hyena size comparison to dog

Almira parish

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05-02-2025

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Hyenas and dogs, while both belonging to the Carnivora order, differ significantly in size and appearance. This article will explore the size variations within both families and compare them to offer a clearer understanding of their relative sizes. Information used is inspired by various sources, including insightful questions and answers found on CrosswordFiend (attribution will be given where specific questions are used).

Understanding Hyena Size Variation:

There are four hyena species, and their sizes vary considerably:

• Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta): This is the largest hyena species. Adult females, which are typically larger than males, can weigh between 86 and 185 pounds (39-84 kg) and measure up to 4.5 feet (1.4 m) in body length. They stand approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) tall at the shoulder.
• Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena): Smaller than spotted hyenas, striped hyenas typically weigh between 55 and 110 pounds (25-50 kg) and reach a body length of about 3.3 to 4.3 feet (1-1.3 m).
• Brown Hyena (Hyaena brunnea): Similar in size to the striped hyena, the brown hyena weighs between 77 and 121 pounds (35-55 kg) and reaches a similar body length.
• Aardwolf (Proteles cristata): This is the smallest hyena species, significantly smaller than the others. They weigh only 22 to 33 pounds (10-15 kg) and have a body length of about 2.5 to 3.3 feet (0.8-1 m).

Dog Size – A Vast Spectrum:

Unlike hyenas, domestic dogs exhibit an incredible range of sizes, from the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Great Dane. This makes direct comparison challenging. However, we can look at some examples:

• Small Dog Breeds (e.g., Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier): These typically weigh under 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and are significantly smaller than even the smallest hyena species.
• Medium Dog Breeds (e.g., Beagle, Border Collie): These range from 15 to 50 pounds (7-23 kg), overlapping with the size range of the smaller hyena species (striped and brown). A medium-sized dog could be similar in size to a striped or brown hyena, but it would likely be considerably shorter in height.
• Large Dog Breeds (e.g., German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever): These dogs can weigh between 50 and 100 pounds (23-45 kg), again overlapping with the size range of smaller hyenas.
• Giant Dog Breeds (e.g., Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound): These breeds are significantly larger, with some individuals exceeding 175 pounds (80 kg), rivaling the size of the largest spotted hyenas. However, even the largest dog breeds are unlikely to match the spotted hyena's height at the shoulder.

Direct Comparison:

A question on CrosswordFiend (though not directly quoted due to its simplicity and lack of additional context) effectively asks about the relative size of a hyena to a dog. The answer, in short, is highly variable. A Chihuahua is far smaller than any hyena, whereas a Great Dane could be comparable in weight, but not necessarily in height or build, to a large spotted hyena. A more appropriate comparison would be to specify the hyena and dog breed involved.

Beyond Weight and Height:

While weight and height are important metrics, it's crucial to understand that the build of hyenas and dogs also differs. Hyenas have a powerful, robust build adapted for scavenging and hunting, while dog breeds exhibit a vast diversity of body shapes and builds according to their selective breeding.

Conclusion:

The size comparison between hyenas and dogs is complex and depends greatly on the specific species of hyena and breed of dog being considered. While some large dog breeds can rival the weight of the largest hyenas, the overall size and build still vary considerably. Always consider the specific breed of dog and hyena species when making a comparison.