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Dingo Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Dingo so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank466
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Dingo dog profile picture
OriginAustralia flagAustralia
Other Names
What other names does the Dingo have?
Australian Native DogBoolomoMalikiMirigungNoggumWarrigalAustralian Dingo
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Dingo Size and Weight

Size
Is a Dingo small, medium or large dog?

How big do Dingo get?

What is the average size of a Dingo?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Dingo weigh? How much should a Dingo weight? What is the normal weight of a Dingo? How much does a full-grown Dingo weight?
50-70 pounds (23-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Dingo?
60 pounds (27.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Dingo? Dingo height:
19-23 inches (48-58.5 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Dingo?
21 inches (48-58.5 cm)

Dingo Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Dingo puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Dingo in the United States? How much money is a Dingo?

Where to buy a Dingo with a good pedigree?

$500-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Dingo, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Dingo for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Dingo gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Dingo? How many Dingo are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Dingo Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Dingo? Is the Dingo breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Dingo ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Dingo dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Dingo?
Dingo dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Dingo good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Dingo dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Dingo dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Dingo dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Dingo Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Dingo have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AloofAgileLoyalCooperativeRestless
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Dingo sensitivity:
They are easygoing, low-sensitivity dogs. Moderate punishment works great with this breed, they won't be affected emotionally.

Dingo dogs tolerate irregular daily routine, young children, noisy household, office environment, and frequent guest visits really well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Dingo a good family dog?
Slightly Below Average: Dingo dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. Their happiness doesn't depend on their owner's emotional level.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Australian Native Dog need? Dingo social needs:
Dingo dogs are known to be antisocial. They prefer being left alone. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Dingo to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Dingo roam?
Dingo dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Dingo have high prey drive?
Dingo dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Dingo Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Dingos are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Barking
Do Dingo dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Australian Native Dog bark?
Low to Average: The Dingo rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Dingo good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Dingo in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dingo breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Dingo indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Dingo Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Dingo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Dingo be left alone? How long can you leave a Dingo alone?
Dingo dogs love being alone, they need their own free time. You don't have to worry about leaving them for a few hours alone at home.

Dingo Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Dingo has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Dingo? How much bite force does a Dingo have? How strong is a Dingo bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dingo bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Dingo measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Dingo is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Dingo bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Dingo bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Dingo puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Dingo, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Dingo bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Dingo can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Dingo bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Australian Native Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Dingo? Why do dog bites happen?

High 🔼

The Dingo has a high chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Dingo do?
Dingo dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Dingo dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Dingo Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Dingo dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Dingos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Dingo breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Dingo breed? Most common health risks of Dingo:
Canine DistemperHeart WormsTapeworms
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Dingo breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Dingo see the vet?
Frequent
The Dingo should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Dingo dogs live? How old can a Dingo be? What is the age limit of the Dingo? How many years can the oldest Dingo live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Dingo?

How long is the lifespan of a Dingo?

16-20 years
The average lifespan of Dingo: 18 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Dingo Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Dingo have? What is the activity level of the Dingo?
Dingo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Dingo need? How much exercise do Dingo dogs require per day?

Do Dingo dogs need a lot of exercises?

Dingo dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Dingo breed need?
Dingo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Dingo Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Dingo need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Dingo breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Dingo? How much food should I feed my Dingo?
2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Dingo risk for obesity:
Low: The Dingo has good luck with genetics. This breed doesn't need to worry about obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Dingo weight regularly.

Dingo Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Dingo have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Dingo coats?
White Yellow
Grooming
How to groom the Dingo and how often? How often should I take my Dingo to the groomer?
Effortless: The Dingo requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Dingo is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Dingo dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Australian Native Dog? Do Dingo dogs shed a lot?
Dingo dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Dingo need a bath? How often should you give a Dingo a bath? Can I bathe my Dingo every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Dingo breed hypoallergenic?
No
Dingo dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Dingo has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Dingo drool?
The Dingo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Dingo could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Dingo.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Dingo Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Dingo dogs get along with other pets? Are Dingo dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Dingo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Dingo temperament with other people:
Dingo dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Dingo dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Dingo temperament with children:
Dingo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Dingo dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Dingo breed live with a cat?
Dingo dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Dingo good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Dingo dogs get along with other dogs?
Dingo dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Dingo breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Dingo breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Dingo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Dingo dogs good office canines? Do Dingo dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Dingo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Dingo dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Australian Native Dog temperament with senior people? Are Dingo dogs good for elderly owners?
Dingos are commonly okay with elderly people.

Dingo As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Dingo be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Dingo is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Dingo be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Dingo be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Dingo is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Dingo be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Dingo is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Dingo be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Dingo is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Dingo be a boat dog?

Not really

Dingo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Dingo be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Dingo is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Dingo dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Dingo Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Dingo pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Dingo breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Dingo: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Dingo have in a litter? How many puppies can the Dingo breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Dingo have? How many puppies can a Dingo give birth to?
2-8 puppies

Dingo Recognition

AKC Group
Is Dingo recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Dingo recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Dingo breed?
American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel Club

Dingo Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Dingo requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Dingo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low: The Dingo has good luck with genetics.
  • Adaptability: Dingo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Dingo dogs love being alone, they need their own free time.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Dingo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Dingos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Dingo dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dingo breed.
  • Mouthiness: Dingo dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Dingo is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Dingo History

Introduction

The Dingo, Canis lupus dingo, is a wild dog that is said to be descended from the Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes). It is usually referred to as an Australian wild dog, but it is not native to Australia and was not developed there.

Dingoes can be found in isolated pockets of residual natural forest across Southeast Asia, as well as on mainland Australia, notably towards the north.

