Asian Raccoon Dog Skull Replica measures 4.7 inches. Made in USA. Asian Dog Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw).
Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home decor skull, or office decor skull.
Raccoon dog skulls greatly resemble those of South American foxes particularly crab eating foxes, though genetic studies reveal they are not closely related.
Their skulls are small, but sturdily built and moderately elongated, with narrow zygomatic arches. The projections of the skull are well developed, the sagittal crest being particularly prominent in older animals.
In reflection of their omnivorous diets, raccoon dogs have small and weak canines and carnassials, flat molars and relatively long intestines (1.5–2 times longer than other canids).
Asian Raccoon Dogs have long torsos and short legs. Total lengths can range from 45 to 71 cm (18 to 28 in). The tail, at 12 to 18 cm (4.7 to 7.1 in) long, is short, amounting to less than 1/3 of the animal’s total length and hangs below the tarsal joints without touching the ground.
Radiotelemetry studies show that Raccoon dogs live and hunt in pairs or small family groups. In most sightings by humans, however, they are solitary. It is unknown whether the duration of the pair bond formed during reproduction lasts the entire year.
When sleeping or resting, pairs usually remain in contact with one another. Social grooming is also important in Raccoon dogs. This behavior is linked to the dark facial mask in both this species and bat-eared foxes.
Although some studies have shown the Asian Raccoon Dog to be primarily nocturnal, recent studies show regular diurnal, crepuscular, and nocturnal activity. Increased duration of activity is probably due to the need to find enough small food items to eat.
Raccoon dogs are not cursorial. These animals forage on the ground or on low vegetation. They also are able to swim or dive for food. Nyctereutes procyonoides relies on its sense of smell while hunting and foraging because it has relatively poor vision for a member of the family Canidae.
With its nose at the ground level, it wanders in search for food. Raccoon dogs are not fast animals, but they are relentless in their search for food. They are typified as collectors or gatherers.
The Asian Raccoon Dogs hibernate in pairs. Hibernation begins in November and may extend through early April, depending on the local climate. An individual may gain as much as 50% of its body weight before hibernation. Hibernation is not absolutely necessary for this species.
If an individual is unable to store enough fat beforehand, it will have to emerge from the den on warm winter days to forage. For this reason, some individuals may not hibernate at all. In the southernmost part of the range, Raccoon dogs do not hibernate.