African Wild Dog aka Blue Dog
African Wild Dogs are often called Blue Dogs. These dogs are similar in size and shape to medium-large domestic dogs, but they are only distantly related to other canids. Their mottled coloring and large rounded ears make them unmistakable. The muzzle is black and the forehead has a black line in the middle of it. The large head resembles that of a hyena. Legs are long and slender. The feet have only four toes, and no dew claws. The tail has a white plume at the tip.
SWAHILI NAME FOR DOG: Mbwa
African Wild Hunting Dog sometimes called the Painted Dog
Scientific Name: Lycaon pictus pictus
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: These dogs are similar in size and shape to medium-large domestic dogs, but they are only distantly related to other canids. Their mottled coloring and large rounded ears make them unmistakable. The muzzle is black and the forehead has a black line in the middle of it. The large head resembles that of a hyena. Legs are long and slender. The feet have only four toes, and no dew claws. The tail has a white plume at the tip.
No two dogs have identical coat patterns of white, black and tan; yet close relatives are recognizably similar in coloration. The body length is about 40 inches with a 12-16 inch tail. Animals weigh a maximum of 66 pounds. Males are slightly larger than females, and animals from Southern Africa are slightly larger than their northern relatives.
More African Wild Dog Information:
- African Wild Dog - Adaptation, Diet, Distribution & Habitat
- African Wild Dog - Behavior, Threats & Status
- African Wild Dog - Reproduction & Growth
African Wild Dog Goodies
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