[13] A mitochondrial DNA sequence alignment for the wolf-like canids gave a phylogenetic tree with the side-striped jackal and the black-backed jackal being the most basal members of this clade, which means that this tree is indicating an African origin for the clade.

[9][10] The recent discovery of the 5 million years old E. khoikhoi supports the proposed radiation of the genus Eucyon, with the oldest E. ferox in North America, to E. davisi in North America then to China, to E. debonisi in Western Europe, to E. khoikhoi in Africa.

The long, curved canines have a sharp ridge on the posterior surface, and the outer incisors are canine-like.

In the wild, it feeds largely on invertebrates during the wet season and small mammals, such as the springhare, in the dry months.

It typically does not target prey exceeding the size of neonatal antelopes, and one specimen was recorded to have entered a duck's pen to eat their feed, whilst ignoring the birds.

[11] A side-striped jackal from Angola was found to be a host of an intestinal acanthocephalan worm, Pachysentis angolensis.

The family unit is dominated by a breeding pair, which remains monogamous for a number of years.

The side-striped jackal is among the few mammal species that mate for life, forming monogamous pairs.