African hunting dog is a wild dog known for its large, round ears and sparse, tricolored coat. This coat consists of irregular patches of black, brown, and white fur. The dog also has long legs, a deep chest, and powerful jaws and teeth. An adult weighs from 45 to 67 pounds (20 to 30 kilograms) and stands 24 to 30 inches (60 to 75 centimeters) tall at the shoulders.
African hunting dogs usually live in packs of about 10 to 40 animals. A dominant male and female, who form a breeding pair, lead each pack. The dominant female gives birth in a den to a litter of 6 to 16 pups. The pack assists in grooming, feeding, and protecting the litter. African hunting dogs usually hunt gazelles and antelopes, but they may also kill zebras and wildebeests. They hunt during the day in packs, often surrounding their victim and chasing it until it is exhausted.
These dogs once roamed in large numbers throughout much of Africa. Today, however, they have become an endangered species. Only a few thousand dogs remain, mostly on wildlife parks and reserves in eastern and southern Africa. Increasing human population, disease, competition from hyenas, and other factors have greatly reduced the dog’s population.
