New Guinea Singing dog Breed description: Character & Co

Facts & Origin

The New Guinea Dingo is also known under the name Hallstrom dog and is often called New Guinea singing dog. He has also received the name jungle dingo, bush dingo or New Guinea Singing dog, but it is always the same dog breed, which is not recognized by the FCI. The designation singing dog, thus singing dog received this quadruped, since it does not bark, but gives singing-similar noises of itself. However, this original breed is now threatened with extinction and has been on the list of endangered species since 2006.

What is the origin of the New Guinea Highland dog?

This dog breed originates from New Guinea. This is also the country where these four-legged friends still live almost exclusively. In our latitudes, these dogs are as good as not represented. The breed is closely related to the Australian Dingo. Therefore, it is assumed that the dogs have reached New Guinea several thousand years ago with the first seafarers from China, Taiwan and the Philippines.

The New Guinea Singing dog were not only kept as hunting dogs, companion dogs and guard dogs in their homeland. In earlier times, they were also eaten on special occasions in the culture of the inhabitants of Papua New Guinea.

Generally, these dogs are wild dogs. They fed themselves for centuries and are still rather scavengers and waste eaters. This is also due to the fact that in the culture of New Guinea Singing dog keeping is seen differently than in our latitudes.

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Alternate Name	New Guinea Highland dog
Origin	Australia
Life expectancy	12 - 16 years
Care requirements	low-maintenance

Activity level	average
FCI group	not recognised
AKC group	not recognised
KC group	not recognised

Attitude, character and temperament of the breed

What are typical character traits of the Hallstrom dog?

The New Guinea Singing dog is:

lively and active
gentle, attentive and also very
affectionate

Due to the fact that these dogs were hardly socialized in their homeland, they are considered to be rather shy. However, if these dogs are kept as family dogs, they are absolutely loyal and affectionate. However, the behavior of the New Guinea Dingos is strikingly different from the behavior of the usual, well-known domestic dogs. These four-legged friends are very independent, extremely skillful and can survive well even in the most adverse environment.

Character

independent
concentrated
suspicious
curious
reserved
quietly
mischievous
vigilant
shy

Usage

Watchdog
Companion Dog

Health and breeding information

What are typical diseases of New Guinea Highland dog?

Since these dogs are a very original breed, there are no known genetic diseases. The New Guinea Dingos are very robust and little susceptible.

New Guinea Singing dog breeding - where, how, what?

If you want to have a New Guinea Dingo, you need to find a responsible breeder. In this day and age, many dingos of this breed are already mated with common domestic dogs.

What are the breed characteristics of the New Guinea Singing dog?

The bush dingo stands out due to its small, stocky build and short legs. The head is also small and wedge-shaped and is adorned by pointed standing ears. The slit eyes of these four-legged friends are also striking. It is also noticeable that these dogs do not develop a wolf claw. Visually, the New Guinea Dogs resemble a small, delicate Shiba Inu.

Another peculiarity of the New Guinea Singing dog is their agility. These dogs can splay their legs sideways to 90 degrees. They can also rotate their front paws and rear paws a lot. This allows the dogs to climb very well.

Appearance and coat of the New Guinea dog

These quadrupeds have a short and dense coat. This also forms an undercoat, which is shed during the hot season.

How big does the New Guinea Highland dog grow?

The Hallstrom dog reaches a withers height between 33 cm and 46 cm. Females range in the lower range and will usually always be a few centimeters shorter than males.

How much does a Hallstrom dog weigh?

These four-legged friends weigh between 7 kg and 13.5 kg. Bitches are usually a little lighter than males. Generally, these dogs are hardly overweight, since they have to take care of their own food.