Baboons and Dogs

When baboons live near humans, they will naturally come into regular contact with the pets of humans, including dogs. Sometimes interactions between baboons and dogs turn nasty and one of the animals involved – dog or baboon – ends up getting hurt. Contrary to popular belief, baboons have no reason to hurt dogs unless dogs are a threat to them, nor are baboons 'territorial' with dogs. Dogs defend territories; baboons do not. In fact, baboons have been observed grooming and playing with dogs that they are familiar with.

More often than not, when dogs get hurt by baboons, this results from fights started by dogs or when an owner has told the dog to go after the baboon. Usually the initial reaction of a baboon to a dog is to run away or to simply ignore the dog. However, if a dog threatens or attacks a baboon, the baboon will likely respond with aggression because it is attempting to protect itself.

Baboons and dogs may have playful intentions toward each other when they meet, but one can never be sure about the intentions of animals and we thus cannot predict what such interactions may lead to. Pet owners should take precautions to prevent conflicts between baboons and dogs by preventing them from interacting in the first place.

One other thing to be aware of is that, while baboons are not carnivores and are not natural predators, they do sometimes kill and eat small animals such as hares, small antelope, or lizards. Thus, while we do not know of any such instances, it is nevertheless important to keep in mind that a very small dog may possibly be viewed by a baboon as a potential meal.

Keep Dogs Away from Baboons

Whenever possible, try to prevent any interaction between dogs and baboons.

In Baboon Territory:

• Do not walk dogs in areas where you know baboons reside. There are often laws forbidding dog-walking in park areas where baboons live; these laws exist for a reason and it is best for both the safety of dogs and baboons to follow such rules.
• If you must walk your dog where baboons reside, at least keep the dog on a leash at all times.
• If your dog ever runs off and chases or attacks a baboon, call your dog off immediately before the fight escalates.

On Your Own Property:

• If baboons come onto your property, keep your dogs inside. If they are outside, call them in.
• Do not send your dog to chase away baboons, as this will very likely result in injury to one or both animals. Such fights have been known to result in death of one of the animals involved.