Historic Beginnings
Long thought to be extinct in the wild, Singing Dogs are alive and thriving in Papua New Guinea, according to DNA test results. These canines are closely related to Australian dingoes and the Asian dogs that migrated to Oceania 3,500 or more years ago.
As protected species in captivity, they have a life span of up to 15 years. Adults measure around 36 inches long, 18 inches, and roughly 30 pounds. Fossil records of these impressive dogs date back at least 6,000 years. They could be living fossils.
Species Detail
The back of their mouths has a specific structure that produces unusual sounds similar to humpback whales’ songs. The tones go up and down like a yodel as they relate to one another. Each dog has its own voice or pitch within the melodious exchange. When several dogs join in a song it is called chorus howling, each voice distinctive.
Their dense coats are red or black and tan with white markings. Their impish face is due to their combination of wide cheekbones, narrow muzzle, and pear-shaped ears. The spine and joints of this dog are flexible, more like a cat. As a result, they are great climbers, including up trees.
In captivity, they relate well to humans, but in the wild, they are shy and prefer to remain hidden. They are tidy and, like a cat, routinely groom themselves. Interestingly, their eyes reflect green at night.
Diet
In captivity, New Guinea Singing Dogs are fed a typical zoo carnivore diet. With some variety, much like they would experience in the wild.
Researchers classify them as fearless hunters in the wild, though they hunt alone. Their favorite foods include small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
By all reports, their curiosity can get the best of them at times. With New Guinea Singing Dog’s flexibility, any opening their head fits into their body will quickly follow.
Possibilities
Subsequently, the DNA gathered in 2019 are allowing scientists to test and expand different theories. As a result, this expanded gene pool could invigorate the captive population of the Singing Dogs.
There are many zoos in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and the Czech Republic preserving the species.
Scientists have long studied dog domestication in both Asia and Oceania. The results of the newest scientific findings on New Guinea Singing Dogs in PNAS in July 2020, impact those studies. They are also proving this breed still lives in the wild.
Enjoy the songs of these remarkable puppies.