Wild Dogs

Wild dogs in Australia include dingoes, feral dogs, and their hybrids, all classified as Canis familiaris. Scientific evidence suggests that dingoes were introduced to Australia from Asia as semi-domesticated animals around 3,500 to 4,000 years ago. Since the arrival of domestic dogs with the First Fleet in 1788, dingoes have interbred with other dogs to varying degrees across the country.

Wild dogs are a serious established pest in Australia, preying on a wide range of animals from insects to large mammals like water buffalo. They prefer small to medium-sized mammals such as native mice, bandicoots, and wallabies when available. Their predation impacts natural environments by threatening endangered and vulnerable native species, while also spreading diseases and parasites like hydatid worms that harm native wildlife.

In agriculture, wild dogs cause significant losses through livestock predation and disease transmission. Their presence can force producers to abandon sheep and goat farming in favour of cattle, impacting regional economies through reduced employment and community services.

Culturally, wild dogs inflict emotional and psychological distress on landholders. Dingoes also hold strong cultural significance for many First Nations communities, featuring in songlines, rock carvings, and cave art. Hybridisation with domestic dogs threatens the genetic purity of Australia’s dingo populations.