Main Content
Dingoes, though generally associated with Australia, likely originated from Southeast Asia and were introduced to Australia about 3,000 years ago.
Photograph by Jason Edwards
Map
Dingo Range
Fast Facts
- Type:
- Mammal
- Diet:
- Carnivore
- Size:
- Head and body, 3.5 to 4 ft (1.1 to 1.2 m); Tail, 12 to 13 in (30 to 33 cm)
- Weight:
- 22 to 33 lbs (10 to 15 kg)
- Group name:
- Pack
- Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:
-
The dingo is legendary as Australia's wild dog, though it also occurs in Southeast Asia. The Australian animals may be descendents of Asian dingoes that were introduced to the continent some 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.
These golden or reddish-colored canids may live alone (especially young males) or in packs of up to ten animals. They roam great distances and communicate with wolf-like howls.
Dingo hunting is opportunistic. Animals hunt alone or in cooperative packs. They pursue small game such as rabbits, rodents, birds, and lizards. These dogs will eat fruits and plants as well. They also scavenge from humans, particularly in their Asian range.
Dingoes breed only once a year. Females typically give birth to about five pups, which are not independent until six to eight months of age. In packs, a dominant breeding female will kill the offspring of other females.
Australia is home to so many of these animals that they are generally considered pests. A famous "dingo fence" has been erected to protect grazing lands for the continent's herds of sheep. It is likely that more dingoes live in Australia today than when Europeans first arrived.
Though dingoes are numerous, their pure genetic strain is gradually being compromised. They can and do interbreed with domestic dogs to produce hybrid animals. Studies suggest that more than a third of southeastern Australia's dingoes are hybrids.
Other Pack Animals
Mammal Features
-
In Hot Pursuit
They’re rarely seen. Even less often photographed. Bryde’s whales rocket through Pacific shallows to gorge on fish. Dive in for more.
-
Amazon Dolphins
Amazon dolphins bear little resemblance to our beloved Flipper. How'd they get to the Amazon—and why are the males pink?
-
Lions Quiz
The king of cats rules with a roar and a fierce bite. What else do you know about this top predator?
-
Isn't She Lovely
From across the vast and parched Arabian Peninsula, camels converge on Abu Dhabi for an annual beauty contest. Here the traditional beast of burden becomes a pampered show animal.
-
My Shot Dogs Infinite Photograph
Explore this photo mosaic made up of hundreds of My Shot Dogs entries. Keep clicking—and dive deeper into the Infinite Photograph.
This requires the latest version of Flash Player. Click here to download.Advertisement
Special Ad Section
-
Audio Slideshow
Take a photographic journey through Montana and hear Annie Griffiths Belt's narrative.
-
Adventure Videos
Check out adventure videos and go "Behind the Lens."
Shop Animals and Nature
-
Animal & Nature DVDs
Shop our store for a wide collection of animal, wildlife, and nature DVDs.
-
2010 Animal & Nature Calendars
Featuring stunning National Geographic photography, calendars make great gifts.
Blogs
-
NatGeo NewsWatch
Keep current on developments in science, nature, and cultures.
-
Dog Whisperer
Get the inside story as Cesar Millan helps problem dogs and their owners.
-
BlogWild
National Geographic explorers share tales (and photos) of their adventures.
