Aggressive displays include growling and baring the sharp incisors, while a submissive individual presents its rump or side. Breeding The mating season of the dassie varies in different populations and at different latitudes, but seems to be connected to length of days. Gestation at 230 days is relatively long in an animal of such small size. Between one and six young are born, covered with hair and with their eyes already open. They do suckle, however, for three to five months, and are extremely playful, exploring the area and chasing each other around.
Females reach sexual maturity by five months.
General Dassies reproduce prolifically and large groups are capable of consuming enormous amounts of vegetation. Their predators, which include jackal, eagles and caracal, therefore play a vital role in keeping such populations under control. Nowadays, many progressive farmers have welcomed back the dassie predators with open arms, which in turn spells bad news for the dassies.