Jackal vs. Dhole — What's the Difference?

Exhibits a range of vocal behaviors to communicate with peers.

Communicates with an unusual whistle-like call, aiding in stealthy hunting.

Can form pairs that may last several years, often seen as monogamous behavior.

Characterized by distinctive reddish coat and bushy tail.

Lives in varied climates and settings, showcasing remarkable ecological flexibility.

Faces threats from habitat loss, human conflicts, and competition with other predators.

A wild canid of Africa and Asia known for its adaptability and opportunistic diet.

Hunts in organized packs, displaying complex cooperative strategies.

Typically smaller than wolves and distinguished by a more elongated torso and shorter legs.

A social canid species found in Central and Southeast Asia, known for its endangered status.

Jackals are medium-sized omnivorous mammals of the subtribe Canina, which also includes wolves and the domestic dog, among other species. While the word "jackal" has historically been used for many small canines, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal of sub-Saharan-Africa, and the golden jackal of south-central Europe and Asia.

The dhole (; Cuon alpinus) is a canid native to Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia. Other English names for the species include Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, and mountain wolf.

A slender long-legged wild dog that feeds on carrion, game, and fruit and often hunts cooperatively, found in Africa and southern Asia.

A wild Asian dog (Cuon alpinus) having reddish fur and large ears.

Any of several mammals of the genus Canis of Africa, Asia, and southeast Europe, that are chiefly foragers feeding on plants, small animals, and occasionally carrion.

An Asian wild dog, Cuon alpinus.

One who seeks to gain advantage or profit from the difficulties of another.

A fierce, wild dog (Canis Dukhunensis), found in the mountains of India. It is remarkable for its propensity to hunt the tiger and other wild animals in packs.

One who performs menial tasks for another.

Fierce wild dog of the forests of central and southeast Asia that hunts in packs

Any of certain wild canids of the genus Canis, native to the tropical Old World and smaller than a wolf.

A person who performs menial/routine tasks, a dogsbody.

(derogatory) A person who behaves in an opportunistic way; especially a base collaborator.

A jack (the playing card).

(rugby union) a player who steals the ball at the tackle

To perform menial or routine tasks

Any one of several species of carnivorous animals inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf. They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and dismal howling.

One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated.

Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog; smaller than a wolf; sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair

Jackals typically have smaller litters compared to dholes, and their breeding pairs are often monogamous; dholes, in contrast, may have larger litters facilitated by cooperative breeding within the pack.

The conservation status varies: golden jackals are of least concern, but other species like the Ethiopian wolf (often classified among jackals) are endangered.

Jackals thrive in a variety of environments including arid deserts, open savannas, and scrublands.

Jackals are known to be very adaptable, often venturing into human-inhabited areas to scavenge food, showing remarkable cunning in varied environments.

In the wild, jackals live about 8-10 years, but in captivity, they can live up to 16 years due to better care and lack of predators.

Dholes face threats primarily from habitat destruction, direct persecution, and competition for food with other large predators.

No, jackals and dholes cannot interbreed as they are different species with significant genetic distinctions.

Dholes sometimes come into conflict with other large predators like tigers and leopards, often competing directly for prey.

Jackals are important as both predators and scavengers, helping control populations of small animals and cleaning up carrion, whereas dholes help maintain the balance of prey species in their forest ecosystems.

Dhole packs can range from 5 to 12 individuals, with a complex hierarchy and cooperative care for pups.

Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, protection from poaching, and programs to mitigate conflicts between dholes and humans.

Jackals can impact farming communities by preying on livestock, particularly small animals like sheep and goats, leading to conflicts with humans.

Jackals emit a variety of sounds including yelps, growls, and howls, which can signify territory, alertness to danger, or communication with family members.