Appearance & Characteristics

The African Wild Dog is scientifically known as Lycaon pictus which translates in Latin to “painted wolf-like animal."​

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They have several different names and five subspecies based on their regions, including the Painted Dog, East, West, Chadian, and Somali African wild dogs, along with the Cape hunting dog (from the region of Capetown, South Africa). ​

 

They have the appearance and stature of a medium-sized dog, as well as many other characteristics. 

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Every dog has its own unique pattern of fur coat that consists of stiff bristle hairs and no undercoat. Their short fur coat is made of different colored patches in shades of brown, black, beige, and even yellows and reds. As they age, the dogs lose their hair and it doesn't grow back like a typical dog's coat. Their heads are mostly flat on top with black fur. The ends of their tails are bushy and white. Their ears are large and round. Their muzzle/snout is short but their jaws are very powerful and teeth are sharp. Their legs are long and muscular. They have four toes per foot, contrary to other dogs that have typically 5 toes per foot. 

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At the point of adulthood, the dogs' weights will range from 39-79 pounds and can be anywhere from 29 to 43 inches long, and up to 30 inches in height up to their shoulders, according to National Geographic.

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Theirs average life span is 11 years.  

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In groups, they are known as a 'pack'.

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They are carnivorous mammals and hunt their food.