The dingo is a species of wild dog that can be found in Australia. It is believed to have originally been introduced to the continent close to four thousand years ago by sea travelers. Since then, it has not only adapted to the extreme conditions but has become Australia’s apex land predator. For fans of these feral canines, there are a handful of domesticated dogs that look like dingoes, and here’s what you’ll want to know about them.
What Does A Dingo Look Like?
Dingoes are medium in size, with a lean athletic build and erect ears. They typically have a reddish-brown or yellowish coat. However, their coat can range from white to black in color. These feral dogs generally have white paws and underparts, along with a white-tipped bushy tail.
While these physical traits can look very similar to some of the canines listed here, a distinguishing characteristic is the dingo’s skull which is around 30% wider than the average domestic dog.
Carolina Dog
For those who would like to own one of the dog breeds that looks like dingoes, the Carolina Dog is probably as good as it gets. This American breed has such a striking resemblance to the Australian dingo that it’s also known as the “American Dingo,” or “Dixie Dingo”. The ancestors of this rare breed were believed to have crossed over from Asia to North America via the Bering land bridge along with primitive humans.
Shiba Inu
While it may look like a dingo in appearance, the Shiba Inu’s personality is often described as being like that of a cat. In fact, it is considered to be one of the cleanest of all dogs because like a cat it has the habit of grooming itself consistently. This ancient breed comes from Japan where it originally functioned as a guard dog and hunter of small game.
Korean Jindo
The Korean Jindo is famous for being both gentle and incredibly loyal to its master. That being said, this dingo-looking dog breed is used in Korea to guard property. Because the Jindo is intelligent and a naturally good jumper, it can prove to be quite the escape artist, requiring high-fencing when kept in a yard.
Finnish Spitz
A highly capable hunting dog, the Finnish Spitz, can hunt game as large as elk and bear. These child-friendly hunters are the national dog in their home country of Finland. And while they may look like a dingo at first glance, like other spitz-type dogs, the breed has a much thicker coat.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact, active, and seemingly tireless herding dog. These aren’t just dogs that look like dingoes, they’re actually related to them!
When the breed was being developed dingoes were crossed in to add the toughness and stamina needed to herd unruly cattle over large areas of harsh, dry, land. The Dalmatian, Scottish Highland Collie, Bull Terrier, and Kelpie were also used to refine the breed as well.
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