Female dholes have more teats than other canids in order to raise larger litters of up to 16 pups.

The dhole’s gestation period is 60-62 days and the pups are born throughout the end of fall, winter, and the first spring months, usually between November and March.

The mother usually gives birth to 3-10 pups at a time, but can have up to 16 young. This large number of offspring, along with the fact that female dholes have more teats than other canid species suggests their ability to take care of large litters. A female dhole can have up to 16 mammae, allowing the dhole to have larger litters and pack sizes.

Sources: (Chacon, 2000; Hance, 2015; Johnsingh, 1982; Kamler, et al., 2015; San Diego Zoo Global; Venkataraman, 1995)
Image: Tambako the Jaguar