Scientifically referred to as canis lupus hallstromi, New Guinea Singing Dog It is one of the lesser-known dog breeds, due in large part to the fact that it is in danger of extinction and that it is fighting to conserve its specimens in their natural habitat. Wild looking and highly intelligent, this dog has a most interesting story.
Its origin is in New Guinea, and is close relative of the Australian Dingo. Like this one, it is believed that it came to the island having been somewhat domesticated, and that the natural environment of the area had a significant influence on its evolution, especially the fact that typical Asian and Australian animals coexist there.
This dog lives in mountain areas, cold and humid environment. This has led to their isolation from other dogs, since these steep and rocky terrain are difficult for humans to reach. In addition, they do not usually get caught, as they can even climb trees very easily. Although it is said that they were used for hunting and some were bred in captivity.
Its howls are very reminiscent of those of the wolf, although unlike this, the New Guinea Singing Dog is capable of modulating the pitch, so it emits a song-like sound (hence its name). However, it is not able to bark. Another of its most striking features is that it can turn its head back with great flexibility.
This breed is currently in Danger of extinction; in fact, it is estimated that there are hardly any wild populations, and only about 100 or 200 specimens in captivity. Much of this fact is due to the settlements and exploitations of the land, as well as the possible hybridization of wild dogs. They are also said to be the prey of some tribes that hunt for survival.
An important fact about this animal is that since 2012 the prestigious Kennel Club does not admit more registrations of dogs of this breed, since it considers it as a subspecies of wild dog, in no case as a domestic one. Today there is some controversy regarding this matter, as experts are divided into various opinions.