The Doggone Dingo

The Dingo (Canis lupus dingo)

Living largely independent from humans in its distribution, the dingo is a breed of dog which has reverted to a wild state for thousands of years. Thus, in its wild form, dingoes are not by nature a pack dog. The dingo is most commonly found in the Australian mainland and where there are bodies of water as it needs to drink once a day. Temperment a bit aloof, the dingo has the unusual ability of being a great tree climber! Preying on man's livestock, the relationship between the two is untidy and quarrelsome. It is possible to domesticate a dingo if they are taken from the litter before 6 weeks of age. The term "dingo" originated during early European colonization in New South Wales and was most likely derived from the word "tingo", a term used by the aboriginal people of Port Jackson to describe their camp dogs.