All comparisons

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.

African Wild Dog
Black-backed Jackal

Side-by-side comparison

African Wild Dog
Black-backed Jackal
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

African Wild Dog

18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)

VS
Black-backed Jackal

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.

African Wild Dog

Full profile

African Wild Dog

Black-backed Jackal

Full profile

Black-backed Jackal