When or how the Dingo became an integral part of the Australian
landscape is in truth still unknown. There have been many of
unsubstantiated theories over the past decades, but none stands up to serious scrutiny!

One thing is for sure Dingoes have been the top predator in Australia for many thousands of years. Equally sure is that the Dingo is no dog, the appropriate tests make it clear that the Dingo does not have "dog genes" in his DNA.

Dingoes used to be found right across the mainland of Australia.
These days their numbers are dwindling rapidly. Poison and gun are taking its toll! In due course the Dingo will go the way of the
Tasmanian Tiger went: EXTINCT!

There are basically three types of Dingoes. The Alpine Dingo, the Forest Dingo and the Desert Dingo. DNA is the same in all of them. The different types developed for climatic and dietary reasons. The largest Dingo is the Alpine (up to 25 kg). In captivity the Dingo can  live up to 20 years. Out in the bush he is lucky to see a 5th birthday  for many reasons. Dingoes come in three basic colors. 90% are red/yellow. 8% are black ans 2% are white.  Our indigenous people (Aboriginal)  have a long-standing association with the Dingo and they feature  strongly in their mythology. In the wild they live in small family groups  and only form larger packs when hunting large prey such as kangaroo.   They are not easily seen in the bush but you can't miss their song. Dingo's flexibility, agility and athleticism are extraordinary. Their senses also are quite spectacular. It is said that they can hear your heartbeat if you are in the room with them. Dingoes howl much like a Wolf. They can also make snarls and guttural bark-like noises for different reasons, (surprise etc.) Dingo has no re-call, so they have to be kept in an appropriate enclosure or indoors and on a double lead when walked. Dingo comes into "season" once a year. Puppies arrive around April/June. It is best to take a puppy at around five weeks of age to ensure successful bonding. Also one must be aware that that the Dingo is bonding with his environment as well, so if one plans to relocate a lot that is another reason not to have a Dingo! Dingo will not fetch balls or play with toys, not interested. When you form a relationship with a Dingo it must be based on mutual respect. Whatever knowledge you have acquired about dog behavior, forget it, it is of no relevance!

Dingo has a clear order in the pack and you need to realize that and behave accordingly. Even though you are the accepted alpha male they still will challenge you regularly and generally belief they know things better than you do.

This challenge is a mental thing, so you got to be clear and decisive. We have three Dingoes living in our pack, a seven year old male, a two year old Female and a one year old male. I walk them daily for about 10 to 12 km. This exercise is important for them since it creates all-important mental-stimulation. Physically I
am the only one that gets tired! It is absolutely fascinating and rewarding to have the experience to live in a Dingo pack. They can be very charming and affectionate when it suits.  A relationship  with these magnificent animals is truly something to behold! It must be said though, let us be clear! We would very much prefer to only see them in the wild doing what they are meant to do in our ecology. But as it stands the only way we can keep their pure DNA intact is to continue captive breeding.  Generally few people in Australia  keep purebred Dingoes. For one thing they are banned in many  of our States. In our State, Victoria, you can keep Dingoes if you  apply for a license. In the Dingo Centre we are associated with most puppies end up in Animal Sanctuaries (Park) and Zoological Gardens.






*After reading Alfred's article, I had this question for him and he was kind enough to give an indepth answer:

*Is it legal to kill a dingo in Australia?

In Australia the Dingo is a declared pest!

They can be hunted and destroyed by almost any-means.  In Australia, 
the various State Governments are spending millions of dollars 
dropping poisoned bates all over National parks and Forests in 
farming areas.

The 1080 poison they use is one of the worst of its kind and I might 
add this stuff is banned in most civilized countries in the world.  
Naturally it kills indiscriminately as well, any carnivorous animal 
is at risk in the bush!

It is estimated that in our State, Victoria, as few as 200 pure 
Alpine Dingoes remain-in the wild.  So you can see we are fighting 
the same battles as you are.