Dingoes: Are They Becoming More Like Dogs than Wolves?
One of Australia’s iconic animals, dingoes represent an interesting inclusion to the canine group. It’s not just that they seem exotic, being native (but not exclusive to) Australia, but it is the fact that they represent a kind of evolutionary mid-point between dogs and wolves. They are not quite wolves, but they are not quite dogs either. That’s true both in the physical sense and how their behaviors present.
Dingoes Physical Traits
Adult dingoes measure from 43 to 61 cm (17 to 24 inches) at the shoulder. Adults also weigh in a range from 13.6 and 20 kg (30 and 44 pounds), although some larger dingoes can exceed 22.7 kg (50 pounds). Their fur is short and dense. While we imagine dingoes to have the classic tan color, some can be white, have streaks of black, or more fox-like red.
Wolves Physical Traits
Wolves are generally much larger than dingoes, although that can vary depending on subspecies and habitat. Male adult northern wolves can measure up to 80–85 cm (31–33 in) in height and reach 79.4 kg (175 lb) in weight. They usually have double coats of fur, colored black, brown, white, gray, or red.
Dogs Physical Traits
If you walk down any neighborhood street or see the pooches in games like The Dog House, you’ll be reminded that dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it becomes somewhat pointless to make comparisons. When we make general statements like “wolves are bigger than dogs,” it is not factually correct when we compare, say, Great Danes or English Mastiffs, the last of which can weigh up to 343 pounds (155.6 kg)
Dingoes Behavior
As mentioned, dingoes represent an evolutionary midpoint between dogs and wolves, and that’s where it gets interesting. In a sense, dingoes can be considered semi-wild, as they are aloof but can form bonds with humans. Some dingoes are kept as pets. They are also more curious and social than wolves with respect to human interaction. Dingoes also have a mix of barking and howling for communication, whereas dogs tend to favor the former and wolves the latter. Like wolves, dingoes breed once a year, whereas many dog species can breed multiple times a year.
Some Facts About Dingoes
Dingoes are said to have arrived in Australia around 4,000 years ago, most likely from Southeast Asia. Indeed, there are populations of wild dingo-like dogs in Thailand and Papua New Guinea.
There are an estimated 200,000 – 300,000 dingoes in Australia. It has become difficult to measure exact numbers because of suspected hybridization (interbreeding with local dog populations). The numbers of pure dingoes vary by region.
The famous Dingo Fence is one of the world’s largest man-made structures, measuring just under 3,500 miles. Its purpose is to protect livestock from packs of dingoes. However, it’s not fully successful, as dingoes are excellent climbers thanks to their rotating wrists.
Conclusion: Hybridization and Humans
As mentioned, there are now only pockets of land in Australia, such as Frazer Island, where pure dingoes are found. Suspected interbreeding with domesticated dogs has caused marked declines in the population of pure dingoes. Moreover, we also have this scenario where behaviors are changing due to constant interactions with humans and the destruction of natural habitats. As such, the wildness of dingoes is constantly being diluted due to the influence of humans. There are conservation efforts to protect the dingoes, allowing them to flourish as wild animals, but they are not always successful. The truth is, with each generation, the population at large is becoming less like their wolf ancestors and more like dogs. Short term, they may still rule the Australian Outback, but long-term represents a massive challenge.
