Who Would Win A Fight Between a Hyena and a Wild Dog?

Quick Take

• Despite their size difference, one of these animals holds a surprising speed advantage that could change the entire dynamic of the fight. See the speed comparison →
• One of these predators has a bite force that ranks among the most powerful in the entire animal kingdom, though it is probably not the one you might expect. See the bite force data →
• Seven metrics decide this fight, though only two actually matter when it comes down to the wire. See which metrics matter →
• Both animals are pack hunters with elite senses, but what separates a winner from a loser in a one-on-one showdown with no pack to rely on? See the one-on-one outcome →

The four distinct species of Hyenas (Hyaenidae): spotted, brown, striped, and the aardwolf, are found in sub-Saharan Africa, although the striped hyena’s range extends into Western Asia. Hyenas are nocturnal and have a dog-like appearance, although they are more closely related to cats. African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), also known as painted dogs or painted wolves, are endangered canids native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are distinguished by their mottled coats, which consist of black, brown, white, and yellow fur, as well as their large, round ears.

Hyenas and African wild dogs frequently cross paths in the African savannah and often engage in skirmishes. Because both are pack animals that compete for the same prey and habitat, they are considered rivals. Although they usually encounter each other in packs, it’s interesting to consider which of these animals would win a one-on-one fight. To determine the ultimate victor in a fight between a hyena and an African wild dog, seven metrics will be evaluated: size, speed, bite force, senses, defenses, offenses, and predatory behavior. Continue reading to discover who would win a fight between a hyena and a wild dog.

Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Size

Wild dogs and hyenas are sometimes mistaken for one another, but the hyena is the larger animal. The average hyena weighs up to 190 pounds, measures approximately five feet in length, and stands about three feet tall at the shoulder. Wild dogs weigh less than half as much, at 80 pounds, stand about 2.5 feet tall, and grow just over three feet long.

Hyenas are significantly larger and heavier than African wild dogs, with large females often reaching twice the weight of a typical African wild dog.

Size Advantage: Hyena

Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Speed

Both hyenas and wild dogs are known for their speed, which they use to hunt prey and escape predators. Wild dogs can reach speeds of up to 44 miles per hour (mph), which is slightly faster than the hyena’s top speed of around 37–40 mph. Both animals use a galloping run, but the hyena’s gait is different because its front legs are longer than its hind legs.

Although both the hyena and the wild dog are endurance predators with impressive speeds, African wild dogs possess a higher top speed and are generally more agile.

Speed Advantage: Wild Dog

Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Bite Force

Both animals use their teeth to inflict damage on others. Hyenas have one of the most powerful bites in the world at 1,100 pounds per square inch (PSI) and use their 32 to 34 teeth, including specialized premolars, for bone-crushing and ripping chunks from prey. Wild dogs have significantly weaker bites, with estimates generally below 320 PSI. They have 42 teeth, all of which are designed to shear meat from prey.

Bite Force Advantage: Hyenas

Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Senses

An animal’s senses can help it detect enemies before they arrive or provide an opportunity to attack others. In this case, hyenas have an excellent sense of smell, sight, and hearing. They’re capable of detecting prey from miles away and hunting at night.

African wild dogs rely on highly developed senses, with hearing and eyesight being their strongest, which are crucial for tracking and coordinating hunts. Their large, rounded ears help them detect prey over long distances.

Although they rely on different, highly specialized senses, hyenas and African wild dogs are similarly matched in their overall efficiency as predators.

Sense Advantage: Tie

Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Defenses

Hyenas are considered highly combative and dangerous. They defend themselves through a combination of mobbing and biting. African wild dogs are considered aggressive, although they are highly efficient and intense predators. They are social, cooperative, and pack-oriented, defending themselves and their territory through teamwork and intimidating rivals with mobbing behavior.

Although both animals have impressive defensive behaviors, the hyena’s reputation for danger gives it the edge.

Defensive Advantage: Hyena

Hyena vs. Wild Dog: Offensive Capabilities

Wild dogs are pack hunters that chase their prey relentlessly until they catch it. They’re not afraid to take bites from still-living prey, even if their activity attracts other predators. Hyenas also live in packs, but it’s their powerful bite that poses the greatest threat to their enemies.

Offensive Advantage: Tie

Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Hyena and a Wild Dog?

A hyena would win a fight against a wild dog. The reason is simple: hyenas are much larger and stronger than wild dogs. A hyena and a wild dog would likely detect each other by smell or sight, making an ambush unlikely.

When the battle begins, the hyena and the wild dog would likely engage, snapping at each other to assess their opponent, then retreat until ready to fight again. The hyena would ultimately deal a significant blow to the wild dog, incapacitating it with its powerful bite. Once incapacitated, the wild dog would lose its ability to flee. It would only be a matter of time before the hyena moved in for the kill.