The bush dog is a ferocious, terrier-sized predator of the forest floor. It is often found near water, and can swim and dive with ease.

The bush dog hunts in packs of around ten. It mainly preys on the larger rodents that inhabit the forest floor, such as agouti, paca, or young capybara, but it will kill and eat other small animals encountered. The bush dog is relatively rare, and in recent times its numbers have declined in many areas because of habitat destruction.