[Illustration: HYENA DOGS.]
The Hyena Dog might be classed with these wild and half-wild Dogs,
although it is usually given a distinct genus. As the name indicates, it
has several points of resemblance with the Hyena. This Dog inhabits
South Africa. It is about the size of a Wolf, but not so strong as that
animal. Its coat is of a deep gray color speckled with spots of various
colors. It has large pointed ears and the tail is long and bushy.
Although like the Hyena, it is very fond of putrid flesh, the Hyena Dog
also feeds on living prey, especially Gazelles, Antelopes, etc. To
pursue and capture these, the Hyena Dogs collect in troops, which are
sometimes very numerous, and under the direction of a chief, they hunt
with an intelligence unsurpassed by the best pack of Hounds. When the
game is taken they divide it equally, but if any of the larger
Carnivorous animals approach to take a share in the feast, they all
unite against the intruder. Even Leopards and Lions have been driven off
by a troop of these fierce Hyena Dogs.