New Guinea Singing Dog Breed

The New Guinea Singing Dog is exceedingly rare, and is not recognized as a domesticated breed by any kennel clubs. After being discovered in the mountains of New Guinea in the 19th century, the NGSD almost became extinct before its population was saved by zoos and animal experts, mainly in Australia. Very little info is available about the NGSD's ability to live with people, though they are thought to be affectionate and friendly in such situations.

Some New Guinea Singing Dog facts: they're small- to medium-sized in comparison to most dog breeds, averaging 17 inches at the shoulders in height and 25 pounds in weight, and their coats are short to medium in length, thick, and double-layered; Their bodies are much more flexible and limber than that of other dog breeds; in fact, for the New Guinea Singing Dog, climbing a tree when chasing food is very common.

A few advantages (and the numerous drawbacks) to owning a New Guinea Singing Dog:

In "dogs 101," the New Guinea Singing Dog technically doesn't apply. This species (scientific name Canis hallstromi) is actually not a dog breed at all--but the NGSD is closely related, and a few people around the world own them as pets, so they're often included in the same category as domesticated dog breeds.

New Guinea Singing Dogs are closely related to the Australian Dingo, and share many of the same traits as Dingoes. NGSDs are both wolf- and foxlike in appearance, with a larger head than that of most dogs; their thick, "all-weather" coats come in a variety of color combinations, usually in assorted shades of gray or brown. Their bodies are flexible, almost cat-like, and NGSDs can climb trees easily.

In regards to behavior: NGSDs are considered skittish and fearful of most humans, but owners say they're very loving and friendly once they're acquainted with people. They also have unique vocalizations that include howls, yips, and a drawn-out, song-like bay that some compare to opera singing. Because of their years living in the wild, NGSDs have very strong prey drives--which means they'll chase (and probably try to kill and eat!) small animals like cats, birds, and rodents.

NGSDs are also highly energetic, which means they'll need a lot of exercise. It's best if these animals live in homes with large, securely fenced yards that will help keep them from escaping.

Since the New Guinea Singing Dog is so rare, very little information is available about inherited health issues for these animals. Still, potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the NGSD puppy and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the New Guinea Singing Dog is quite long, at 15-19 years.