Having been isolated from other canidae in the highlands of New Guinea for thousands of years the singing dog exhibits behaviors, such as tree climbing, not seen in other canines. They have a unique estrus cycle and mtDNA studies suggest that the New Guinea Singing Dog’s separate evolutionary line has existed for 4,600 to 10,800 years.
According to the New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society, this information warrants further research into the dog’s history, genetics and its present behavior in the wild. They suggest that the change of status from separate species to subspecies of the domestic dog should be reconsidered.
Status of New Guinea Singing Dogs as a Unique Wild Species
Initially considered a unique species, Canis hallstromi, the New Guinea Singing Dog was first brought to Taronga Zoo in Australia in the 1950s. But, in 1969, the NGSD was reclassified, along with the Australian dingo, as a subspecies of the domestic dog – Canis familiaris dingo or Canis lupus dingo. That status change remains controversial today.
The New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society is working to have the singing dog be reconsidered for separate species or subspecies status. In peer-reviewed papers they cite the long history of the NGSD being isolated in the highlands of New Guinea and note that the first animals may have been brought to the island long before dogs were considered truly domesticated.
Management and Health Issues of NGSDs in Captivity
Whenever an animal is spotlighted as rare, people are tempted to own one. The number of exotic animals owned as pets in the US is strong testimony to this predilection. The New Guinea Singing Dog is no exception. But this rare, wild canidae's ability and strong instinct to climb, their strong prey drive (the instinct to hunt and kill) and very different social structure make them an unwise choice of pet for most people.
There is also reason to be seriously concerned about the lack of genetic diversity in NGSDs. All of the animals in captivity are descended from only eight dogs taken from the wild in New Guinea. The NGSD Conservation Society feels that only dogs with known pedigrees that are also listed with the International Species Identification System (ISIS) should be bred. They provide a logical breeding plan on their official website which addresses the reasons for a cautious approach with a population that comes from such limited genetic stock.
How to Help the New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society
The New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society is seeking funding for field research, which is needed to remove any concerns about the singing dog’s status as a distinct wild canidae species or subspecies. Unfortunately the New Guinea Singing Dog’s present status as a feral domestic dog or a dingo hybrid makes it difficult for wildlife conservation organizations to justify funding this research.
For those interested in helping with the captive population of New Guinea Singing Dogs, there is a separate site devoted to rescue and adoption of these rare dogs. Financial help with caring for rescued dogs is always welcome as well.
Other resources:
KOLER-MATZNICK J, YATES BC, BULMER S, BRISBIN, I.L. JR, 2007. The New Guinea singing dog: its status and scientific importance. Australian Mammalogy 29: 47-56.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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