Bush dogs, also known as Serval dogs, thick-furred dogs, or mane dogs, are a species native to Central and South America.
The bush dog belongs to the genus Serval within the Canidae family (the dog family). Although they are more distantly related to domestic dogs, thick-furred dogs share some characteristics with foxes, wolves, and dogs.
Thick-furred dogs are primarily found in South America, especially in the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru. They are the only remaining species of the Serval genus, and genetic evidence indicates that their closest living relatives are the maned wolves of central South America and African wild dogs.
Thick-furred dogs have a very unique appearance. They are medium-sized dogs with thick, short, smooth fur that is brown or reddish-brown. Typically, the length of an adult’s head and body ranges from 57 to 75 cm, with a tail length of approximately 12.5 to 15 cm, shoulder height from 20 to 30 cm, and a weight of about 5 to 8 kg.
Compared to their body size, Serval dogs have relatively short legs, a short muzzle, and small, round ears. This body structure allows them to adapt perfectly to their tropical rainforest environment.
However, unlike other dog species, thick-furred dogs have incomplete webbing between their toes. This special web structure enables them to swim quickly across rivers, lakes, and swamps, even navigating through deep waters to chase fish and other aquatic animals.
This swimming skill is not only key for hunting but also one of their survival secrets. That is why Serval dogs are also referred to as “water dogs.”
Thick-furred dogs are carnivorous and hunt during the day. Their primary prey includes woodpeckers, snakes, badgers, and capybaras.
Thick-furred dogs are socially standard animals. Although they are capable of hunting alone, they often hunt cooperatively in small groups. This group coordination allows them to hunt larger prey, including wild boars and animals several times their size!
It has been reported that a hunting team of six thick-furred dogs collaborated to kill a wild boar weighing up to 250 kg. Their hunting strategy involves chasing the wild boar and biting its legs until it can no longer escape.
When hunting for prey, they also demonstrate cooperative strategies—some dogs will chase the wild boar on land while others wait for an opportunity in the water, as wild boars often attempt to escape into the water when attacked.
Thick-furred dogs have a total of 38 teeth, which is six fewer than the number of molars found in regular dogs. In this aspect, they are less similar to omnivorous dogs and more akin to cats.
Thick-furred dogs are among the most social dog species in South America. They use hollow logs and burrows dug by armadillos for nesting, and their young are typically born in underground burrows.
However, the social structure of thick-furred dogs is also quite unique. The social relationships among them are characterized by a strict hierarchy. Only breeding pairs within the group have the right to reproduce, while lower-ranking members are responsible for jointly raising the young.
Thick-furred dogs can reproduce and mate year-round, with each estrus cycle typically lasting up to two weeks and occurring every 15 to 22 days.
The gestation period for female thick-furred dogs usually lasts from 65 to 83 days. Under normal conditions, each litter consists of 3 to 6 puppies, but sometimes litters can reach up to 10.
Puppies are born with their eyes closed and typically weigh between 125 and 190 grams. Within about half a month after birth, they gradually open their eyes and will soon leave the nest for the first time.
Puppies are usually weaned around four weeks of age and reach sexual maturity by one year. In captivity, thick-furred dogs can live up to 10 years.
Since thick-furred dogs usually hunt in dense forests where their vision is often obstructed, members of the hunting group maintain communication through whines. Furthermore, when consuming larger prey, parent dogs prioritize eating the head and less meaty limbs, leaving the most meaty and tender parts for the puppies.
Compared to other dog species worldwide, few people are familiar with Serval dogs. Therefore, their conservation remains in its early stages and faces several challenges. Due to the complex and fragmented habitats of Serval dogs, as well as their elusive nature, their populations are rarely detected and difficult to assess. In 1839, in the cave where Serval dog bones were discovered, paleontologist Peter William Lund believed they were extinct.
Fortunately, thick-furred dogs are not extinct. Research shows they are capable of adapting to diverse habitats and are active in tropical rainforests. Currently, there are approximately 15,000 thick-furred dogs in the wild, and they are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to a population decrease of about 25-12% over the past 20 years.
The main threats to wild Serval dogs include habitat loss and habitat fragmentation due to logging, livestock grazing, and local palm oil cultivation.
Additionally, due to human encroachment, they are forced to share more habitats with domestic dogs, which may expose thick-furred dogs to diseases from domestic dog populations.
Although this species is protected by hunting bans in many areas, some countries with limited resources struggle to enforce these laws effectively, making them vulnerable to poaching.
