New Guinea Singing

The New Guinea singing dog is a unique, primitive breed of dog noted for its ability to produce a wide variety of distinctive vocalizations.

General details

According to available information, its weight varies between 9 and 14 kilograms. In terms of height, it is estimated to range between 30 and 46 centimeters at the withers. Regarding its average life expectancy, it is estimated to be around 12 to 15 years. It is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed history in brief

It is a breed of dog native to the highlands of New Guinea. These dogs are believed to be descended from ancient wild dogs that inhabited the region for thousands of years. They have developed unique adaptations to survive in their mountainous environment. For a long time, members of this breed lived in the wild, away from human influence. However, as civilization expanded, their habitat was threatened and the population declined. In the 1950s, some specimens were captured and taken to zoos and hatcheries for preservation. Despite this, it remains a rare and little known species. The importance of this breed lies in its genetic uniqueness and its status as one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Its study and conservation are crucial to understanding the evolution of dogs and their relationship with wolves.

Breed characteristics

The New Guinea Singing Dog has a compact and muscular body, with a strong bone structure. Its head is triangular, with erect ears and almond-shaped eyes with an alert expression. The coat is dense and of medium length. Its characteristic colors include shades of red, sable, black and white. One of the most notable traits of this breed is their vocal ability. They emit a wide variety of vocalizations, including howls, barks and "chants" that resemble birdsong. These vocalizations are used for social and territorial communication.

Common health problems

Since they are a primitive, genetically isolated breed found in the wild, there are not too many known diseases to which they are predisposed, other than being susceptible to diseases common in other dogs, such as dental problems, hip dysplasia, eye disease and digestive system disorders.