African Wild Dog vs Ethiopian Wolf
How does the African Wild Dog compare to the Ethiopian Wolf? 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 simensis
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Canidae
- Canidae
- Habitat
- Savanna, grassland, and open woodland
- Afroalpine grassland and heathland
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Endangered
- Endangered
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years in the wild
- 8-10 years
- Weight
- 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)
- 11-19 kg
African Wild Dog vs Ethiopian Wolf: who would win?

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

Ethiopian Wolf
11-19 kg
African Wild Dog wins moderate confidence
African Wild Dog is substantially heavier (18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 11-19 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.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Endangered.
Differences
- Habitat: Savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs Afroalpine grassland and heathland.
- Weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 11-19 kg.
African Wild Dog vs Ethiopian Wolf: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a African Wild Dog or a Ethiopian Wolf?
African Wild Dog wins. African Wild Dog is substantially heavier (18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 11-19 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 Ethiopian Wolf?
African Wild Dog and Ethiopian Wolf differ in several ways — habitat: savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs afroalpine grassland and heathland. weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 11-19 kg.
Do African Wild Dog and Ethiopian Wolf live in the same habitat?
No — African Wild Dog lives in savanna, grassland, and open woodland, while Ethiopian Wolf is found in afroalpine grassland and heathland.
What do African Wild Dog and Ethiopian Wolf eat?
Both African Wild Dog and Ethiopian Wolf have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the African Wild Dog or the Ethiopian Wolf?
African Wild Dog is listed as Endangered, while Ethiopian Wolf is listed as Endangered.
How big are African Wild Dog and Ethiopian Wolf?
African Wild Dog weighs around 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs), while Ethiopian Wolf weighs around 11-19 kg.

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African Wild Dog

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Ethiopian Wolf







