Main Characteristics

Raccoon Dogs are named for their resemblance to the common raccoon, but they are not closely related. They have a body length between 50 and 60 cms (20 - 23.5 inches), a tail length of around 18 cms (7 inches) and they weigh in the region of 7.5 kgs (17 lbs).

During the winter months their coats is long and thick with dense underfur, and it is brown or brownish/grey in colour. During the summer it is brighter and more reddish in colour.

Raccoon Dogs are the only canids that hibernate in winter. In their introduced range they only hibernate during severe snowstorms.

Habitat

Raccoon Dogs are native to east Asia but they have been introduced to central and western Europe.

Diet

Raccoon Dogs are omnivores and they feed on amphibians, insects, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles, insectivores, molluscs, seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, and carrion.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 61 - 70 days a litter of 6 - 7 cubs are born. They are weaned at 6 - 8 weeks and they are fully grown at 4 - 5 months old. They reach sexual maturity at - 10 months old.

Predators

Predators of Raccoon Dogs include wolves, foxes, badgers and birds of prey.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Raccoon Dog are:

Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis
Nyctereutes procyonoides orestes
Nyctereutes procyonoides procyonoides
Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis
Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus

Interesting Facts

Raccoon Dogs are also known as:
Magnut
Tanuki

Similar Animals

Bush Dog
Small-Eared Dog