| Size |
The African wild dog is a medium sized canine with a head and body length of 30-40 inches (76-101 cm), and a white-tipped tail of 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). |
| Weight |
They weigh 40-80 pounds (18-36 kg). |
| Conservation Status |
On the 2011 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the African wild dog is listed as Endangered. |
| Diet |
Wild dogs are strict carnivores, meaning they only eat meat. The dominant prey of the wild dog is Thomson's gazelle, wildebeest, impala, duiker and reedbuck. At the Zoo, wild dogs are fed a base diet that includes a commercial raw meat mix which contains the nutrients essential for the animal’s well being. Solid beef is added to the diet for training and beef long bones are offered for the dogs to chew on and carry around. The bones provide an enjoyed activity for the animals while strengthening their jaw muscles. |
| Geographic Range |
African wild dogs were once found across most of southern Africa, but have disappeared from most of their range. They are now found in scattered areas in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
African wild dog exhibit at the south end of the Zoo—right next to the cheetahs. |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
African wild dogs have highly variable coat colors with blotches of black, white and orange or yellow. However, the tip of the tail is almost always white and the muzzle is always black. Their bodies are thin and muscular and their heads are powerful with strong jaws and sharp, shearing teeth. They are excellent runners and have great endurance allowing a long chase. Vision is their most important sense as it's used for locating prey.
Longevity
Wild dogs are relatively short-lived for such a large mammal. In the wild, few survive as long as 10 years although in a zoo, they do have a longer lifespan.
Reproduction
Although all pack members assist in the care of youngsters, only the dominant male and female breed. Sexual maturity is attained between 12-18 months. After a gestation period lasting approximately 70 days, the female gives birth to a litter of six - 10 pups. The pups are helpless until their eyes open, usually at about three weeks. They then will emerge from their den and eat solid food which has been regurgitated by all of the adults in the pack. They wean at 10-12 weeks.
Behavior
Pups and youngsters are fed by parents and other pack members via regurgitation after a hunt. Unlike most group-living mammals, females usually leave their birth group while males more commonly stay behind to baby-sit. Hunting, usually at dawn and dusk, is a cooperative effort.
Adaptations
African wild dogs hunt through long chases that tire out the intended prey. They are able to run at speeds of 30 miles per hour or more for as far as three miles. African wild dog's excellent eyesight is used for locating prey. Their legs are long and slender contributing to their speed in the chase. They have large, rounded ears that allow excellent hearing.
Sabrina: Born at the Miami Metrozoo on October 31, 1999. She arrived at the Zoo on July 16, 2002.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
Featured Foster Parent
Zoo Research
The Philadelphia Zoo supports a study of the African wild dog ecology and population status in Botswana.
Fun Facts
- African wild dogs are able to run at speeds of 30 mph (48 kph) or more for as far as 3 miles (4.8 km).
- Unlike other members of the dog family, wild dogs have only 4 toes on their forelegs. Other dogs have a vestigial 5th toe.
- The African wild dogs’ coats are so individually unique that no 2 animals have the same pattern.
Conservation
Introductions
Animal Lingo
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