Wild Dog Types Found Around the World

There are several wild dog types found around the world. The African wild dog is one of the most recognizable types, known for its distinctive coat patterns and social behavior.

They are found in various parts of Africa, including South Africa and Botswana. The African wild dog is a highly social animal, living in packs of up to 100 individuals.

The Asian wild dog, also known as the dhole, is a highly endangered species found in parts of Asia, including India and Southeast Asia. They are known for their distinctive howl and are often found in forests and grasslands.

The dhole is a highly social animal, living in packs of up to 20 individuals. They are also known for their unique hunting behavior, using coordinated attacks to catch their prey.

The African wild dog is one of the largest canids in Africa, weighing up to 80lbs or 36kg.

In contrast, the bush dog is a short and stocky canine, weighing a mere 7kg or 15 pounds.

The African wild dog has a distinctive coat made up of white, tan, and black blotches, while the bush dog has a more subdued coloration.

Interestingly, female African wild dogs are dispersed from the pack, preventing inbreeding, whereas the bush dog is often found hunting in small packs.

African wild dogs can be found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, but their population is currently listed as endangered with fewer than 6,000 remaining in the wild.

The bush dog, on the other hand, has a large range stretching from Brazil to Venezuela and even into southern Panama.

The grey wolf is the closest relative to the domesticated dog. It's the largest canine on earth, weighing up to 65kg or just north of 140lbs.

Grey wolves live in nuclear families with both parents and their offspring, which is unusual for a species of animal. This highly social behaviour is advantageous for several reasons.

Groups of wolves band together to protect each other and can pursue prey much more vigorously. In fact, packs of wolves have been known to track their prey for up to 60km.

There are over 30 recognised subspecies of wolf, including the arctic wolf who live in Canada and the Himalayan wolf who live in the Himalayan mountain range in Asia.

The Dingo is a wild dog that's found exclusively in Australia, and it's quite fascinating because of its debated taxonomic status.

Some scientists think it's a subspecies of wolf, while others believe it's a separate species altogether.

The Dingo's coat can range from a dark reddish-brown to a lighter white, and it can also be entirely black or white.

It's a territorial animal that hunts in groups of up to 12, just like wolves.

Their diet consists of larger mammals like kangaroos and wallabies, but they mostly prey on the abundant supply of rabbits found in the Australian outback.

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The coyote, also pronounced kai·ote, is a divergence removed from the wolf and is much smaller, weighing no more than around 20kg or 45lbs.

They are found throughout North America as far north as Canada and Alaska and as far south as Panama, inhabiting various biomes including grassland and desert, and mountainous ecosystems.

Historically, the population and distribution of the coyote have fluctuated greatly depending on the population of wolves and cougars, with whom they compete for territory and prey.

Coyotes are well-known for being highly vocal, exhibiting a range of vocalizations used for greetings, general contact, and for warning their pups of potential threats.

Their vocalizations can be a distinctive feature of their presence in the wild, and they are often heard in areas where they are known to inhabit.

The Golden Jackal Aureus is a fascinating creature with a wide range, found in south-eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.

They have 13 subspecies, including the Persian jackal, the Indochinese jackal, and the European jackal.

These omnivores eat a combination of meat and plant matter, such as fruit, and exhibit both predatory and scavenger-like behavior.

They often wait their turn on prey killed by larger animals like tigers and grey wolves.

Golden Jackals are commonly found in river valleys, where they hunt aquatic rodents and birds.

They make very poor pets and are generally not recommended to be kept in captivity.

Even when raised from birth, they tend to be shy and nervous animals.

Jackals can crossbreed with dogs, and while most documented cases have occurred in captivity, jackal-dog hybrids have also been spotted in the wild in Croatia.

Dhole Cuon Alpinus are found in Asia, with their range extending as far west as India, as far north as China, and as far south as the Islands of Indonesia.

They are also known as the Asian wild dog, the mountain dog, and the red dog, and are characterized by their dark reddish-brown coat and black tail.

Dholes are highly social animals and can be found in packs of up to 40 members.

Their habitat consists of vast swaths of tropical forest, where their range often overlaps with large felines such as tigers and leopards.

Dholes compete with these felines for prey, showcasing their adaptability in their natural environment.

The African Wild Dog is a truly unique and fascinating creature. They're known as the world's most colourful canine, with a coat made up of white, tan, and black blotches.

Their large prominent ears are a distinctive feature, and they're one of the largest canids in Africa, weighing up to 80lbs or 36kg.

Female African wild dogs are dispersed from the pack instead of males, a behaviour that prevents inbreeding. These lone females will eventually join a different pack.

They're found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, but sadly, they're currently listed as endangered with fewer than 6,000 remaining in the wild.

African wild dogs are coursing, cooperative hunters, with lithe, athletic bodies built for speed and stamina.

