Wild Dog

Common Name: Wild Dog

Family Name: Canidae

Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris  

Status: Introduced, Not Protected

Average Size: 50cm tall, 15kg (depending on breed)

Average Lifespan: 6 years

Litter: 4 to 6

Gestation: 9 weeks

Weaned: 6 to 8 weeks

Background: Domesticated descendants of the grey wolf in East Asia or Siberia, introduced to Australia in the late 18th century as pets and working dogs

Breeding: Polyamory mating system, can produce 2 litters per year.

Impacts: Wild dogs prey on a variety of animals including mammals, marsupials, birds and reptiles of all sizes, but prefer to eat small and medium-sized mammals and marsupials, when available. Wild dog attacks on livestock such as sheep and goats conservatively cost the Australian economy upwards of $89 million a year in lost production and control costs. Competition for resources, carry pathogens and parasites, such as hydatid worms. Potentially leading to extinctions and declines in biodiversity