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For those of us accustomed to domesticated dog breeds, it is difficult to think of dogs as wildlife. But they are, and there are even several different breeds. With so many different types of wild dogs, here are facts about the most common, well-known, or those that have large ranges, as well as facts about large, small and rare dogs. Read on to find out more about the different types of wild dogs from around the world.
African wild dog
Also called African Hunting Dog, Cape Hunting Dog, or Painted Dog, its scientific name (Lycaon pictus) means “painted wolf”. Refers to its variegated fur coloration. Native to the meadows, forests and deserts of sub-Saharan Africa, this dog is the only living member of the genus Lycaon. The African Wild Dog is the most effective hunter of all large carnivores, with an 80% success rate or better. Unlike the more common genus Canis, it has highly specialized teeth for a hyper-carnivorous diet and lacks dew fingers. It is the largest wild dog in Africa and the second largest in the world. In terms of prey, it targets several species of African ruminants, warthogs, hares, reed rats, and insects. Although rare now, it is one of the most dangerous wild dogs.
Bush Dog
A small wild dog species in Central and South America, the bush dog is associated with the maned wolf and African wild dog. It is also the only living species of the genus Speothos. With long soft brownish fur and a reddish tinge, bushy tail and dark undersides, it has short legs, short muzzle and small ears. Like the ox and the African wild dog, it has a unique dental formula for its carnivorous diet, which consists of all large rodents such as capybaras, agouti and pakas. He cannot interbreed with other dogs to create fertile hybrids. The three recognized subspecies are the South American Bush Dog, the Panama Bush Dog, and the Southern Bush Dog. This is one of the most dangerous wild dogs, although it is now rare.
Dingo
An ancient canine lineage native to Australia, the dingo was introduced to the country by seafarers around 4,500 years ago. Although its scientific name Canis lupus dingo, its taxonomic classification differs depending on the classification. There is no consensus as to whether it is a wolf, a primitive dog, a missing link between a wolf and a domestic dog, a half-wolf-half-dog, or a separate species. It is also debated whether this is the true ancestor of modern domestic dogs. However, the facts about genetic testing show that it is related to the New Guinea Highland Wild Dog and the New Guinea Singing Dog, whose origins separate early from that which gave rise to modern domestic dogs.
This medium sized dog has a cream, black and tan or tan coat color with a large tapered head. 80% of its diet consists of wombats, rats, rabbits, possums, kangaroos, wallabies, goose and cattle. For Indigenous Australians, dingos were used as hiking dogs, live hot water bottles and hunting aids, and their scalps were sold as currency, fur for traditional costumes, and teeth for decoration. Today, livestock owners consider it a pest and one of the most dangerous wild dogs. The Shiba Inu is similar to the Dingo, but while the Shiba Inu is fully tamed, the Dingo is not.
Maned wolf
Another South American wild dog, the maned wolf is not actually a wolf, despite its name, and not a fox, despite its coloration, which makes it unique. This is the only species of the genus Chrysocionwhich means “golden dog”. It is also the largest species in South America and the tallest in the world. In appearance, it has a reddish color, a feathery tail and long thin black legs. Like some other wild dog species, it is crepuscular, but its diet is omnivorous, not carnivorous; it eats small and medium-sized animals along with fruits, sugarcane and tubers. It dwells in open and semi-open habitats, especially in meadows. The name “maned wolf” refers to the mane on the back of its neck. “Skunk Wolf” is his nickname, which is associated with the strong scent of his territorial markings. This is rare now.
Red Wolf
Native to the southeastern United States, the red wolf is a close relative of the oriental wolf. Physically, it is a cross between a gray wolf and a coyote, and there is no consensus on its taxonomic classification. Its original habitat included the southern and central United States and the northern United States, and it nearly became extinct due to interbreeding with coyotes, habitat loss, and predator control programs. This is rare now. Wild dogs were an important figure in Cherokee spiritual beliefs prior to colonization, and the Cherokee avoided killing them so as not to anger their packmates.
Grey Wolf
The gray wolf is a typical wolf species with over 30 subspecies. Originally from North America and Eurasia. The largest dog species in the Canidae family is known for cooperating packs for hunting large prey, and the structure of the nuclear family, headed by an alpha male and an alpha female, is the ancestor of the domestic dog. It is related to the golden jackal and the coyote and can interbreed to create fertile hybrids such as the coywolf. In contrast, the Mexican wolf is a small species.
