What is the name of the raccoon dog? - briefly
The common name for the raccoon dog is the Asian raccoon dog or tanuki in Japanese. It is not closely related to the true raccoon, despite their similar appearances.
What is the name of the raccoon dog? - in detail
The raccoon dog, also known as the Asiatic raccoon or tanuki in Japanese, belongs to the genus Nyctereutes and the family Canidae. Its scientific name is Nyctereutes procyonoides. This species is native to East Asia and has been introduced to parts of Europe and Russia. The raccoon dog is a medium-sized mammal with a distinctive appearance, including a long, ringed tail similar to that of a raccoon, which is where its common name originates. Despite its resemblance to the raccoon, it is not closely related but rather belongs to the same family as wolves and foxes. The raccoon dog has a varied diet consisting of small mammals, birds, insects, fish, and plant material, making it an adaptable species. Its name in various languages reflects its unique features and distribution, with "raccoon dog" being the most commonly used English term.