Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
What Dog Breed Is Closest to a Dingo?
Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics
Images
Australian cattle dog with blue-speckled coat standing on grass, facing the camera with mouth open and tongue out. The Dingo
Quick Facts
Britannica AI Icon
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog The tough and rugged Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy dog that enjoys both physical and mental challenges.

What Dog Breed Is Closest to a Dingo?

Written by
Tracy Grant
Tracy Grant is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. She previously served as editor in chief, the first woman to hold that title. 
Tracy Grant
Fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

There are several dogs that are closely associated with dingoes, including the rare Carolina Dog and the wild New Guinea singing dog. But the Australian Cattle Dog is the dog breed that was developed in the 19th century by crossing a Blue Merle Collie with a dingo. Breeders sought to imbue the emerging breed with the dingo’s natural herding instincts, specifically its tendency to nip at the heels of livestock (which is why Australian Cattle Dogs are sometimes called Heelers).

The Dingo
The DingoThe wild dog's similarity to domestic dogs is striking. Its body size and shape, as well as its face and ear shape, mirror its cousin the Australian Cattle Dog.

In terms of physical appearance and behavior, the Australian Cattle Dog shares several similarities with the dingo. Both have a sturdy, medium-sized build, with the Australian Cattle Dog standing 17 to 20 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 35 and 50 pounds. Their coats are dense and weather-resistant, a trait that is beneficial for survival in the harsh Australian climate. Behaviorally, both the dingo and the Australian Cattle Dog are known for their intelligence, independence, and high energy levels, making them well-suited for active and challenging tasks. It is important to note that dingoes are wild—not domesticated—animals and are closely related to wolves.

The incorporation of dingo traits into the Australian Cattle Dog has resulted in a breed that is not only physically robust but also mentally agile. This breed excels in various activities such as agility, obedience, and herding competitions, showcasing the dingo’s legacy of adaptability and resilience. The Australian Cattle Dog’s ability to thrive in diverse environments and its strong work ethic are direct reflections of the dingo’s influence.

Read more: What dog’s DNA has most in common with the wolf?

Tracy Grant