This year, the African Painted Dog has taken the spotlight among artists, designers, and conservationists worldwide.

Their numbers have plummeted from an astounding half a million to a mere 6,600 individuals over the last 20 years.

My art aims to capture the soul of the animals I create through their eyes and expressions, but what gives a wild dog its soul? Having done two smoke portrait pieces of these dogs in the past, I felt the need to expand and share more about these wonderful animals by focusing on their personality traits.

Wild dogs are some of the most social animals in the wild. Their packs form intense and lasting bonds. They use a broad range of body language, vocalizations, and touch to communicate, greeting each other after separations and caring for any member who becomes ill or injured.

After a successful hunt, the pups are allowed to eat first, and all the females help care for and babysit one another’s pups. They have even been found to mourn the death of a pack member.

With such a specific and intricate social structure, playtime is considered very important. All members, whether pup or adult, participate in daily playtime. It is the ideal time to teach the younger dogs social cues and helps the older members maintain strong family bonds.

This artwork is the first piece I’ve made that shows movement. Three pack members are wrestling and playing in the dirt. Their speed and agility don’t allow the dust to settle as they playfight for the title of strongest dog.

Today, it’s a game; tomorrow, it might mean the difference between losing a brother and securing their next meal.