Wild dog

Wild dog, hiena dog and likaon are the three names we use to name the wild dog. With his walk, his colourful skin and his big rounded ears he can be easily differed from the jackal, his closest relative from the dog family who lives in the afrikan savanna.

The wild dogs inhabits most of the territory south from Sahara. They can't be found in the equatorial forests. In the mountains it can be met up to 3000 meters height. They are not so numerous. They live in groups. They live a nomads life all across the hunting area which is about 100 to 200 square meters. In hot days they like to cool off in water.

The wild dog's body lenght reaches 1 meter plus 40 cm tail. Their height is 60 to 75 cm and their weight is from 25 to 35 kg. The duration of life is from 10 to 12 years. The wild dog can run with the speed of 40 km/h.

Their ears are not the same size. Their hearing is very strong. The location of the spots on their skin is unique. Their jaws are not so strong and they have 4 fingers on each paw (the dogs have five).

The number of members in the groups they live is different. Some are about 7-8 members others can be up to 20. Every pack defends the place around the lair, where their offspring is born. They even protect this place from other wild dogs, not members from the pack. They have no hierarchy in their groups.

When two individuals meet they face each other and start waving their tails. Those meetings last about five minutes and while they last the wild dogs whine. They don't attack members of other groups unless if they have to protect their territory.

How do wild dogs hunt? »