African painted dog

African painted dogs, also known as the Cape hunting dog, have a Latin name which means ‘painted wolf’, based on the unique pattern of each individual animal. Their large, round ears can pick up calls from other dogs far away and can also move to indicate directions for other members of the pack. They communicate with each other using high pitched yaps to coordinate their attacks.  

Painted dogs are carnivores and highly social animals, living in large packs that hunt together. Before they hunt the pack has a social rally which gets the dogs awake, excited and ready! They'll chase the prey until it tires and then share the meal with the other pack members letting the pups eat first. 

Painted dogs live in 'fission-fusion societies' meaning they will move in and out of packs. Pack sizes can range between 2-30 members with a monogamous breeding pair leading the others. These pairs have very large litters, so all the pack members help to look after the pups, working together to bring enough food to feed the pups and the mother as she will stay with them in an underground den while they're suckling. Pack members are known to switch roles, and some dogs will stay behind to protect the pups while the others go hunting.