The role of integumental glands in the social and mating behaviour of the hunting dog Lycaon pictus (Temminck, 1820)

Abstract

The marking and mating behaviour of captive hunting dogs, Lycaon pictus, is described. Urine scent-marking was the most frequent marking behaviour observed, but anal dragging, body-rolling and body-rubbing were also recorded. The mating behaviour was typical of that of Canidae but the copulatory tie in this case was of very short duration. There was a dense accumulation of sebaceous glands in the praeputium and these secretions are probably important in the urine scent-marking. There is no tail gland in L. pictus.