Dingo Facts - Wisdom Panel™ Dog Breeds (2024)

Dingoes get attached to their environments and—if kept as pets—to their people at a young age. Once they've bonded, they don't like to be alone, and it's difficult to relocate or rehome them as adults.

These wild dogs rarely bark, but they do howl (and very melodically, at that). They have a curious nature and are generally not aggressive toward strangers. However, they typically don't accept people that are outside their "pack."

Throughout their first year of life, Dingoes need persistent socialization to get comfortable with different people and situations.

The Dingo is an ancient wild dog native to Australia. Fossil remains of Dingoes found in Western Australia date back more than 3,400 years. Though common throughout most of the mainland, these dogs aren't as numerous in the southern parts of Australia.

Dingoes are Australia's apex predators—preying on everything from the red kangaroo to birds, reptiles, frogs, and insects. When livestock farming expanded in Australia in the 19th century, Dingoes added sheep and cattle to their menu.

In 1880, construction began on a 3,488 foot-long "Dingo fence" to help control the Dingo population and protect livestock. Today, the greatest threat to the Dingo population comes from interbreeding with domestic dogs, which will dilute their gene pool over time.

If you're interested in adding a Dingo to your pack, be sure to research your local laws. Some places require permits, whereas others have imposed bans on ownership.