African Wild Dog

African wild dogs present an interesting contrast to spotted hyenas: in wild dogs, females disperse while males stay. This reversed sex-biased dispersal creates male-bonded packs rather than female-bonded clans. The contrast illuminates how dispersal patterns shape social structure—which sex stays determines which sex's relationships structure the group.

Male coalitions form the pack core. Brothers and other male relatives form long-term associations that persist across breeding opportunities. Female immigrants join established male groups. This male-bonded structure differs fundamentally from the female-bonded spotted hyena system.

Dominance is less extreme than in hyenas. While dominant pairs monopolize breeding, wild dog hierarchies are less rigid than hyena hierarchies. Subordinates are tolerated rather than suppressed, and rank challenges are rarer. The pack structure emphasizes cooperation over competition.

Cooperative breeding requires subordinate acceptance. Wild dogs are obligate cooperative breeders—packs need helpers to successfully raise pups. This requirement may favor tolerance over dominance; you can't suppress individuals whose help you need.

For organizations, wild dogs demonstrate that dispersal patterns shape culture. Which employees stay (and build relationships) versus which rotate through determines organizational structure. Female- versus male-dominated professions may develop different cooperative patterns for this reason.