Wild Dog

Facts about the wild dog

Wild dogs are about the same size as a domestic Alsatian. The colouring of these predators is a clear identification pointer, black and white and brown, yellowish brown blotches make up patterns on the slender body. Rounded ears, long legs and a bushy tipped tail are also clear identification pointers and makes this predator difficult to confuse with any other. The wild dog has a black muzzle- the black extends as a line between the eyes to between the ears; its neck and forehead are generally a light fawn colour but can also be lighter.

Wild dogs used to occur wildly throughout the sub region but now are restricted to large game reserves and uninhabited areas. Wild dogs prefer open country and tend to stay away from woodland and tall grass areas - they require drinking water.

Wild dogs are highly specialized hunters and live in packs of about 5-15 individuals. Packs may differ in size depending on the availability of game. Wild dogs do not have marked territories but have home ranges of up to 400 Km’s, in arid country, these ranges may be much larger. Wild dogs are diurnal and most of the hunting takes place in the cooler hours of the late afternoon. Wild dogs hunt in packs, the pack will slowly move in on its intended prey, increasing the pace as the quarry starts to move away. Once a long animal has been singled out the dogs will rarely deviate from their goal. Smaller animals are brought down immediately but the bigger game is bitten and ripped whilst on the hoof until it weakens and collapses from shock or loss of blood.

Wild dogs hunt a wide range of animals from the little duiker to buffalo; they will also feed on small rodents, birds and insects. The young are born in the dry, winter months when the grass is short and hunting conditions are more favorable. Between 2 and 10 pups are born at a time after a gestation period of about 70 days. Young are born in abandoned burrows of other animals and remain close by for the first 3 months or so.