They have characteristics of both wolves and modern dogs and are thought to be the descendants of an early ancestor of modern dogs that have remained relatively unmodified.

The word Dingo is derived from the Eora Aboriginal language, which was spoken by the first occupants of Sydney. The Dingo is sometimes known as a warrigal.

 

Origins

The oldest known Dingo skulls were discovered in Vietnam about 5500 years ago. Dingo remains dating back from 5000 to 2500 years have been discovered in various parts of Southeast Asia, with the earliest Dingo fossil record in Australia dating back to 3,500 years.

Dingo-like bones reaching back to 14,000 years have also been discovered in Israel and the West Bank.

Moreover, the Dingo's exact origins are unknown, but it is thought to be connected to the wolves of southwest Asia, and it evolved in that region around the same time as people began to establish agriculture.

Furthermore, current dogs are thought to be the product of the intentional selection of numerous qualities from a single grey wolf domestication around 15,000 years ago and the modern Dingo looks to be a relatively pure-bred descendant of one of the early domestications.

 

Introduction to Australia

Dingoes did not arrive in Australia with the Aborigines around 50,000 years ago but were likely introduced much later by Austronesian traders.

According to a study of Dingo mitochondrial DNA published in 2004, their arrival was around 3000 BC, and it suggests that just one tiny group could be the ancestors of all present Australian Dingoes.

Moreover, the Dingo spread quickly across Australia, probably with human assistance, and is estimated to have occupied the entire continent in a short period of time.

The precise extent of the ecological shift caused by the introduction of the Dingo is unknown, although it has been suspected of being the cause of a number of extinctions, most notably of marsupial carnivores, including the last remaining great predator, the Thylacine, though this extinction is disputed.

However, the Dingoes' cooperative pack behavior is likely to have provided them with a significant competitive edge over more solitary marsupial carnivores, especially during Australia's regular droughts.

 

Relationship with humans

The Dingo became a companion animal for Aboriginal people all over Australia, who used the breed to help them hunt and keep warm on chilly nights.

The terms "two-dog night" and "three-dog night" are thought to be Aboriginal idioms for the temperature at night. Dingoes were tolerated, even welcomed, when European settlers first arrived in Australia.

However, when sheep became a significant element of the white economy, this quickly altered. Dingoes were captured, shot on sight, and poisoned, whether they were actually wild or belonged to Aboriginal people.

The construction of the enormous Dingo Fence began in the 1880s.

The Dingo Fence was built to keep Dingoes out of the comparatively fertile southeast corner of the continent, where they had been nearly eradicated, and to preserve southern Queensland's sheep farms.

It would eventually stretch 8500 kilometers, from near Toowoomba to the Great Australian Bight, making it the world’s largest man-made structure at the time.

It was only partially successful as Dingoes may still be found in areas of the southern states, and while the fence helped reduce sheep losses to predators, increasing pasture competition from rabbits and kangaroos counterbalanced this.

Moreover, Dingoes have gotten terrible publicity in recent years, thanks to the high-profile disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain and Dingo attacks on Queensland's Fraser Island.

Around 200 Dingoes lived on the island in 2001, and in the previous 6 years, 20 people had been assaulted. One similar attack on Waddy Point on Fraser Island in April 2001 claimed the life of a 9-year-old child.

As a result, animals that were legally protected were slaughtered. A legal injunction was filed by the island's owners, the Ngulungbara people, to stop the cull.

There were a total of 65 Dingoes killed in the end. Moreover, in 2004 more legal battles began after a Dingo entered a bedroom in Kingfisher Bay resort were two young children were present.

 

Keeping the breed as a companion

In Australia, the rules governing the keeping of Dingoes as pets vary from state to state. If Dingoes are to be kept as pets, it is suggested that they be adopted at a young age to help them bond with humans.

However, Dingos are wild dogs with strong hunting instincts. They have been known to kill birds and small animals, as well as get into fights with raccoons.

When hunting larger animals, Dingoes hassle or annoy their prey until the prey is off balance or tired, and the Dingoes can attack.

They will do the same thing when playing or interacting with other domestic dogs and often domestic dogs misunderstand this behavior, resulting in dog fights and the appearance of the Dingo as an aggressive animal.

Moreover, Dingoes, like other hunting dogs, require a lot of exercises and a lot of space to be happy.

They cannot be trusted when they are not on a leash, and they will not like spending the day on the couch. Overall, the breed does not make a suitable domestic pet because of its wild hunter nature and great intelligence.

 

Potential extinction

The purebred Dingo gene pool is being flooded as a result of interbreeding with canines introduced by European immigrants.

By the early 1990s, roughly a third of all wild Dingoes in the south-east of the continent was Dingo/domestic dog crosses, and while interbreeding is less advanced in more isolated locations, the subspecies' extinction in the wild is considered inevitable.

Although protection within Federal National Parks, World Heritage areas, Aboriginal reserves, and the Australian Capital Territory is available for Dingoes, they are at the same time classified as a pest in other areas.

Since a lack of country-wide protection means they may be trapped or poisoned in many areas, in conjunction with the hybridization with domestic dogs the taxon was assessed as 'Vulnerable' in 2004.

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Dingo Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Moskitar

    Aug 2, 2022, 8:29:36 PM:

    I'm a Thai dingo and as well as most of the comments I must add I'm an amazing office dog because I'm good at chilling out in a corner as long as I have a safe comfy space. The most laid back pets ever!

  • hadley

    Jun 3, 2022, 3:19:45 AM:

    dingoes are so cute and are just like dogs they should be saved because they are endangered