A Tribute To Wild Dogs

So much attention is given to our beloved domestic dogs that we often forget about the wild dogs of the world. These amazing canines come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many are now endangered or can only be found in zoos. I thought I would take a moment to pay tribute to some of these wild dogs. Your pet dog may even be a descendant of one or more of these species.

The Wolf:

The wolf is the largest of the wild dogs. There are over 30 species of wolves in the world. The gray wolf is thought to be the most common ancestor of the dog. Wolves are the most social wild dog therefore causing them to develop relationships with humans more easily. Their similarities with the dog are most noticed in their behaviors of play, dominance and submission, and scent-marking. The females care for their young. Wolves spend most of their lives in packs led by the alpha couple. They sometimes hunt alone although usually with the pack. They use their distinctive howl to keep the pack together. Gray wolves have thick black and white fur and  long muzzles. They have long legs, sharp teeth and sensitive ears that stay upright.

The Coyote:

The coyote is the most intelligent of the wild dogs. Coyotes are known for their problem-solving abilities when hunting. They prey on smaller animals than the wolves do and will usually hunt in pairs. Coyotes are not as social as wolves. They tend to live in smaller groups. Some will even live in solitude until they reach sexual maturity. Coyotes mate for life. They are slender, narrow-jawed, with grayish-brown or yellowish-gray coats. They have drooping, bottle-shaped tails with a black tip and pointed, upright ears.

The Jackal:

Jackals are fast on their feet and can be good hunters, but they are also known for being scavengers. Their bodies are built for long-distance running. They are very similar to coyotes in that they are known for their monogamous relationships and they typically live in small groups. They usually hunt alone or in pairs. They are most active at dusk and dawn. There are a handful of different kinds of jackals; the most common being the golden jackal.

The Fox:

There are many varieties of fox. Some common fox species such as the red fox do not have the right number of chromosomes to mate with the dog, making it impossible for your pup to have this gene. But, foxes in general are part of the canine family. Foxes are among the smallest wild dogs. The absolute smallest is the fennec fox: pictured at right. They are monogamous and they do not live in packs. Their most striking feature is their eyes which have elliptical pupils in many fox species.

The Dingo:

The dingo is probably closer in behavior to the domestic dog than even the wolf. Dingoes hunt in packs and are skilled livestock hunters. They were once thought to be the only native dog of Australia, but it is now believed they originated in Southeast Asia. Dingoes are sandy or ginger colored with white patches on their feet, bellies, chest and muzzle. They have a short coat and erect ears.

The Dhole:

This wild dog can be found in more different climates than any of the other wild canines. They hunt in packs and do not bark or growl, but howl and whimper for communication. They are also called the Asiatic Red Dog and are known for their red color. They are short-haired with a feline-like face.

The African Wild Dog:

This is one of the few wild dogs that cares for its own sick, old, and disabled. African Wild Dogs can run almost 40mph and are extremely efficient hunters. They have calico colored coats and big rounded ears.





There are a few more wild dogs that I have not mentioned here. Each is unique in its own way. Many of these wild dogs are becoming extinct due to loss of their habitat, and human persecution. It is important for us to understand these dogs and how valuable they are. They do, after all, have a connection to our pet dogs who we keep safe under our care.