A Special Dedication to the Majestic African Wild Dogs
- calmandstrong
- Aug 27
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 30
Image I (Left): Africa’s Wild Dogs: A Survival Story, by Jocelin Kagan
The African Wild Dogs, or painted wolves are smart and sociable hunters, who are also charismatic, enterprising and impressive animals that deserve their place in the pantheon as some of the greatest predators Africa has ever produced.
Image II (Right): Courtesy of Jenna, via Pinterest
African Wild Dogs are one of the greatest predators that Africa has ever produced, but for many years, they have been subject to bad press because they are seen as vermin and a threat to livestock, and unfortunately, they have suffered relentless persecution. As a result, their future is under threat because during the modern era their numbers have declined to 6,600 remaining in the world, which means African Wild Dogs are endangered. They are found mostly in arid zones and in the savannah grasslands, woodlands, scrubs, and mountainous habitats if there is prey available. The diet of the African Wild Dogs consists of a variety of prey, like gazelles, antelopes, impalas, zebras, warthogs, wildebeest, rats, and birds. Throughout Africa, the African Wild Dogs have been shot and poisoned by farmers who blame them when a leopard or hyena kills their livestock.
Curious, inquisitive, painterly-patterned in rich black, white and tan, with large bat-like ears, and a bushy tail with a white tip that may serve as a flag to keep the pack in contact while hunting. No two African Wild Dogs are marked the same, making it easy to identify individuals. African Wild Dogs are about 30 to 43 inches in length, 40 to 79 pounds, their life span is 10 to 12 years, and their predators are lions, hyenas, and humans.
When the African Wild Dog sits majestically, it resembles the sphinx, like the great sphinx of ancient Egypt (Kemet).
Image courtesy of Jenna, via Pinterest
These dogs of Africa are beautiful, intelligent, iconic, and majestic animals, and integral to the ecosystems of the African bush. Like most predators, they play an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals, they help maintain the natural balance and improve prey species.
The Origin Story of the African Wild Dogs
Once upon a time, large packs of African Wild Dogs roamed the African plains. In nomadic family groups of around 30-40 strong, they ranged widely throughout Africa below the Sahara, right from the Atlantic coast of Senegal (West Africa) to Eritrea (East Africa) on the Red Sea, and throughout southern Africa to the Cape of Good Hope. They travelled over large ranges, heading where prey was plentiful and avoiding their predators, like lions and hyenas. African Wild Dogs were as integral to the African landscape as the savannah grasslands and forests that were their home.
African people, such as the Maasai of Kenya (East Africa) knew the African Wild Dogs and lived and hunted alongside them, their presence is woven into rituals and traditions, and the stories that have long been shared around the fireside. The people of Ethiopia’s Tigray region (East Africa) told that dire consequences would befall a hunter who injured a wild dog with a spear. The dog was said to dip its tail into the wound and flick the blood at whoever attacked it, causing instant death. The people’s solution was to throw stones to keep the dogs away from their flocks and cattle. The San people of Botswana and Namibia (Southern Africa) traditionally revered the wild dog’s hunting skills. Their shamans would eat a wild dog’s heart to imbibe its courageousness and adeptness, smear its body fluids on their feet to run with its swiftness, and wear the skin “taking on the spirit” of the wild dog to be as effective in hunting.
Meanwhile, among the Ndebele in Zimbabwe (Southern Africa), a story was told about why wild dogs hunt as a pack: the first wild dog’s wife was sick, and impala and zebra were sent to get help from hare, the medicine man. They failed to follow hare’s instructions and the wild dog’s wife died. From then on, impalas and zebras have been hunted by wild dog families as revenge.
When preparing for a hunt, the African Wild Dogs often roll in the prey’s feces to hide their own smell, masking their advance. They are well camouflaged, their tri-color markings help the dogs blend into their habitat and keep them well hidden from their prey. The African Wild Dogs prefer to hunt just before dawn and just after sunset before their enemies, lions and hyenas become active.
When the African Wild Dogs kill their prey, they need to eat fast because they are tracked and followed by scavenging hyenas, which are always waiting to attack and steal the dogs kill, and there is also the ever-present threat of lions. The hyenas are often alerted by the unmistakable sound of vultures plummeting through the air in their own race to kill. Although African Wild Dogs are half the size of hyenas, they don’t easily give up a kill to them, because the pack of dogs make a coordinated attack on one or two hyenas and can easily drive them off. However, when it comes to lions, they are simply too dangerous to fight, so they give up their kill to them.
The dogs tear at the meat, and swallow to carry food back to the den, which they regurgitate: both pups and nursing mothers are fed in this way. They couldn’t carry a piece of raw meat in their mouths back to their den because a lion or hyena would attack. So, the dogs swallow it quickly and carry it home inside them, which is the safest and most efficient way to care for their family. It was interesting to find out when herbivores fall prey to carnivores, the body of the herbivores go into a state of shock and doesn't feel anything.
