New Guinea Singing Dog

Size: Small

Weight: 18 - 22 lbs.

Height: 14" - 15"

Life Span: 10 - 12 years

Health Problems: Excellent health record. No known hereditary conditions.

Origin: New Guinea (Ancient Times)

Also Known As: No Nicknames.

Group: Non-Sporting

Category: Companion Dog

Exercise Needs

The New Guinea Singing Dog requires vigorous exercise daily, such as long walks or runs in a fenced yard.

Grooming Needs

No special grooming requirements.

Temperament

This is a primitive breed that is used to scavenging for food and living alone in the wilderness. Can be trained to be affectionate and gentle with humans if socialized from an early age. This breed is named a "Singing Dog" because of its unique ability to fluctuate the tone of its voice, resulting in a "singing" sound."

Compatibility with Kids

Can be affectionate and gentle if trained from an early age.

History

The New Guinea Singing Dog in its purest form is now nearly extinct due to in-breeding with other dogs brought to New Guinea beginning in the 1500s. In the 1950s a pair of dogs were captured and sent to a zoo in Sydney, Australia, where they produced several litters. In 1970, a second pair was captured in Indonesia. All of the pure New Guinea Singing Dogs today are descendants of these two couples.