Cape Buffalo vs. Wild Dog: Who Would Win in a Fight?

African wild dogs, also called painted dogs, are pack animals that roam large areas of Africa. Although they’re predators, they’re also lower on the food chain than hyenas and lions. Could one of them take down a cape buffalo? Discover the winner of a battle between a cape buffalo vs. wild dog, and see whether a mild-mannered herbivore can survive against an aggressive, hungry hunter.  

Comparing a Cape Buffalo and a Wild Dog

What Are 2 Key Differences Between a Cape Buffalo and a Wild Dog?

The major differences between a cape buffalo and a wild dog can be found in their feeding habits and size. The cape buffalo is much larger than a wild dog. These beasts weigh between 600 to 2,000 pounds, stand between 4 and 5.8 feet tall at the shoulder, and grow about 6 to 8.3 feet long. Meanwhile, a wild dog only weighs about 40 to 80 pounds, stands 2.5 feet tall, and grows about 3.5 feet long.

On one hand, the cape buffalo is much larger than a wild dog, but it lacks a prey drive. On the other hand, wild dogs are predators that hunt in packs and try to eat as quickly as possible to avoid interactions with the big cats in their range.  

These are the major differences between the cape buffalo and the wild dog, and both of these elements will come into play during the battle.

What Are the Key Factors in a Fight Between a Cape Buffalo and a Wild Dog?

Several factors impact the outcome of a fight between two animals in the wild. In this case, we’re removing a very important element from the battle: herds. This will be a one-on-one fight between a wild dog and a cape buffalo.

We’re going to explore each animal’s size, speed, offense, defense, and predation skills to determine the winner of this battle. By figuring out which animal has the advantage in each section, we’ll get a good idea of how this fight would play out in the wild.

Cape Buffalo vs.Wild Dog: Size

The first aspect of this fight we need to examine is the respective size of the two animals. The cape buffalo weighs between 600 and 2,000 pounds, stands up to 5.8 feet tall, and grows about 8.3 feet long. Meanwhile, the wild dog weighs between 40 and 80 pounds, can stand about 2.5 feet tall, and grows up to 3.5 feet long.

The cape buffalo has the size advantage in this fight.

Cape Buffalo vs. Wild Dog: Speed

The average wild dog can run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Of course, they can’t keep that speed up forever, but they can keep up a good pace for a few miles. Meanwhile, the average cape buffalo can move at speeds between 22 and 35 miles per hour, allowing them to move quite fast when they need to get away from a dire situation.

The wild dog has the speed advantage.

Cape Buffalo vs. Wild Dog: Defenses

The cape buffalo is a very large animal that relies on its size and potential to cause harm to keep predators at bay. These animals live in herds to stave off attacks as well. Moreover, they can run at speeds of about 35 miles per hour to help them escape danger.

Wild dogs also live and hunt in groups to increase the chances of successfully getting a kill while also reducing the chances of them getting picked off by other animals. Lions and hyenas will easily chase them off, though. Wild dogs also rely on their great speed to escape from trouble.

The cape buffalo has the advantage in terms of defense because of its large body size and ability to fend off attacks from large creatures.

Cape Buffalo vs. Wild Dog: Offensive Capabilities

Wild dogs don’t have the bite force of a hyena or the size of a lion. Instead, they rely on grouping up to hunt down their prey. They have a bite force of 320 psi which is fairly low compared to the big cats that share its range. However, they have teeth designed to tear flesh from their prey. They have to eat in a hurry because bigger predators will often poach their food. So, these animals are somewhat limited to fighting with their bites.

Meanwhile, the cape buffalo has a couple of ways to battle back against predators. For example, these animals can use their horns to gore any attackers, causing severe damage or even killing them. Video evidence shows the cape buffalo using such attacks on animals like the Nile crocodile and even lions. Cape buffalo can also use their weight and powerful legs to strike attackers. They can trample, kick, and run down aggressors.

The cape buffalo has the offensive advantage in this case.

Cape Buffalo vs. Wild Dog: Predatory Behavior

Wild dogs are cursorial pack hunters who chase down and feed on animals. They attack while chasing their prey. The wild dog’s great speed combined with their endurance helps them deliver an assault that animals cannot escape. However, the cape buffalo does not have a prey drive since it is an herbivore.

The wild dog has the advantage in terms of predator behavior.

Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Cape Buffalo and a Wild Dog?

A cape buffalo would win a fight against a wild dog. Although a pack of wild dogs would stand a chance against a lone cape buffalo, a one-on-one version of this fight would greatly favor the cape buffalo. The large mammal has such a size, weight, and power advantage that it could fend off the wild dog.

The wild dog certainly has the endurance and prey drive to attack a buffalo, but it would find itself outclassed. After a few test attacks, the wild dog would probably be unwilling to continue this fight, especially once the cape buffalo kicks, stomps, tramples, or gores it.

So, either the wild dog flees or the cape buffalo severely injures the wild dog. Either way, barring some incredible luck, the wild dog would lose this fight.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © William Steel/Shutterstock.com