Are Hyenas Related to Dogs? Understanding Their Evolutionary History
Many people mistakenly believe that
hyenas, with their dog-like appearance and behaviors, are closely related to
dogs. However, despite their similarities, hyenas are not members of the dog family. In fact, they share a closer evolutionary lineage with cats than with canines.
Taxonomic Classification: Hyenas vs. Dogs
The animal order
Carnivora is divided into two key suborders:
- Caniformia – the "dog-like" carnivores
- Feliformia – the "cat-like" carnivores
Dogs (family Canidae) fall under the Caniformia suborder. This group also includes bears, raccoons, mustelids (like weasels and otters), and pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses). In contrast, hyenas, though superficially dog-like, belong to Feliformia, making them more closely related to big cats, mongooses, and civets.
Key Differences Between Caniformia and Feliformia
Caniformia features:
- Nonretractile claws (except some Canidae)
- Generally plantigrade locomotion
- Longer jaws with more generalized teeth
- Single-chambered or partially divided auditory bullae
- Absence of bulbourethral and seminal vesicle glands
Feliformia features:
- Tend to have retractile claws
- Digitigrade locomotion
- Specialized carnassial teeth
- Double-chambered auditory bullae made of two bones
Hyenas, possessing double-chambered auditory bullae and other anatomical features, clearly align with Feliformia characteristics.
The Hyena Family: Hyaenidae
Hyenas belong to the family
Hyaenidae. This family includes:
- Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
- Brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea)
- Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
- Aardwolf (Proteles cristata) – an insectivore, not a carnivore
Although their social structures and hunting strategies resemble those seen in wolves or wild dogs, these traits are examples of
convergent evolution: when unrelated species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.
Why the Confusion Between Hyenas and Dogs?
Several physical and behavioral similarities contribute to the common misconception:
- Similar skull shape and body posture
- Social pack behavior, especially in spotted hyenas
- Powerful jaws and carnivorous diets
- Hair patterns and tail structure
Despite these similarities, the genetic and anatomical evidence places hyenas firmly in the Feliformia suborder.
Other Members of Caniformia
To further illustrate the distinction, here's a closer look at notable Caniformia families:
- Canidae: Includes wolves, foxes, domestic dogs
- Ursidae: Bears, including polar and panda bears
- Mustelidae: Weasels, otters, badgers
- Procyonidae: Raccoons and coatis
- Pinnipedia: Seals, sea lions, walruses
All of these animals share evolutionary traits distinct from the feliform group – where hyenas belong.
Conclusion: Different Paths of Evolution
While dogs and hyenas may look alike and even behave similarly in some ways,
they are not closely related. Dogs are a part of
Caniformia, while hyenas belong to
Feliformia—a group that also includes cats. Their similarities are a classic case of convergent evolution, not shared ancestry. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the fascinating diversity of the Carnivora order and debunks common myths about species relationships.
