The Canis Family includes Coyote, Dingo, Domestic Dog, Grey Wolf, Jackal, and Red Wolf. Known for their intelligence, adaptability, and opportunistic behaviors, Canis Family successfully lives in a wide range of habitats. Scientists found fossil records in North America where the Family began. Coyote and Red Wolf remained in North America, while Grey Wolf expanded her territory, and Jackal left for Africa. Later, Grey Wolf became the ancestor of Domestic Dog. Today, Dingoes live in Australia, Jackals in Africa, and Coyotes in North America.
Known as Pack Animals, Canis Families live, hunt, and den together. Coyote, Dingo, and Jackal live in smaller groups. Canis Families develop strong family bonds. Coyotes and Jackals mate for life, while Dingoes and Wolves help to raise their Younger Brothers and Sisters. Meanwhile, Domestic Dogs attach Themselves to their owners, and remain ever loyal.
Members of Canis Family are adept at displaying their emotions. People often say that they know what their Dog is telling them. Wolves use facial expressions similar to Primates. Coyotes and Jackals have a rich vocal repertoire. Coyotes sing at night out of joy, and Jackals howl to announce the beginning of their hunt.
Members of Canis Family can interbred with Each Other and produce fertile Offspring. “Bluey”, the Australian Cattle Dog, is a cross between Dingo and Dog. Poojas have been bred from Jackal and Poodle. Red Wolf interbreeds with Coyote as well. The kinship between various Members of Canis Family is indeed deep.
Having strong families is what Canis Family teaches. Living in packs or small family groups, They raise their Pups. Elder Members care for the Younger Ones. When They go hunting, They hunt together to bring down big Animals such as Moose or Kangaroo. Learn how to be a good family member, but remember to be true to yourself as well.
Take time to read what the Individual Canis Family members have to teach.
Conservation Note: Red Wolf and Grey Wolf are endangered throughout their ranges.
Note: The Canis Family is a subfamily of Canidae, which also includes Dholes, Foxes, Maned Wolves, and Wild Dogs.
Purchase books on Canids from Amazon.com.
Pictures of "Grey Wolf" and "Coyote" copyrighted by Mary Ann Sterling
Va. Carper
January 20, 2008