The male small-eared fox, though smaller than the female, is dominant. Both the male and the female move with a catlike agility.

Life span
Small-eared dogs live for over 11 years in captivity.

Statistics
Body length: 72-90cm, Tail length: 25-30cm, Standing height: 35cm, Weight: 9kg.

Physical description
Small-eared dogs have rounded ears, which are relatively shorter than any other canid (34-52mm). The upper-parts are dark grey to black, and the under-parts are rufous mixed with grey and black. They have a black bushy tail.

Distribution
Small-eared dogs live in Brazil and Peru.

Habitat
They inhabit tropical forests from sea level to about 1,000m.

Diet
In captivity, small-eared dogs feed on raw meat, shoots of grass and rubbish.

Behaviour
Small-eared dogs are nocturnal and solitary.

Reproduction
Due to lack of research, the reproductive behaviour of small-eared dogs is unknown at present.

Conservation status
They are classified as Data Deficient. They may be at risk from the indirect influence of human intrusion throughout their range. They are protected by law in Brazil and Peru.