As nomadic predators, the African Wild Dogs cover large territories, ranging in the realm of thousands of kilometers. The African Wild Dogs once ranged in large packs throughout Africa below the Sahara, but now they are restricted to small populations in a few countries in southern Africa, some of which are declining rapidly. They cooperate with each other when hunting large and small herbivores, and they could run long distances at speeds up to 40 mph. They are skilled and agile hunters with high stamina.
Hunting with strategy, the dogs are cunning and work together to apply a variety of tactics. When the dogs chase their prey, the prey doesn’t run in a straight line, but rather darts, leaps or propels itself forward with bursts of adrenaline. The dogs follow, running zigzag until they cut off their prey. The dogs work as a team, and each family member’s highly refined collective effort is aimed at the same goal. Of the large carnivores in Africa, African Wild Dogs are the most efficient hunters with an 80% successful rate, because their prey rarely escapes. All though African Wild Dogs are carnivores, they are surprisingly non-confrontational and self-determined animals. Their complex social structure bonds members of their family together, helping to ensure their survival and their dynasty.
Did You Know? Some Basic Facts about African Wild Dogs
There are no records or folk stories of African Wild Dogs ever attacking humans
African Wild Dogs live in family packs
The alpha female and alpha male lead the pack. However, the alpha female is top dog: all others support and protect her
Only the alpha female and alpha male mate
The number of pups in a litter varies widely from about four to 20
African Wild Dogs hold back while the juvenile pups have first feed at a kill – no other predator does this
Lions and hyenas are the African Wild Dogs’ greatest enemies
Domestic dogs and African Wild Dogs differ genetically and cannot inter-bred. African Wild Dogs have four toes; domestic dogs have five toes
Family Matters
Image I (Left): Courtesy of Liz, via Pinterest
“The alpha female leads the family and the pack follows her rules and command.” - Jocelin Kagan, author of Africa’s Wild Dogs: A Survival Story
Image II (Right): Courtesy of Jenna, via Pinterest
The feeling of security, strength and warmth is the core of the African Wild Dog's family unit. To the African Wild Dog, the pack is everything, and they move as one and each member know their place in the pack. All their needs are cared for within the family. The dogs have been known to feed and guard a pack member with a broken leg, and they even slow their pace when travelling to enable an injured family member to keep up. They also celebrate significant life events together and mourn collectively when a family member dies.
For instance, according to Jocelin Kagan, author of Africa’s Wild Dogs: A Survival Story, this incident has a backstory of territorial battle. Blacktip, name of an African Wild Dog had invaded the territory of her mother, Tait. But Blacktip had lost one of her pups to a hyena, and two days later another tragedy took place. The dogs were sleeping in the heat of the day and awoke hot and thirsty. They went to the Zambezi River (located in Southern Africa) in search of a drink, but there were lions already there, so the dogs ran away through the bush to a nearby pool.
African Wild Dogs: United in Grief
“While we cannot know for sure what any other being experiences, in my times with wild dogs I have witnessed emotions that I recongnise, and that resonate with me, such as delight, anger, jealousy and fear. On this occasion it was grief, including shock, sadness and resignation.” - Jocelin Kagan
By the time Kagan got to the pool, the dogs were standing on the bank with a high level of tenson rippling through the entire pack. One of the female African Wild Dog’s, Tennessee, had been at the water drinking and a crocodile had slunk up and snatched her away. A mournful sound echoed across the water, and a hollow “hooo” contained a mix of different emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, and desperation. Suddenly, there was an explosion of water and noise in the direction that Tennessee had been taken. There were crocodiles at the surface and Tennessee’s body was torn and ripped apart. Kagan, who witnessed this sorrowing episode, found herself unable to watch or take a photograph. The African Wild Dog pack stayed on the bank for a while, calling and calling for Tennessee.
Soon after the incident, Blacktip took her family and retreated to her original homeland, leaving Tait to regain her territory. Blacktip had invaded her mother’s territory and karma had been served because her aggression had not served her well. Blacktip was beaten, because the territory was now associated with tragedy.
The Future of African Wild Dogs
“The call came through on the radio at six in the evening; yet another African wild dog has been seen with a snare wire tight around its waist. At first light the next morning, we mobilized quickly: out scouts on motorbikes located the pack, and then we came in to identify the injured dog, a young female named Choux, and dart her with sedative. As our team gathered to treat the wound, there were deep breaths all round – it was a horrific abdominal injury, with a large area of raw flesh scraped off by the wire, presumably as she fought to free herself. She also had broken teeth and a lacerated tongue. Choux’s story is one of many – wire snares are a serious and enduring threat to African wild dogs across their range. She was one of the lucky ones: she managed to break out of the deadly wire trap, we removed the wire and treated the injury. Choux went on to make a full recovery. Other wild dogs have been maimed for life and some, despite professional veterinary attention, have died from their extreme injuries.
