AKA: Cape Hunting Dog , Tri-colored Dog

Description: The African Wild Dog have patch-like markings on their fur. They have coat that lays closely to its skin and is thickest at the tail that is bushy. The rounded, large ears that are set high on the head and not so far apart. The mask is black with a lighter shade from the eyebrows to the sides of the face with a streak of black down the middle. Despite its lean frame it is very muscular and strong. The lean frame and long legs enable it to achieve high rates of speed that is often necessary to capture its prey.

Temperament: It has an aggressive nature, but in the pack only a single male and female exhibit dominate behavior. If it encounters opposition, usually with another animal, it will not back down. The African Wild Dog is very nurturing. Weaker pack members, such as the young, injured, or elderly are taken care of by all members of the pack. Pack members are friendly and jovial with one another and there are rarely any violent fights among them.

Activity: In its natural habitat where it typically chases its prey for as long as an hour, the African Wild Dog will obtain sufficient exercise. In a zoo they will require a significant amount of exercise.

Grooming: The short coat of the African Wild Dog does not require a significant amount of grooming. Pack members will remove any insects or debris from each other’s coat.

Health Problems: The African Wild Dog may contract distempter, parvovirus, and rabies. These diseases are easily spread among the pack since the dogs stay close to one another. The African Wild Dog has an average lifestpan of 10-12 years. It is estimated that the breed is in danger of becoming extinct. If measures aren’t taken to preserve the breed it could be extinct in as few as 10 years.

Color: The coat of the African Wild Dog is characterized by patches of black, white, blonde, and a very light yellowish-brown. The patches vary from one dog to the next.

Height: Height: 24-31 inches

Weight: 38-79 pounds

Country Of Origin: Africa south of the Sahara Desert in areas of semi-desert to mountainous and in zoos.

Dynamics: The wild dog is a highly intelligent and social animal. Like most predators, it plays an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals, thereby helping maintain a natural balance and ultimately improving prey species. The stereotype of the wild dog as a cruel butcher is slowly being replaced by a less harsh image.

Tags: African, breed, Cape Hunting Dog, dog, Tri-colored Dog, Wild Dog

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 1:44 pm and is filed under African Dogs, Wild Dogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.