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25-03-2020
Column: Living with Dogs - THE PAINTED AFRICAN WILD DOG
Column: Living with Dogs - THE PAINTED AFRICAN WILD DOG
The painted African wild dog
The African wild dog is native to Sub-Saharan Africa it is the only existing member of the genus lycaon which is distinguished from canis (dogs, wolves, coyotes) by dentition which is highly specialised for a hypercarnivorous diet.

They have long legs, no dew claws, and only four toes. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern of black, yellow, brown and white. The head and muzzle is short and broad with large rounded ears; their tails are long with a white tip – similar to the dingo.

They live about 11years and weigh between 18-36 kilograms. Although domestic dogs and painted dogs descended from wolves, they are unable to interbreed, and they cannot be domesticated.

Endearing qualities – highly social, living in packs of 30 or more. When painted dogs become old or sick, they are taken care of by the pack rather than being abandoned or killed by other pack members. They are very successful hunters given their size, hunting zebras, impala and antelope and after a kill pups are

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