With research as the guiding tool, Painted Dog Research Trust is dedicated to the conservation of the highly endangered Painted Dog also known as the African Wild Dog. This work has been ongoing for 25 years by the founder Dr Greg Rasmussen, thus making it one of the longest studies into the species. The mission of the Painted Dog Research Trust is to both continue with research into the highly endangered Painted Dog and build for the future of conservation by meaningfully incorporating Zimbabwean graduate students to build local capacity and tomorrow's conservationists. To achieve this goal it is also essential that Zimbabwean graduates are both mentored, given appropriated training and opportunities, as well as financial support. The African wild dog is known by many names, including Cape hunting dog or painted dog. Its scientific name, Lycaon pictus, means “painted wolf,” referring to the animal's irregular, mottled coat, which features patches of red, black, brown, white, and yellow fur. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern, and all have big, rounded ears. These long-legged canines have only four toes per foot, unlike other dogs, which have five toes on their forefeet.