New Guinea Singing Dog
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| Canis hallstromi (Troughton, 1957) |
The New Guinea Singing Dog (NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, or Singer) is a relative of the Australian Dingo that is native to New Guinea. Singers have remained isolated from other dogs for almost 6000 years,[2] making them possibly the oldest of the pariah dogs. They are unique in their ability to howl in a wolf-like manner, but unlike wolves, Singers modulate the pitch, hence the name. They have a fox-like appearance, with a double coat that ranges in color from red to brown, and have a characteristically large carnassial tooth. They stand between 14 and 18 inches (36 to 46 cm) at the withers, and weigh 17 to 30 pounds (8 to 14 kg) as adults.
Once thought to inhabit the entire island of New Guinea, today wild populations are thought to be extinct,[citation needed] with captive specimens numbering from 100 to 200.[citation needed] They are an exceptionally clever breed of dog, but are hard to keep because of wild behavioural traits. There is some debate as to whether Singers are truly domesticated animals, though with proper training, their pack-instincts may allow them to live with humans. They are a recognized breed by such organizations as the United Kennel Club, which classifies them as a pariah dog.
[edit] References
- ^ Corbett (2004). Canis lupus ssp. dingo. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 2007-01-06. IUCN groups the Singer with the Dingo.
- ^ History of the New Guinea Singing Dog. New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society. Retrieved on June 4, 2005.
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| CKC NGSDCA UKC |
