African Wild Dog vs Black-backed Jackal
How does the African Wild Dog compare to the Black-backed Jackal? They are both members of the Canidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Lycaon pictus
- Canis mesomelas
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Canidae
- Canidae
- Habitat
- Savanna, grassland, and open woodland
- Savanna
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Omnivore
- Conservation status
- Endangered
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years in the wild
- 8-12 years
- Weight
- 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)
- 6-13 kg
African Wild Dog vs Black-backed Jackal: who would win?

African Wild Dog
18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)

Black-backed Jackal
6-13 kg
African Wild Dog wins moderate confidence
African Wild Dog is substantially heavier (18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 6-13 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Canidae family.
Differences
- Habitat: Savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs Savanna.
- Diet: carnivore vs omnivore.
- Conservation: Endangered vs Least Concern.
- Weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 6-13 kg.
African Wild Dog vs Black-backed Jackal: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a African Wild Dog or a Black-backed Jackal?
African Wild Dog wins. African Wild Dog is substantially heavier (18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 6-13 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a African Wild Dog and a Black-backed Jackal?
African Wild Dog and Black-backed Jackal differ in several ways — habitat: savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs savanna. diet: carnivore vs omnivore. conservation: endangered vs least concern. weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 6-13 kg.
Do African Wild Dog and Black-backed Jackal live in the same habitat?
No — African Wild Dog lives in savanna, grassland, and open woodland, while Black-backed Jackal is found in savanna.
What do African Wild Dog and Black-backed Jackal eat?
African Wild Dog has a carnivore diet, while Black-backed Jackal has a omnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the African Wild Dog or the Black-backed Jackal?
African Wild Dog is listed as Endangered, while Black-backed Jackal is listed as Least Concern.
How big are African Wild Dog and Black-backed Jackal?
African Wild Dog weighs around 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs), while Black-backed Jackal weighs around 6-13 kg.

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African Wild Dog

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Black-backed Jackal







