Africa is home to a diverse array of fascinating lifeforms, including hyenas and wild dogs. Many people confuse the wild dog with a hyena, but the two predators are very different in terms of their physical characteristics and behaviors. We’re going to compare the two mammals and show you how they’re different from one another, and then we will use available information to determine the winner of a hyena vs. wild dog fight. Come and see which of these pack hunters would win against the other when they’re on their own!
Comparing a Hyena and a Wild Dog
| Hyena | Wild Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Weight: 90lbs-190lbs Height: 2 ft – 3 ft at shoulder Length: 3 ft – 5 ft |
Weight: 40lbs-80lbs Height: 2 ft – 2.5 ft Length: 3 ft – 3.5 ft |
| Speed and Movement Type | – 35 – 40 mph – Uses a galloping sprint |
– 45 mph – Galloping run |
| Bite Power and Teeth | – 1100 PSI bite power – 34 teeth – Conical teeth are meant for breaking bones |
– 320 PSI bite power – 42 teeth – Teeth shaped to strip flesh with ease |
| Senses | – A powerful sense of smell is used for hunting and the recognition of others. – Hearing is powerful enough to hear prey miles away – Great nighttime eyesight |
– Use their great low-light vision to hunt at dawn and dusk – Great sense of smell for identifying other animals or prey – Excellent hearing that is supported by relatively large ears. |
| Defenses | – Speed – Safety in numbers |
– They are faster and have more endurance than many animals |
| Offensive Capabilities | – Amazingly powerful bite – Speed to overwhelm enemies |
– Pack hunters – Sharp, flesh-tearing teeth |
| Predatory Behavior | – A cursorial predator that chases after enemies in packs, similar to wolves – Will eat carrion and steal others’ hunts. |
– The pack locates and chases down prey, eating it alive before other, more powerful creatures steal the kill. |
The Key Factors in a Fight Between a Hyena and a Wild Dog
How can we decide whether a hyena or a wild dog wins a fight? Every fight in the animal kingdom is impacted by the physical elements of the creatures involved. A variety of factors will impact this clash between these somewhat similar animals. In particular, we have identified some different vital pieces of information that would turn the tide of this fight in one direction or the other. Consider the differences in each animal’s body and killer instincts to see which has the greatest advantages.
Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Size
Wild dogs and hyenas are easily mistaken for one another, but the hyena is a larger creature. The hyena weighs up to 190 lbs, measures around five feet in length, and stands three feet tall at the shoulder. Wild dogs weigh a diminutive 80 lbs at max, stand about 2.5 ft tall, and grow just over three feet long.
Advantage: Hyenas
Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Speed and Movement
Both hyenas and wild dogs are known for their high potential speed, which they use to hunt prey and escape predators. Wild dogs have reached speeds of 45 mph in the wild, faster than hyenas at a top speed of 40 mph. Both animals use a galloping run, but the hyena’s gait is different because their front legs are longer than their back legs.
Advantage: Wild Dogs
Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Bite Power and Teeth
Both animals use their teeth to do damage to others. Hyenas have one of the most powerful bites in the world at 1,100 PSI and use their 32 to 34 teeth, including specialized premolars for bone-crushing and ripping chunks from prey. Wild dogs have weaker bites that top out at 320 PSI. They have 42 teeth, all designed to shear meat from prey.
Advantage: Hyenas
Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Senses
An animal’s senses can help it detect enemies before they arrive or provide an opening for others to attack them. In this case, hyenas have amazing smell, sight, and hearing. They’re capable of detecting prey from miles off and hunting at night. Wild dogs can hear well, but not as well as hyenas. Their vision is perfect in low-light settings, and their sense of smell helps them find prey.
Advantage: Hyenas
Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Offensive Capabilities
Wild dogs are pack hunters that chase their prey relentlessly until they successfully catch it. They’re not afraid to take bites from still-living prey in case their activity attracts other predators. Hyenas also live in packs, but it’s their powerful bite that is most worrisome to their enemies.
Advantage: Both
Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Hyena and a Wild Dog?
A hyena would win a fight against a wild dog. The reason is simple: hyenas are just much larger and stronger than wild dogs. A hyena and wild dog would smell or see each other coming; there wouldn’t be an ambush.