A group of African wild dogs is called a pack.
African wild dogs are highly social canids that normally live and hunt in packs. Pack members cooperate closely when travelling, raising pups, defending territory, and pursuing prey. Their scientific name, Lycaon pictus, means “painted wolf,” referring to the irregular black, brown, white, and yellow patterns on each animal’s coat.
A pack is usually led socially by a breeding pair, although the group’s relationships are cooperative rather than based on a simple dominance hierarchy. Adults commonly regurgitate food for pups and for pack members that stayed behind, including sick or injured animals. This behaviour strengthens the group’s dependence on cooperation.
African wild dogs are sometimes called painted dogs or Cape hunting dogs. They are not domestic dogs, wolves, or hyenas. Their rounded ears, four-toed front feet, and distinctive coat pattern separate them from those unrelated animals.