World Painted Dog Week 2026

While we at PDR celebrate World Painted Dog Day every day, many places around the world have celebrated between August 22 - August 29, with the actual recognized day being August 26. Zoologist and PDR Chair, Joel Vanderbush, was the featured Conservation Speaker at Niabi Zoo’s Painted Dog Day where he helped to raise $820 through donations, sale of snare wire art, and a drawing for a prize bag filled with Painted Dog merchandise, including Dr. Greg’s book, A Dog Called Circus, a snare wire painted dog, a PDR sticker, and a large painted dog stuffy.

When we consider why we continue to work so steadfastly to protect this endangered species, consider that before the year 1900, there were likely 500,000 painted dogs

across 2/3 of the African continent. Today, there are only about 1,676 mature individuals and an estimated total population of about 6,600 dogs. As the world's most efficient carnivore with hunting success rates of 85%, they are vital to the function of ecosystems in which they reside.

Please consider helping this critical species by contributing to the holistic conservation efforts of Painted Dog Research Trust.

Go to https://www.painteddogresearch.org/donate to donate. Let's protect the pack to save a species!