This is a small and stocky dog that looks like a terrier. They are one of the most social canids.

Life span
Bush dogs can live for up to 10 years in captivity.

Statistics
Body length: 57.5-75cm, Tail length: 12.5-15cm, Standing height: 30cm, Weight: 5-7kg.

Physical description
Bush dogs are stocky and terrier-like, with short legs and a short tail.

Distribution
Bush dogs inhabit Central and South America, from Panama to Peru, Brazil and Paraguay.

Habitat
They live in forest and savannah.

Diet
Bush dogs feed mainly on rodents, including pacas and agoutis. They swim well and readily pursue prey into water.

Behaviour
Little is known about the behaviour of bush dogs, but it is believed that they live in groups of 10 and hunt in packs. They mark the boundaries of their territory with urine. They are diurnal and during the night, they den in burrows or hollow tree trunks. Males have been observed bringing food to nursing females in the den.

Reproduction
After a gestation period of 67 days, females give birth to 1-6 pups.

Conservation status
Bush dogs are classified as Vulnerable by the 2000 IUCN Red List. They are still widespread but are scarce throughout their range, and numbers are decreasing as settlement progresses and forests are cleared.