Fierce wild dog of the forests of central and southeast Asia that hunts in packs; SYN. Cuon alpinus.
Indian wild dog.
Wild dog Cuon alpinus found in Asia from Siberia to Java. With head and body up to 1 m/39 in long, variable in color but often reddish above and lighter below, the dhole lives in groups of from 3 to 30 individuals. The species is becoming rare and is protected in some areas.
Dholes can chase prey for long distances; a pack is capable of pulling down deer and cattle as well as smaller prey. They are even known to have attacked tigers and leopards.