The New Guinea singing dog: its status and scientific importance

Abstract

Time is running out for the opportunity to study the New Guinea singing dog (Canis hallstromi Troughton 1957) to determine if they are a unique taxon. These wild canids are being threatened with hybridization from increasing numbers of imported domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). The controversies over their taxonomy and its status in New Guinea exist because they live in areas infrequently visited even by local residents. Thus, evidence concerning its origins, behaviour, anatomy, and phylogenetics is inadequate. The morphological, physiological, and DNA data we currently have available are from the few remaining captive representatives held in zoos and private facilities. The singing dog may be an important evolutionary link to humankind's most ancient domesticated mammal, C. familiaris, and to the Australian dingo (Canis dingo). We refute the allegation that the singing dog originated as a feral modern C. familiaris, or as hybrids of C. dingo with C. familiaris, by recounting their known history within the cultural context of New Guinea. We point out some of their distinctive characteristics, including their unique estrus cycles, and outline their potential scientific merit. We conclude by offering an alternative taxonomic hypothesis.

Zooarchaeology in Oceania: An overview

“…Dingoes probably originated in South‐East Asia, and they are closely related to the New Guinea singing dogs (Koler‐Matznick et al . : 47). They were probably brought to Australia through trade or commensal relationships (Fillios et al .…”

What We Have Lost: Domestic Dogs of the Ancient South Pacific

“…It is physiologically very similar to the dingo, although much smaller and with a very unique ability to 'sing'. Studies on the NGSD often appear skewed by a desire to prove their antiquity and legitimacy as a distinct species [36,37,38] despite inconclusive evidence, likely for conservation purposes, but archaeological evidence suggests they have been present in New Guinea for at least 2000 years [39]. A mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis was performed to investigate the origins of all three by Oskarsson et al in 2011 [40].…”

Special Article: From Birdsong to Babel: the canine connection in the origin of human language

“…And Dog's musical and other expressive abilities should not be underestimated. During high arousal the New Guinea Singing Dog (Canis lupus familiaris hallstromi) emits 'a trill, with a distinctly "bird-like" character' and similar circumstances evoke the female's 'copulatory scream' which 'has a strong arousal effect on most domestic dogs' (Koler-Matznick et al, 2007). There are several videos of singing dogs currently posted on You Tube including some of Mishka, a female Husky who utters intelligible sentences in English and sings along with the recorded music -karaoke-style, surprisingly well in tune.…”