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The maned wolf is the largest canine in South America, weighing up to around 30kg or 66lbs.

They are found mainly in the grasslands and forests of Brazil and also in northern Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay.

Their unique appearance is similar to that of the common fox but with physical characteristics that more closely match a wolf, such as long, slender legs.

The maned wolf is a solitary animal, often found in mated pairs, and is active mostly during the night when they hunt and traverse their territory.

They rest in areas of thick brush during the day to avoid detection.

The maned wolf's diet is quite unusual, consisting of more than 50% wolf apple, a plant found on the Brazilian savannah.

The Bush Dog Speothos Venaticus is a unique and fascinating creature.

They are a short and stocky canine, weighing a mere 7kg or 15 pounds.

Their small size belies their impressive hunting abilities, with the ability to take down much larger prey like tapir, which can weigh up to 250kg or 550lbs.

Bush Dogs have a large range, stretching from the southern regions of Brazil to Venezuela's Caribbean coastline and even extending into southern Panama through the isthmus of Panama.

They are usually found hunting in small packs, targeting large rodents like capybaras and agouti.

Unfortunately, their conservation status is currently listed as near threatened due to habitat loss.

Despite this, Bush Dogs have a positive relationship with humans, helping to quell populations of rodents in the areas in which they live.

New Guinea singing dogs are quite the unusual canine species. They have reflective eyes, which can appear to glow green in low lighting, and can even jump high into the air like cats.

These dogs are known for their extensive vocalizations and unique howl, with each dog having its own distinct sound.

New Guinea singing dogs tend to live solitary lives, so they may not be the best fit as pets. They do bond closely with one or two people, showing love and affection towards them, but can be aloof and standoffish with strangers.

Here's a rough idea of what to expect in terms of their physical characteristics:

Their temperaments vary, but some New Guinea singing dogs can be intelligent and loyal, while others are cautious and non-adaptive.

The Canina sub-tribe is home to many fascinating wolf-like canines. These canines are found across North America, Eurasia, and Africa.

The Canina sub-tribe is part of the larger Canini tribe, which also includes many species of fox. The domestic dog is also part of the Canis genus within the Canina sub-tribe.

Some notable species within the Canina sub-tribe include the coyote, the golden jackal, and several species of wolf. The coyote, for example, can be found in North America, and the golden jackal is found in Eurasia.

The Canina sub-tribe is home to wolf-like canids, which are found across North America, Eurasia, and Africa.

These canines are separated taxonomically from the South American canines, such as the maned wolf.

The Canina sub-tribe contains all species of jackal and most species of wolf and wild dog.

It also includes the domestic dog, which is part of the Canis genus, along with several species of wolf, the coyote, and the golden jackal.

The coyote, for example, is a wild canine found in North America, as shown in the image of a wild coyote moving across the edge of a lawn.

The European golden jackal is another example of a canine found in the Canina sub-tribe, as depicted in the image of a European golden jackal.

The Vulpini tribe is a group of fox-like canines that includes true foxes and two species of raccoon dogs.

The tribe's members are mostly made up of true foxes.

One of the species of raccoon dogs in this group is the Japanese Raccoon dog, also known as the tanuki, which is often found in snowy environments.

The Vulpini tribe is a diverse group, but there is little available information on one of its members, the Rüppell’s fox.

The Rüppell’s fox is distinguished by a white-tipped tail and black markings under the eye, and is found in the continent's northernmost reaches.

The Japanese Raccoon Dog Nyctereutes Viverrinus is a separate species from the common raccoon dog. It's also known as the Tanuki.

Found on the island nation of Japan, the Tanuki is very similar in appearance to its common counterpart. The Tanuki is revered in Asian culture and is seen as cute, mischievous creatures.

In contrast to the common raccoon dog, which is seen as a pest and an invasive species in Europe, the Tanuki has a unique perception in Asian culture. This perception is not difficult to agree with, given the Tanuki's charming appearance.

African painted wolves are the only member of the Lycaon genus, making them a unique species within the canid family.

They're also the only canid with four toes on their front foot, lacking a dewclaw, which sets them apart from other wild dog types.

In the wild, these dogs live in tight-knit packs, with a clear social hierarchy led by an alpha pair that monopolizes breeding.

The Ethiopian wolf is one of the rarest members of the canid family, with only around 200-400 remaining in the wild.

They live exclusively in 6 isolated high-elevation grassland areas of Ethiopia, where there are large populations of rodents, their primary prey.

Ethiopian wolves are active mostly during the daytime, following the activity pattern of rodents.

They are also known as the Simien jackal or Simien fox, exhibiting a spectacular reddish-brown and white coat.

