How do Dingo’s Differ from your Dog?

 

 

Dingo’s (like Basenji’s) are a breed categorized as Pariahs.  This means they like to ‘free-range’ but will also occupy or live near human settlements in order to benefit so may be half wild. They have not evolved much since from their ancestor canis lupus (the wolf).

Dingo’s are resourceful and intelligent but because the breed has little to no domestication, they do not have the types of characteristics humans have bred into companion and working dogs.

Their aloof and independent nature does not make them an ideal pet.

This iconic character has in fact, been the Australia’s top terrestrial predator for around 20,000 years. The Dingo’s origin lies in Central Asia and ancient remains show us they migrated to Australia from this area back when the land bridges joined the two locations.

So, what has the Dingo been doing since the last ice age?  Surviving.  He plays an important part in Australia’s ecology.  If he didn’t feed on herbivores, the vegetation would be eaten down far enough to greatly affect soil erosion and also hiding and feeding places for small native animals.  Dingo’s prefer larger prey such as kangaroos and unlike foxes or cats (both introduced) they hunt in packs.  Dingo’s have also been known to eradicate populations of feral cats and foxes.

You can find them in a variety of colours and they have a distinct absence of body odour (important when you are a hunter). Another feature is that his ears move independently of each other and he can turn his neck 180 degrees. The Dingo’s entire frame is highly flexible, and they will climb into the lower branches of trees.  The teeth are sharper than those of your dog, jaws open a lot wider and in closing, he can apply more jaw pressure than Fido. He can stomach food high enough in bacteria to make a domestic dog ill. He even has a degree of immunity against some snakes and paralysis ticks.

Indeed over time some Dingo’s have bred with domestic dogs but pure Dingo’s do still exist.  Rather than bark, they howl, chortle or chatter. The Dingo mates for life.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)