5 Canines to See in the Wild for International Dog Day with Natural Habitat Adventures

In the spirit of International Dog Day on August 26, celebrate these 5 canine species in the wild with Natural Habitat Adventures  

The African wild dog is one of the world’s most endangered mammals. Also called the African painted dog for its distinct black, brown and white patchwork coloring, this canine species is seen most frequently in southern Africa. On Nat Hab’s flagship safari – the Secluded Botswana Safari – there’s a chance to see these dogs in their packs, along with zebras, elephants, giraffe, antelope, feline predators and much more. During this trip guests explore the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta, staying at luxurious tented camps throughout.

2. Dhole in India:

Grand India Wildlife Adventure

The dhole is a canid – a member of the dog family – native to Central, South, East and Southeast Asia. The dhole, also known as the Indian wild dog, is also endangered. With fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remaining in the wild, they are no less threatened than the tiger, and are on the IUCN red list. On Nat Hab’s Grand India Wildlife Adventure – an in-depth nature odyssey in search of Bengal tigers and other rare wildlife, such as the one-horned rhino, sloth bears, barking deer – there is also a chance to spot the Indian dhole most commonly seen in open spaces such as riverbeds, jungle clearings, and secluded spots where they prefer to take their rest. This nature odyssey explores three diverse national parks – Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve, and Kaziranga National Park.

3. Gray Wolf in the United States:

Yellowstone Ultimate Wolf & Wildlife Safari

The domestic dog is a direct descendant of the gray wolf, and the very best place on earth to track and see gray wolves is in the remote Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park, and the ideal time of year is winter. Winter’s white mantle offers a pristine backdrop against which to search for these elusive icons of the wilderness. The landscape is fire and ice, where you can see steaming geysers and bubbling mudpots against a snowy backdrop, as you travel to Old Faithful in a private snowcoach. You also have the opportunity to take a horse-drawn sleigh across the National Elk Refuge, for close- up views of vast winter herds of elk beneath the Teton spires.

4. Arctic Fox in Canada:

Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure

Belugas, Bears and Summer Wildlife of Churchill 

During winter, the Arctic fox is pure white to blend into its snowy surroundings, and in summer, its fur changes to a brown or gray to provide camouflage against the tundra. This wild canine can be spotted in both winter and summer on Nat Hab’s expeditions in Churchill. In winter, catch glimpses of the Arctic fox and polar bears on Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure, and in summer, you can see both the Arctic and red fox on the Belugas, Bears and Summer Wildlife of Churchill expedition.

5. Maned Wolf in Brazil:

Jaguar’s and Wildlife of Brazil’s Pantanal

The maned wolf is a large canine, with long legs and a pronounced mane, which is possible to spot on Nat Hab’s Pantanal safari in Brazil, although sightings are extremely rare. However, canine enthusiasts who try would also be awarded the world’s best chance to see jaguars, as well as the other species the Pantanal abounds with, such as caiman, capybara, giant anteater, anaconda, macaws and more.