What does a raccoon dog look like?

A raccoon dog is a fascinating creature that looks like a mix of several animals, which is why it's sometimes called a "masked dog" or a "tanuki". Here's a breakdown of its appearance:

General Appearance:

* Size: About the size of a small dog, typically 18-25 inches tall and 3-6 feet long.

* Body: They have a stocky, compact body with short legs.

* Tail: They have a short, bushy tail that is often ringed with dark bands.

* Face: They have a distinctive masked face with dark patches around their eyes.

Specific Features:

* Head: Their head is quite broad, with a pointed snout.

* Ears: They have short, rounded ears.

* Eyes: They have dark, beady eyes that are set relatively high on the face.

* Fur: Their fur is typically grayish-brown in color, but can range from reddish-brown to black. They have a distinctive black "mask" around their eyes, giving them their name.

* Legs: Their legs are short and stout.

Other Notable Features:

* Feet: They have five toes on each foot, and their paws are padded and equipped with sharp claws.

* Scent: They have a strong, musky odor.

Overall, the raccoon dog has a unique appearance that is a blend of fox, dog, and raccoon features. It's a truly fascinating animal, with a distinct appearance that makes it easily recognizable.

Here are some helpful images of a raccoon dog:

* [Image 1: Raccoon dog with mask](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raccoon_dog#/media/File:Nyctereutes_procyonoides_(17996200200).jpg)

* [Image 2: Raccoon dog showing its mask](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/123971467)

I hope this description helps you visualize a raccoon dog!