The African Wild Dog

Extract

The African Wild Dog, or Hunting Dog, Lycaon pictus, is a distinct species and is neither related to any domestic breed nor does it appear to be the forerunner of any known type of domestic dog: there are in fact certain structural differences, such as the absence of dew-claws. The dogs stand about twenty-six inches at the shoulder and measure about four feet from nose to tip of bushy tail. The colour is variable but is similar to that of a normal Alsatian, covered to a greater or lesser degree with black, yellow or white blotches. A notable feature is the large upstanding, rounded ears. There are recorded cases of the wild dog having been successfully tamed, but an objectionable smell renders them somewhat unpleasant as household pets.