African Wild Dog

The African wild dog lives in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. They are mostly found in the African plains; they do not live in jungle areas. They also live in parts of Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, and in the Transvaal of South Africa. The savanna is an open grassland dotted with trees. The grass can grow to be 3 to 6 feet tall. The average temperatures is 64°F.

In the savanna there are two seasons; in the winter it is very dry and in the summer there are heavy monsoon rains. Many animals the African wild dog hunts migrate during the dry season. The African wild dogs don't follow them. During migrations the dogs survive on bugs and rodents.

The African wild dog's scientific name literally means painted wolf. Their fur is colored with red, brown, black, yellow, and white areas. Each animal has a different pattern of colors. The African wild dog has short fur. The fur on their muzzle is black and the end of their bushy tails are white. Their ears are very large and rounded. Their muzzle is short and they have powerful jaws.

They have a thin, long body, and muscular legs with only four toes on each foot, because their dew-claw is missing. The African wild dog's over all body length is between 75 and 100 cm (29 and 39 in), and they stand between 61 and 78 cm. (23 and 30 in.) at the shoulders. Their tail is between 30 and 90 cm. (12 and 15 in.). They weigh 18 to 36 kg (37 to 79 pounds). The males and females are about the same size. The African wild dog is the largest dog in Africa, and the only member of the Lycaon genus.

The African wild dog is perfectly built for the chase. Like greyhounds, they have a light body and long legs. The bones of its lower front legs are fused together to keep them from twisting when it runs. It has large ears which help radiate heat away from its body. Its short and broad muzzle has powerful muscles that allow it to grab and hang on to its prey. Its multicolored coat helps it blend in with the surroundings.