Hyenas belong to the biological family Hyaenidae, distinct from the canine family (dogs and wolves). Although often viewed primarily as scavengers, the largest species are highly effective hunters. Understanding hyena size requires examining the specific physical measurements of the four distinct species within the Hyaenidae family, focusing on weight, shoulder height, and unique proportions.
Primary Measurements: Weight and Height
The Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is the largest and most robust of the four existing species, serving as the standard for hyena size. Their body length, excluding the tail, typically ranges from 95 to 165 centimeters (37 to 65 inches). An adult Spotted Hyena stands between 70 and 91.5 centimeters (27 to 36 inches) tall at the shoulder.
The average weight range for a Spotted Hyena is substantial, typically falling between 40 and 64 kilograms (88 to 141 pounds). Individuals can occasionally reach weights of up to 90 kilograms (200 pounds), particularly in areas with abundant food resources. Unlike most other mammals, the female Spotted Hyena is generally larger than the male, a feature known as reverse sexual dimorphism. The largest females often outweigh the largest males by approximately ten percent.
Species-Specific Size Variations
While the Spotted Hyena establishes the maximum size for the family, the other three species—the Brown, Striped, and Aardwolf—show a clear reduction in both height and weight. The Brown Hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) is the second largest, approaching the Spotted Hyena in body length but possessing a lighter build. An adult Brown Hyena typically weighs between 35 and 55 kilograms (77 to 121 pounds) and stands up to 86 centimeters (34 inches) at the shoulder.
The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is noticeably smaller and less bulky than the Brown Hyena, with weights commonly averaging around 35 kilograms (77 pounds). Their shoulder height ranges from 60 to 80 centimeters (24 to 31 inches), placing them at the smaller end of the medium-sized carnivores. The Aardwolf (Proteles cristata) represents the extreme of small size within the Hyaenidae family, being an insectivorous specialist rather than a large predator or scavenger. This species only reaches a weight of 8 to 12 kilograms (18 to 26 pounds) and stands less than 50 centimeters (20 inches) at the shoulder, making it physically comparable to a small domestic dog.
Build and Physical Traits
The overall appearance of a hyena is defined less by its raw measurements and more by its unique skeletal and muscular structure. A defining feature across all species is the powerful, disproportionately large neck and forequarters. The neck contains massive muscles necessary to support the large head and deliver the crushing bite force for which the Spotted Hyena is known.
This powerful front end contributes to the distinctive, downward-sloping back profile that characterizes the hyena silhouette. This slope is the result of the forelegs being significantly longer than the hind legs, giving the animal a unique, almost lumbering gait. In the Spotted Hyena, the female’s slight size advantage is most apparent in head and neck circumference, reinforcing their dominant social status. The Striped Hyena and Aardwolf can use a long mane of hair along their backs to visually increase their size during confrontations.