Hyena

Though many people compare hyenas to dogs, they are actually much more like cats. In fact, they are members of the suborder Feliformia, which is a classification for cat-like carnivores. The spotted hyena is the largest species, and it grows to 4 to 5.9 feet ((1.2 to 1.8 meters)) long and 2.5 to 2.6 feet ((77 to 81 centimeters)) tall from paw to shoulder. They weigh 88 to 190 lbs. ((40 to 86 kg)).

Brown hyenas are the second largest, ranging from 51 to 63 inches ((130 to 160 cm)) long and weighing 75 to 160 lbs. ((34 to 72.6 kg)). Brown hyenas can be distinguished from other hyenas by the long, shaggy hair, which is dark brown or black on the body and tan on the shoulders and neck. Hair on the neck grows to about 12 inches ((30.5 cm)), in contrast to the short hair on the legs, face and ears. The tail is short and bushy. The forelegs, which are horizontally striped, are much longer and more massively built than the hind legs, giving the brown hyena the appearance of always climbing a hill.

The striped hyena is 39 to 45 inches ((100 to 115 cm)) long and 26 to 30 in ((66 to 75 cm)) tall from paw to shoulder. Their tails add another 12 to 16 in ((30 to 40 cm)) and they weigh from 57 to 90 lbs. ((26 to 41 kg)). Striped hyenas have long hair that is gray to straw-colored. Their muzzle is black, and there are black stripes on the head, torso and legs. 

Aardwolves are the smallest species of hyena. They weigh from 17.6 to 30.8 lbs. ((8 to 14 kg)), and their length ranges from 33 to 41 inches ((85 to 105 cm)) — and about one-fourth of that is the tail.