Dingo
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Appearance
| Dingo Quick Summary | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Warrigal |
| Origin | Australia |
| Size | Medium-large |
| Height (at withers) | 19-23in (48-58.5cm) |
| Weight | 50-70lbs (23-32kg) |
| Hair Colour(s) | Sandy, brown |
| Lifespan | 5-20 years |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Litter size | 1-9 |
| Shedding | Low |
| Grooming | Low |
| Barking Tendency | Low |
| Exercise requirements | High |
| Ease of training | Medium |
| Suitability for kids | Low |
| Animal compatability | Low |
| Aggression levels | Low |
| Distress if left | Low |
The Dingo is a sturdy wild dog. The body is long with a level topline, long and straight forelegs and a bushy sabre-like tail. The head is broad with a pointed muzzle, dark eyes and nose and large erect ears. The coat is short, and the colouring tends to be sandy or reddish brown.
Temperament
Dingos are wild and independant dogs. As a breed they have never been fully domesticated and so are rarely kept as companions and family pets. However, they can be kept as pets if taken from the litter before the age of 6 weeks (after 10 weeks they should not be taken out of the wild). Early socialisation and training are essential with these dogs, which can be a challenge, and so they are only suited to those experienced in dog ownerhip and training. Dingos are a bit of an unknown and so are not suitable to have around young children or other pets, although it is said that they rarely show aggression. This could be down to the years of persecution they have endured having developed their flight rather than fight temperaments.
History & Skills
Dingos originate from Australia and are typically a wild dog that was brought to that continent by primitive man some 4000 years ago. Dingos are often thought to be the ancestors of all dog breeds, and were first officially recorded in 1699. Often kept as emergency food by some native Australian groups, and semi-domesticated in the past, these dogs returned to the wild and flourished following the introduction of domestic sheep and rabbit into the country. Their tendency to prey on livestock has since damaged their relationship with man, but they can re-domesticate easily if raised from a young age within a family. However, they tend to keep their pariah traits of flight and wariness and are still considered vermin in many areas and either cannot be kept legally or have stringent permit requirements. Dingos are rarely seen outside of Australia.
Breed Specific Ailments
Dingos tend to live between 5-10 years in the wild, and 13-20 years in captivity. This is a hardy self-sufficient breed but some of the health problems noted includes distemper and parasites.
Grooming
Dingos are low shedders and so may be suited to those suffering with allergies. Their grooming requirements are low too and their weather-proof coat mostly takes care of itself. This breed does not suffer from doggie ordor.
Exercise & Environment
Dingos need to live indoors with the family taking them in but are not suitable for small homes such as apartments. They need plenty of exercise in the form of a daily walk or jog, plus a secure outside areai essential. These dogs can live in hot climates.