Unfortunately, fewer than 500 individuals remain, though this is an optimistic estimate, with an IUCN estimate in 2011 suggesting a declining population of just 197 mature individuals.

The remaining five populations are isolated and fragmented, threatened by habitat degradation, conflict with humans and diseases carried by feral domestic dogs.

These beautiful, russet-coated Simien wolves are particularly adept at hunting Afroalpine rodents, especially big-headed mole-rats.

They wait patiently until a rodent emerges from its underground burrow before pouncing and digging frantically at the entrance.

Ethiopian wolves tend to be solitary hunters, but they live in small packs with an established hierarchy and one breeding female.

The breeding female is usually replaced by one of her daughters when she dies.

Interestingly, some wolves form temporary associations with geladas, and research indicates that their hunting efforts are more successful when they associate with these foraging troops.

The short-eared dog is similar in appearance to the bush dog. They are found in northern South America.

Their rarity is quite striking, with the short-eared dog being exceptionally rare.

Currently, they are listed as near threatened.

The common raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, is found in two main populations: their native range exists mostly in China but also extends as far north as Siberia and as far south as Vietnam and Laos.

Their diet consists of various small animals, including insects, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Roughly the same size as bush dogs, raccoon dogs have long shaggy fur to protect themselves from freezing temperatures, which can drop as low as -25 degrees centigrade or -13 Fahrenheit.

In Europe, raccoon dogs have been introduced and are not native to the region, but they're still found there.

South American Canines are part of the Cerdocyonina subtribe, which is closely related to the Canina subtribe. This subtribe is home to 1 species of wolf.

The Cerdocyonina subtribe includes a diverse range of species, with 2 species of dog and an additional 7 species of fox. This variety is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the region.

These South American Canines can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to grasslands. Their adaptability is a key factor in their success.

The Cerdocyonina subtribe is a fascinating group of animals, and learning more about them can be a rewarding experience.

Dingoes are extremely uncommon to see just about anywhere outside of Australia.

They are generally not cut out to be pets, although their personalities can vary greatly between individuals.

Dingoes tend to be cautious animals that are fearful and easily spooked.

Their diet can include larger mammals such as kangaroos and wallabies, but they mostly prey upon the abundant supply of rabbits found in the Australian outback.

Dingoes are territorial and hunt in groups of up to 12.

The African Painted Wolf is a remarkable animal, and one of the most well-known African canids. They are the third-largest extant canid in the world and the largest in Africa.

Their coats are made up of white, tan, and black blotches, and they have large, prominent ears. They are also known for their unique hunting style, which exploits panic and confusion to create fast-paced and exhilarating sightings.

African Painted Wolves live in tight-knit packs, with little so heart-warming as watching pack members reaffirm their bonds in joyful greeting ceremonies and play sessions. In social situations, the intimate relationships are expressed in an endearing array of squeaks, yips, and whines.

The alpha pair typically monopolizes breeding, while the rest of the pack devotes their attentions to feeding and caring for both the mother and her pups during the denning period. They are also the only member of the Lycaon genus and the only canid to have four toes on the front foot, lacking a dewclaw.

Unfortunately, human persecution, habitat loss, and fragmentation, and disease have all played a role in devastating African Painted Wolf populations. They are currently listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.

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Coyotes, wolves, and jackals are all capable of crossbreeding with domestic dogs, resulting in unique hybrids like Coydogs, Wolfdogs, and jackal-dog hybrids.

These hybrids can exhibit traits from both parent species, making them unpredictable and potentially challenging to care for. Coydogs, for example, tend to be more manageable and tamable than coyotes, but still require experienced owners.

Coydogs and Wolfdogs are not for the faint of heart, as they can be headstrong, touchy, and downright aggressive. In contrast, jackal-dog hybrids are generally not recommended as pets due to their shy and nervous nature.

Jackals make very poor pets, so they are generally not recommended to be kept in captivity. They tend to be shy, nervous animals and are extremely cautious.

Jackals can crossbreed with dogs, and most documented cases of these hybrids have occurred in captivity. These hybrids have also been spotted in the wild in Croatia.

Coyotes and coyote hybrids are fascinating creatures. They're known to be quite tall, with an average height of 20-24 inches.

Coyotes are common in the United States, and their tendency to attack livestock and pets has led many to consider them pests. This is especially true in areas where their environment has been encroached upon.

Coyotes are cunning animals with excellent problem-solving skills. They're not picky about their surroundings, and their hybrids, known as Coydogs, tend to inherit these traits.

Coydogs are often more manageable and tamable than coyotes. They're also less likely to stick to the nocturnal habits of the coyote.

Here are some key characteristics of coyotes and Coydogs:

These characteristics make Coydogs a unique and intriguing hybrid.

Wolf hybrids, also known as Wolfdogs, are the result of crossing wolves with domestic dogs.

