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Description
The Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a species of wild dog of the Canidae family. It is also known as the Asiatic Wild Dog; less known names include the Indian Wild Dog, the Red Dog, the Asiatic Dog, and the Whistling Hunter (due to the whistling sound it can make).

Within the canid family, the dhole is placed in a genus of its own. The dhole has been a distinct species for several million years. Cuon means dog in Greek, and alpinus means alpine (Mountain) in Latin. Thus the dhole’s scientific name means mountain dog. The animal is closely related to the genus Canis, and is by some authors considered part of Canis. Other related genera are Lycaon (African wild dog) and, more distantly, Pseudalopex and other South American Foxes.

The dhole is, generally, most active in the early morning and evening, and sometimes at night.

Three geographical races are believed to exist: peninsular, Himalayan and trans-Himalayan.

The dhole can live at least 16 years of age in captivity, though 10 is common in the wild.

Everything in my gallery is © Leisa Hennessy. All rights reserved.
Nothing in my my gallery may be reused or copied without my written permission.

Description
The Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a species of wild dog of the Canidae family. It is also known as the Asiatic Wild Dog; less known names include the Indian Wild Dog, the Red Dog, the Asiatic Dog, and the Whistling Hunter (due to the whistling sound it can make).

Within the canid family, the dhole is placed in a genus of its own. The dhole has been a distinct species for several million years. Cuon means dog in Greek, and alpinus means alpine (Mountain) in Latin. Thus the dhole’s scientific name means mountain dog. The animal is closely related to the genus Canis, and is by some authors considered part of Canis. Other related genera are Lycaon (African wild dog) and, more distantly, Pseudalopex and other South American Foxes.

The dhole is, generally, most active in the early morning and evening, and sometimes at night.

Three geographical races are believed to exist: peninsular, Himalayan and trans-Himalayan.

The dhole can live at least 16 years of age in captivity, though 10 is common in the wild.

Everything in my gallery is © Leisa Hennessy. All rights reserved.
Nothing in my my gallery may be reused or copied without my written permission.