The short fur of African painted dogs is a patchwork of dark brown, yellow, black, and white. Although the color pattern is different for each individual, they all have darker colors on their muzzle and a white tip on the end of their tail. Their ears are large and rounded and they have a strong musky odor. Unlike other canids, all of their teeth are sharp and shearing rather than a combination of sharp and flattened teeth. Their premolars are enlarged, allowing them to crush and consume large quantities of bone. Their slender bodies have a deep chest and long legs with front feet that have 4 toes but no dewclaw--they are the only canids without them.
 

Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) SAFE African Painted Dog Program 

African painted dogs are Africa’s most endangered predator, roaming in dwindling packs — pack sizes that used to number a hundred or more now average at 10. It is estimated that there are 3,000 to 5,500 individual free-ranging painted dogs left in Africa. 

Brookfield Zoo Chicago participates in the AZA African Painted Dog Program to help identify survival threats, support recovery, and offer you opportunities to learn more about at-risk species. 
 

Threats 

• • Habitat loss 

• • Killing by people outside of protected areas 

• • Diseases 

• • Accidental killing, such as road accidents or snares to catch other species 

• • Climate change 
   

How We Care 

• • Brookfield Zoo Chicago cares for two female and one male African painted dogs. 

• • The Zoo helps fund conservation efforts in Senegal, West Africa, and South Africa, supporting projects such as the creation of corridors to bring together fragmented African painted dog populations.

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