Why Are African Wild Dogs Endangered? – The Facts Wild dogs have never been tamed or domesticated and wouldn’t be able to breed with domestic dogs. Like other canines, they are descendants of wolves. Wild dogs have longer legs than most domestic dogs, with four toes on their front feet and trademark rounded ears. Growing over a meter in height and weighing around 25-30 kg, African wild dogs are a similar size to medium-sized domestic dogs such as a Labrador.Įach has a painted coat of fur, with haphazard markings that are as unique as our fingerprints. These predators showcase incredible stamina and teamwork, enabling them to take down almost any of Africa’s antelopes. They communicate silently, splitting up to chase their prey. Wild dogs are on the move, hunting in a pack. Luminous fur moves across the savannah at sunrise. This article discusses why the African wild dog is endangered, why they need to be saved, and what can be done about their plight. They are one of my favorite ever African animals, the most evolved and complex of all the canines, and the most beautiful sight on safari. Classified as “critically endangered” on the IUCN Red List, less than 5000 of these animals remain in the wild. But sadly, their future does not look bright. Wild dogs are Africa’s most devastating and spectacular hunters.