Arctic fox
Also called the snow fox, polar fox or white fox, this wild dog species is n
at
ive to the arctic regions, where it lives on the tundra in underground dens. The Arctic fox is incredibly charming and gentle to look at. However, it is strong enough to withstand the coldest temperatures. Thick fluffy fur, fluffy large tail and rounded body provide warmth and prevent heat loss, while its white color provides camouflage. Its diet is mostly carnivorous: dogs eat waterfowl, seabirds, fish, young ringed seals, voles and lemmings, as well as carrion, insects and other small invertebrates, algae and berries.
Red fox
One of the natural predators of the Arctic fox, the red fox is the largest of the true foxes, of which there are 12 species, while the Bengal and Fennec fox are small in size. Like other species of foxes, he lives in underground lairs, has a mustache on his face and legs and does not chew food, but tears it into smaller pieces. His doggy features, bushy tail, and shrill screeching mating cries make him the most famous of the foxes. As a nocturnal species of dogs, its main prey is small rodents, which it catches with great pressure. It is a common target for pest control, fur and sports, and its tail is cut off and used as a trophy called a brush.
Jackal
The word jackal refers to one of three subspecies: the golden or common jackal in Asia and south-central Europe, plus a black or silver-backed jackal and a striped jackal from sub-Saharan Africa. The golden jackal lives in arid meadows, deserts and open savannas, the black-backed jackal lives in forests and savannas, and the striped jackal lives in mountains, bushes, swamps and savannas. The jackal is related to the coyote. It can go up to 9.9 mph.
As a nocturnal predator, it is a opportunistic omnivorous animal and feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, carrion, insects, fruits and plants. Each family of jackals has its own whistling sound, while the striped jackal hoots like an owl. Like coyotes and foxes, this type of dog is not only an adapted predator, but is also considered smart and magical in myth and legend. This is also the case in superstitions about death and evil spirits. The jackal, used as a literary device, symbolizes abandonment, loneliness and desolation.
Coyote
Coyote is an indigenous North American dog species. He is smaller than his relatives, the wolf, the oriental wolf and the red wolf, and more than the golden jackal. Although it is more predatory than the golden jackal, its ecological niche is very similar. There are 19 recognized subspecies of coyotes. These are mainly carnivores, his diet consists of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, rodents, hares, rabbits and deer, as well as occasionally fruits and vegetables.
Although gray wolves are one of his threats, he sometimes mates with oriental, red, or gray wolves to produce coywolves. He also occasionally mates with dogs to produce coy dogs. The name “coyote” comes from the local word for “dog barking” and it has sounds similar to those of dogs, but about 12 different sounds. He is a fast runner, able to reach 40 mph, and a great swimmer.
He doesn’t just live in the wild, he has adapted to urban and suburban areas. Like foxes, it is a pest, but it can also help fight rodents. And, like wolves, it behaves the same way, for example, lives in dens. It hunts alone for small prey or in flocks for larger prey, walking on tiptoe, and sometimes with badgers, which are excellent diggers for the coyote’s excellent hearing. In Native American folklore, this is a deceiver. Newfoundland snow coyotes are rare.
Wild Dog Facts
- Wild dogs are the second most dangerous predators after the large feline family.
- The Honshu wolf was the smallest wild dog in the world, but has been extinct since 1905 due to diseases such as rabies.
- The New Guinea Singing Dog only exists in captivity.
- Wild dogs are nomadic, and this lifestyle has not only affected their critical status, but also means that no reserves can comfortably maintain them.
- They make strange sounds, smile and bow to each other.
- Their hunting style is to rip apart prey as a group.
- They usually live in flocks from 2 to 10, but up to 40 or more.
- They can run at speeds up to 44 mph.
The different types of wild dogs are usually classified as dogs, coyotes, foxes, wolves, jackals, dingoes, and other canines. Usually there are several subspecies of each, which differ depending on the climate and geography. Some look rather primitive, while others are very similar to our modern pets and working dogs. Even so, they cannot be completely tamed.
Next: Types of large dogs
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