Dingo

		Dingo
		He is a wild animal


Origin			Australia
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

The possession of this animal is not authorized Royal Decree establishing the list of mammals not kept for production purposes that may be kept (M.B. 24.08.2009)

The Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) or warrigal is a wild dog from Australia, probably originating from a population of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) that returned to the wild (marooning), and thus formed a subspecies, rather than a distinct species. These domestic dogs were introduced by man around four thousand years ago. Its distribution is not limited to Australia, and the animal is not native to this large southern island, but to Southeast Asia, where it is also found.

The Dingo has intense eyes whose color varies from yellow to orange. It is very mobile, with small, rounded ears that are naturally erect. The fur appears bushy, and the tail is relaxed and of good length. The hind legs are slender and muscular. The coat is soft. Its length, density and texture vary according to climate. Typical coat colors are ginger-yellow, but can occur in tan, black or white, including an occasional brindle; albinos have also been observed. All purebred dingoes have white hairs on their feet and tail tips. Unlike most other breeds, dingoes have no dewclaws.

The Dingo is a breed that has never been fully domesticated. It is almost never kept as a companion. This is partly due to their isolation, but also to the absence of human intervention. Obedience training is best accomplished by kindness, patience and a firm but gentle hand. Dingoes can be kept as pets if taken from the litter before 6 weeks of age. At this young age, they can be tamed, but once over 10 weeks old, they should not be taken out of the wild. If properly trained and cared for, Dingoes can make very pleasant and unique pets. They are said to be able to perform agility and obedience in general.

The Dingo has some unusual characteristics: a great tree climber and sometimes a little aloof, but these are interesting traits and are in the same category as its closest cousin, the singing New Guinea dog. They don't have the same degree of dentition eviction and jaw shortening, which helps distinguish the dog breeds with others from their ancestor, the Plains Indian wolf.

What's more, like the wolf, the female Dingo has a single reproductive cycle each year. Unlike other dogs, the Dingo chooses a mate for life, sometimes killing himself after losing his mate. Often, a litter of puppies can be found in the hollow of a tree, totally protected on all sides, with a dam to protect the front, although the puppies are frequently preyed upon by snakes. They have a strong instinct for cooperation and live in packs. These groups usually hunt at night. They work in silence and learn to bark in association with other dogs. They communicate with a distinctive call or howl. Dingoes can hunt alone or in family units, but rarely in packs.

Water is an obstacle for Dingos, and most don't wade or swim in it. Wild dingoes avoid humans and have returned to the wild. To survive in the desert, they have learned to play dead. The Dingo rarely shows aggression. Male Dingos kept as pets are very restless during the breeding season. Births and breeding seasons are around May/June. At these times, puppies are only available within Australia and not for export.