors frequently. They need lots of physical and mental activities. A long daily walk and some free play in a large space area is recommended for this dog breed.