Dhole

The Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a species of wild dog of the Canidae family. It is also known as the Asiatic Wild Dog; lesser known names include the Indian Wild Dog, the Red Dog, the Asiatic Dog, and the Whistling Hunter (due to the whistling sound it can make).

Within the canid family, the dhole is placed in a genus of its own, which is post-Pleistocene in origin. The dhole has been a distinct species for several million years. Cuon means dog in Greek, and alpinus means alpine (Mountain) in Latin. Thus the dhole’s scientific name means mountain dog. The animal is closely related to the genus Canis, and is by some authors considered part of Canis. Other related genera are Lycaon (African wild dog) and, more distantly, Pseudalopex and other South American Foxes.