Wire snares are ubiquitous and absolutely devastating. Wild dogs are not the target - the snares are set to catch a range of herbivore species for the lucrative trade in bushmeat. But wild dogs are one of many animals that become collateral damage from this indiscriminate hunting technique. The wires are set at a height to trap the legs of larger herbivores, such as impala, wildebeest and antelope, but this means they often catch the neck or body of wild dogs. We have found wires caught around necks, waists, legs and feet. One young male chewed its own leg off to get out of a snare.”
– Dr. Rosemary Groom, CEO, Africa Wildlife Conservation Fund (AWCF) Describes the Devastation Wrecked by Wire Snares
Skip to 37:55 to see Dr. Rosemary Groom talk about the African Wild Dog who chewed off its own leg just to free itself from the wire snare.
Video courtesy of All Out Wildlife, via YouTube
The original population of the African Wild Dogs is not known, but throughout Africa the dogs were seen in fewer numbers, in fewer places. Not only affecting African Wild Dogs, but uncontrolled hunting has decimated many herds of animals throughout Africa, like wildebeest, kudu, impala, elephant, giraffe and more. When poachers take out the leaders, meaning the matriarchs or the big bulls. In the case of the African Wild Dogs, these are the elders or mature individuals of the pack, and the role of these leaders among social animals have a lasting impact on the pack, and without their knowledge and wisdom, destruction is inevitable.
These mature individuals are those who know how to find water, food, dens and safe routes that leads their pack's to these safe haven landscapes. Especially in times of scarcity and drought, this knowledge is the animals’ heritage and vital for survival. Targeting these large animals means taking out the cumulative knowledge, like removing a library or database from that society.
The African Wildlife Foundation: Strategic Mission 2020-2030
“Our vision is of an Africa where sustainable development includes thriving wildlife and wild lands as a cultural and economic asset for Africa’s future generations.” - The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
Staff Celebrating Africa Day at the African Wildlife Foundation’s Nairobi (Kenya) Headquarters, May 22, 2024.
“Help Build a World Where People and Wildlife Thrive – Together.” - The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
Image courtesy of African Wildlife Foundation
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is one of the largest and oldest international conservation organizations based in and focused solely on Africa. They protect at-risk wildlife (like African Wild Dogs) and their habitats, partner with communities in strategies to coexist with nature, and support current and future African leaders to make thoughtful decisions about conservation and development.
The work of AWF relies on generous support from donors. If you would like to experience a world where wildlife and human beings thrive together, donate to AWF by clicking here: African Wildlife Foundation
Sources:
African Wildlife Foundation. African Wild Dog. What is an African Wild Dog. African Wildlife Foundation. Aug. 26, 2025. https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/african-wild-dog
African Wildlife Foundation. Help Build a World Where People and Wildlife Thrive – Together. African Wildlife Foundation. Aug. 26, 2025. https://secure.awf.org/page/119125/donate/1?token=Cfdc2aJYEkJqzpetfLnLDvUdwKOOoMxwrG6GazrsWpo
African Wildlife Foundation. Strategic Mission 2020-2030. African Wildlife Foundation. Aug. 26, 2025. https://www.awf.org/about/strategic-vision
All Out Wildlife. Wild Dogs: Tracking The Most Successful Hunter Across The African Wilderness. All Out Wildlife. YouTube. June 5, 2024. Aug. 28, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiKgrUwKrtc&authuser=0
Hill, H. Dog Totem Meaning. Hamilton Hill. Pinterest. Aug. 26, 2025. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/690739661625942991/sent/?invite_code=3f6773137f7b4d96945b1ee40c23c444&sender=690739799006539387&sfo=1
Jenna. Africa Wild Dog Image. Jenna. Pinterest. Aug. 26, 2025. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/40391727903249972/sent/?invite_code=23a305b3168d47a5bffd52fe032be0ac&sender=690739799006539387&sfo=1
Jenna. African Wild Dog (pup) Image. Jenna. Pinterest. Aug. 26, 2025. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/323485185751242734/sent/?invite_code=a053622a04294e5da762c0cc377b1964&sender=690739799006539387&sfo=1
Kagan, J. Africa’s Wild Dogs: A Survival Story. Merlin Unwin Books. Oct. 1, 2020. Aug. 26, 2025. p. Cover, 7, 12, 14-15, 18-19, 28, 85, 87, 96-98, 109, 141-142, 145, 192-193.
Liz. Cute African Wild Dog. Liz. Pinterest. Aug. 26, 2025. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/690739661640946779/sent/?invite_code=f9219f5592424417ac872e8f2e8fde6b&sender=690739799006539387&sfo=1
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