Common raccoon dog

Named after their superficial resemblance to the raccoon, however, they are not closely related to each other

Bernd Schwabe in Hannover


Common raccoon dog

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

Named after their superficial resemblance to the raccoon, however, they are not closely related to each other

Population

The raccoon dog, belonging to the genus Nyctereutes, represents a unique intersection within the Canidae family, combining features reminiscent of both raccoons and traditional canids. Native to East Asia and parts of Eastern Europe, raccoon dogs (particularly the common raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, and its subspecies, including the Japanese raccoon dog) display a fascinating blend of behavioral and physical characteristics that distinguish them from other members of the canine world. Their evolutionary lineage is particularly intriguing, with seven members of this genus having become extinct before the Pleistocene, highlighting a rich history of adaptation and change.

Raccoon dogs are characterized by their round head and short snout, which contribute to their raccoon-like appearance. Unlike many canids, raccoon dogs have a stocky build, with short legs and a body that is well-adapted to their omnivorous diet. Their fur is dense and fluffy, providing insulation against the cold temperatures of their habitats, and is typically marked with a pattern that further enhances their raccoon resemblance.

As opportunistic feeders, raccoon dogs have a highly varied diet that shifts with the seasons and local environmental conditions. While they are considered primarily carnivorous, feeding on birds, small mammals, fish, and insects, they also consume a significant amount of plant matter, including fruits and roots. This adaptability in feeding habits allows raccoon dogs to thrive in a wide range of environments, from dense forests to urban outskirts.

Raccoon dogs are also notable for their unique behavior compared to other canids. They hibernate during the winter months, a rare trait among members of the Canidae family. This hibernation is not true hibernation but rather a period of lethargy where they significantly reduce their activity levels to conserve energy during the coldest months.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Austria
2016
Introduced
Belarus
2016
Introduced
Belgium
2016
Introduced
Bosnia And Herz.
2016
Introduced
Bulgaria
2016
Introduced
China
2016
Czechia
2016
Introduced
Denmark
2016
Introduced
Estonia
2016
Introduced
Finland
2016
Introduced
France
2016
Introduced
Germany
2016
Introduced
Hungary
2016
Introduced
Japan
2016
Kazakhstan
2016
Introduced
Korea
2016
Latvia
2016
Introduced
Lithuania
2016
Introduced
Moldova
2016
Introduced
Mongolia
2016
Netherlands
2016
Introduced
North Korea
2016
North Macedonia
2016
Introduced
Norway
2016
Introduced
Poland
2016
Introduced
Romania
2016
Introduced
Russia
2016
Primoryi, Amur, Chita, Khabarovsk
Serbia
2016
Introduced
Slovakia
2016
Introduced
Slovenia
2016
Introduced
Sweden
2016
Introduced
Switzerland
2016
Introduced
Ukraine
2016
Introduced
Uzbekistan
2016
Origin Uncertain
Vietnam
2016

Anything we've missed?

Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!

Suggest an edit

Get to know me

Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No