Hyenas and dogs are both predatory mammals, but their physical dimensions vary significantly across species and breeds. Understanding these differences requires examining specific measurements of height, length, and weight for both groups.
Hyena Species and Their Sizes
The Hyaenidae family includes four distinct species. The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is the largest, typically measuring 95–165.8 cm (37.4–65.3 in) in body length and standing 70–91.5 cm (27.6–36.0 in) at the shoulder. Their weight ranges from 40.5–63.9 kg (89.3–141 lb), with females generally heavier than males.
The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a medium-sized species, measuring 85–130 cm (33–51 in) in body length and 60–80 cm (24–31 in) at the shoulder. They typically weigh 22–55 kg (49–121 lb).
Brown hyenas (Hyaena brunnea) are similar in size, with a body length of 100–125 cm (39.4–49.2 in) and a shoulder height of 71–88 cm (28–35 in). Their weight is 37.7–43.7 kg (83–96 lb), though larger individuals can reach up to 72.6 kg (160 lb).
The aardwolf (Proteles cristata) is the smallest hyena. It stands 40–50 cm (16–20 in) tall at the shoulder, has a body length of 55–80 cm (22–31.5 in), and weighs 7–12 kg (15–26.5 lb).
Diverse Dog Breeds and Their Sizes
Domestic dogs exhibit an extraordinary range in size. For comparison with hyenas, larger breeds are most relevant.
The Great Dane is a giant breed, with males standing 76–86 cm (30–34 in) at the shoulder and weighing 64–79 kg (140–175 lb). Females are 71–76 cm (28–30 in) tall and weigh 50–64 kg (110–140 lb).
Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest dog breeds. Males reach 86–89 cm (34–35 in) at the shoulder and weigh 63.5–81.6 kg (140–180 lb). Females stand 81–86 cm (32–34 in) tall and weigh 52.2–63.5 kg (115–140 lb).
Mastiffs are known for their massive build. Males can be 76–84 cm (30–33 in) tall and weigh 72.6–104.3 kg (160–230 lb), with some reaching up to 90 kg (200 lb).
German Shepherds are a large breed, typically standing 61–66 cm (24–26 in) at the shoulder for males and 56–61 cm (22–24 in) for females. Males weigh 30–41 kg (65–90 lb) and females 23–32 kg (50–70 lb).
Direct Size Comparison: Hyenas Versus Dogs
Comparing measurements reveals how hyenas compare to various dog breeds.
The largest hyena, the spotted hyena, with a shoulder height of 91.5 cm (36.0 in) and weights of 63.9 kg (141 lb), is comparable in height to the tallest dog breeds like the Irish Wolfhound (89 cm or 35 in) or Great Dane (86 cm or 34 in).
The heaviest Great Danes and Mastiffs can significantly outweigh even the largest spotted hyenas, with some Mastiffs reaching over 100 kg (220 lb).
Medium-sized hyenas, such as the striped hyena (60–80 cm or 24–31 in tall, 22–55 kg or 49–121 lb) and brown hyena (71–88 cm or 28–35 in tall, 37.7–72.6 kg or 83–160 lb), generally align with large dog breeds.
A German Shepherd, for example, shares a similar height and weight range with a striped hyena.
The smallest hyena, the aardwolf (40–50 cm tall, 7–12 kg), is much smaller. It is comparable to medium to small dog breeds like a Beagle (33–41 cm tall, 9–14 kg).
Beyond Measurements: Factors Affecting Perceived Size
While numerical measurements provide a factual comparison, other physical characteristics influence how large hyenas are perceived.
Hyenas, particularly spotted hyenas, often appear stockier and more powerfully built than many dog breeds of similar height. This is due to their robust bone structure and powerful musculature, especially in the neck and shoulders.
Their distinctive sloped back, where the forelegs are significantly longer than the hind legs, also contributes to a different visual impression.
This anatomical feature positions their shoulder blades higher than their hindquarters, creating a downward slope towards the rump.
This unique posture and build give hyenas a formidable appearance, making them seem larger and more imposing than their measurements alone might suggest compared to the more evenly proportioned bodies of many dog breeds.