Nyctereutes procyonoides Skull Replica measures 4.7 inches. Nyctereutes procyonoides Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. Common Raccoon Dog 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA
The Common Raccoon Dog is considered mainly an opportunistic carnivore, feeding on small mammals, fish, birds, and insects, alongside occasional plants, specifically roots. Their diet is mostly influenced by environmental factors.
Nyctereutes procyonoides has the appearance of a small fox-like canid with the fur markings similar to those of raccoons (Procyon lotor). They have small heads (greatest length 133 mm) with pointed, low-profile rostra.
The dental formula is i 3/3, c 1/1, p 4/4, m 2 or 3/3, total 42 or 44. Raccoon dogs have reduced carnassials and relatively large molars.
Nyctereutes procyonoides or the Common Raccoon Dog’s height ranges from 38.1 to 50.8 cm. Length from head to rump is 50 to 68 cm with a tail length of 13 to 25 cm.
Legs are short, and overall the body is stocky. Body weight ranges from 4 to 6 kg in the summer to 6 to 10 kg in the winter before hibernation.
The fur of N. procyonoides is dense and soft. Markings on the head include a white muzzle, white face, and black fur surrounding the eyes. A black marking runs across both shoulders and down the back, forming the shape of a cross.
Not much is known about the mating behavior of Nyctereutes procyonoides or the Common Raccoon Dog. Studies have shown that Raccoon dogs form mating pairs from year to year, and monogamy among pairs has been reported in Finland.
In regions of home-range overlap, pairs do not interact. Polygamy has been reported in captive individuals.
During mating, females are courted by 3 to 4 males. There is little fighting among males for mates.
In captivity, both scent marking and male-female interaction increased during proestrus. Pair bonds form before copulation and remain until after offspring have become independent.
An inverted U-shaped tail posture in males is associated sexual arousal and expresses dominance. After Nyctereutes procyonoides pairs mate and the female gives birth, males and females spend a significant amount of time together raising the pups.
