Animal Profiles
Mammals

Dingo

Canis lupus dingo

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The dingo is a dog associated with Australia. It hunts animal prey and can live alone or in packs, depending on circumstances and available food.

Canis lupus dingo (dingo)

Jarrod Amoore from Sydney, Australia · CC BY

At a glance

Location
This account focuses on Australian dingoes, which occupy forests, plains, mountains and desert areas with water access. Asian village-dog populations in the older source are not treated as the same range.
Habitat
Desert, Grassland, Temperate forest, Mountains
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Small mammals are important prey; birds, reptiles and larger mammals may also be eaten.

Classification

Common name
Dingo
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Canis lupus dingo
Taxon rank
subspecies
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Height
47 to 67 cm Australian adults; shoulder height

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

  • Ginger coats with pale markings are common.
  • Some individuals hunt in groups.
  • Dens may use caves or hollow logs.

Habitat and range

This account focuses on Australian dingoes, which occupy forests, plains, mountains and desert areas with water access. Asian village-dog populations in the older source are not treated as the same range.

Appearance and adaptations

An upright-eared head, lean body and bushy tail give the dingo its outline. Coat colour and body size vary.

Diet and behaviour

Small mammals are important prey; birds, reptiles and larger mammals may also be eaten. Some animals forage alone, while stable packs defend territories. Group hunting can help with larger prey.

Sources

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