They can be large, with some males exceeding 120 pounds in size.

Wolves are a common species used to create these hybrids, specifically the gray wolf.

Wolfdogs are known to be headstrong and touchy, making them a challenge to manage, especially for inexperienced owners.

In many areas, owning a wolf or Wolfdog is illegal due to their aggressive nature and potential to become unmanageable.

Most canids, including domestic dogs, exhibit unique reproductive traits such as monogamy and long proestrous and diestrous phases.

The copulatory lock is a crucial mechanism in canid mating behavior, with some species, like the fennec fox, experiencing prolonged durations of almost 2 hours.

Pseudopregnancy is a common phenomenon in canids, where the hormonal changes associated with ovulation can be as long as pregnancy, often preparing subordinate females to assist in communal rearing of offspring.

Some canid species, such as bushdogs, do not have a rigid, single breeding cycle, and their reproductive patterns may be influenced by prey cycles that follow seasonal rainfall.

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The canid family has some fascinating relatives. The Felidae family, which includes cats, relied almost exclusively on stealth and ambush.

The canids of Africa evolved to be lightweight and fleet of foot. This allowed them to adapt to the changing habitats and prey species.

The Felidae family's reliance on stealth and ambush was likely due to the fact that their prey species evolved to run faster in open habitats. This created an evolutionary arms race among all three families.

The canid family took on various forms, including the bright-eyed, intelligent, and adaptable types we see today.

One of the most fascinating aspects of wild dog types is their unique features and behavior.

The Dhole, also known as Asian wild dogs, are highly social animals that live in packs of up to 50 individuals.

Their social structure is led by a dominant male and female, who work together to protect and care for their pack members.

Canids have some unique anatomic features that set them apart from other animals. One of these features is the medial position of the internal carotid artery between the entotympanic and petrosal arteries.

Their skulls are also characterized by the loss of the stapedial artery. This is a key adaptation that helps them survive in their environment.

In addition, canids have an inflated entotympanic bulla divided by a partial septum. This feature is a result of their evolution as predators.

The insertion point of the digastric muscle is widened in several canid taxa, forming a subangular lobe on the horizontal ramus of the mandible. This subangular lobe is thought to be a functional adaptation for rapid jaw movement.

The subangular lobe is particularly prominent in foxes with complex molars, such as the genera Urocyon, Otocyon, and Cerdocyon. It's also found in raccoon dogs.

Canids have a specific dental formula: incisors (I) 3/3, canines (C) 1/1, premolars (P) 4/4, molars (M) 2/2. This formula is consistent across most canid species, except for a few exceptions.

The maxillary fourth premolar and the mandibular first molar of canids are modified to oppose each other and maximize shearing efficiency when biting into prey. These modified teeth are called carnassial or sectorial teeth.

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Feeding is a crucial aspect of their daily lives. They have a highly specialized digestive system, capable of breaking down cellulose in plant cell walls, allowing them to thrive on a diet of tough, fibrous vegetation.

Their digestive system is home to a diverse community of microbes that play a key role in nutrient absorption. In the wild, they can go without water for long periods of time, obtaining moisture from the plants they eat.

Their favorite foods are often high in fiber and low in nutrients, which may seem counterintuitive, but their unique digestive system makes them well-suited to handle this type of diet. They can eat up to 40 pounds of food per day.

In captivity, they require a diet rich in fiber and low in sugar to prevent digestive problems. A diet high in fiber helps keep their digestive system healthy and functioning properly.

They have a highly efficient way of extracting nutrients from their food, allowing them to survive in environments where other animals might struggle to find enough to eat. This is due in part to their specialized digestive system and the diverse community of microbes that live within it.

Some species of lizards, like the Green Anole, can be quite aggressive when threatened, so it's essential to know how to restrain them safely.

They are most active during the warmer months, so handling them during this time may be more challenging.

To restrain a lizard, you should support its body and tail, making sure not to constrict its movement.

In the wild, some lizards have been observed using their tails as a defense mechanism by autotomizing them to distract predators.

When handling a lizard, it's crucial to be gentle and avoid sudden movements, which can cause stress and injury.

Some species, like the Leopard Gecko, can be quite docile and tolerate handling well, but it's still essential to follow proper restraint techniques.

In captivity, lizards often require a secure enclosure to prevent escape and injury, which can be achieved by using a well-ventilated, escape-proof habitat.

The physical examination of canid species can be modeled after the domestic dog, which shares similar baseline clinical parameters.

The domestic dog is an ideal model for physical examination due to its similar characteristics to other canid species.

Baseline clinical parameters for canid species are similar to those of the domestic dog, but species-specific ranges are available for many species.

These species-specific ranges can be found in Tables 46-3 and 46-4, providing valuable information for accurate diagnoses.

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