12/04/2025
International Cheetah Day 12/4/25
Who would have guessed that a wild cheetah and a dog could be besties? It’s true! Zoos and wildlife researchers have been pairing dogs and cheetahs together since the 1970s. The dog acts as the cheetah’s emotional support animal. Cheetahs are naturally anxious and shy. Their bestie (the dog) helps make the Cheetahs feel relaxed and comfortable. This special relationship can make a big difference in the lives of both the cheetahs and their canine companions. Support dogs serve more than just companionship roles. They help with training and interaction. For younger cheetahs, having a dog presents opportunities for socialization and provides a sense of security. Zookeepers closely monitor these interactions to ensure that both species benefit. Cheetahs are basically just bigger and faster house cats that require a canine best friend. Their interspecies bonds will continue to be the most unbreakable. So, the next time you visit a zoo or watch Nat Geo, remember man's best friend, it turns out, can also be best buddies with the world's fastest mammal.
