- Where to see one
- 5 U.S. zoos in our directory hold bush dog, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the bush dog
The bush dog is a small, short-legged canine found in Central and South America, mostly in lowland forests, wet savannas and areas near rivers. It was first described from fossils in Brazilian caves and was believed to be extinct. Adults have long brownish-tan fur and a bushy tail, measure 57-75 cm (22-30 in) in head-body length and weigh 5-8 kg (11-18 lb). Partly webbed toes help it swim. Bush dogs hunt by day in small packs, taking large rodents such as pacas and capybaras, and sometimes much larger animals. They shelter in hollow logs and armadillo burrows.
Bush Dog facts
- Bush dogs were first described from fossils in Brazilian caves and were believed extinct.
- A pack of six was reported hunting a South American tapir for three hours until it fell exhausted.
- When hunting paca, some of the pack chase it on land while others wait in the water.
- Pups are born blind and helpless, weighing just 125 to 190 grams (4.4 to 6.7 oz).
Where to see bush dog in the U.S.
5 zoos across 4 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 5 zoos holding bush dog by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
Arkansas· 1
California· 1
Massachusetts· 2
Michigan· 1
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
