Kangaroo Dog: A Mysterious Australian Hunter

The kangaroo dog, a mysterious Australian hunter that's been shrouded in secrecy for centuries. This incredible animal is a cross between a dingo and a domestic dog, and its origins date back to the early days of European settlement in Australia.

Its unique appearance is a result of its mixed heritage, with a stocky build and a short, broad head. The kangaroo dog's ears are also quite distinctive, being relatively short and rounded at the tips.

The kangaroo dog's purpose was to hunt and kill kangaroos, which were a major food source for early Australian settlers. Its effectiveness as a hunter is a testament to its intelligence and adaptability.

With a strong prey drive and a keen sense of smell, the kangaroo dog was able to track and kill kangaroos with ease.

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The Kangaroo Dog's history is a fascinating tale of early canine development. The breed's origins date back to the 1850s in New Zealand, where they were imported from Australia to hunt wild dogs.

These early Kangaroo Dogs were described as "big, bony dogs" with light shaggy coats, ranging in color from whitish fawn to brindle iron-grey and black. They were bred to kill wild dogs that were threatening sheep and their owners' livelihoods.

In New Zealand, the breed was first showcased at a dog show in 1882, where they were described as fierce as tiger cats and capable of matching kangaroos in speed. The breed's ability to kill a bitch was also noted.

By the late 1800s, the Kangaroo Dog had established itself in Australia, with 18 dogs entered into a dog show in 1865. However, the Rough-coated Kangaroo Dogs were considered poor quality, with only one receiving a prize.

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The early word pictures of the Kangaroo Dog are scarce, but we do have a few written descriptions from that time. One of the earliest recorded descriptions was from a dog show in New Zealand in 1882, where the dogs were described as "big, bony dogs with light shaggy coats".

Their coats came in a range of colours, from whitish fawn to brindle iron-grey and black. Robert Kaleski wrote in his book "Barkers and Biters" that the first dogs were very bony and had a light coat of shaggy hair. They were nearly all yellow or brindle, with an occasional black one.

The Kangaroo Dog was known for its hunting ability, and in 1872, it was entered into the National Grand Spring Exhibition, but it didn't receive a prize because it wasn't considered worthy. According to The 'Argus' newspaper, the best Kangaroo Dogs were bred from Scotch staghounds, so it wasn't worth offering a prize for this class.

Australia was a significant hub for the development of the Kangaroo Dog breed.

In 1864, the first Dog Show held on the Australian mainland featured 5 Kangaroo Dogs (Rough) and 13 Kangaroo Dogs (Smooth), showcasing their impressive physical attributes.

These dogs were known for their strong limbs and chests, with an evident capacity for speed and endurance.

The following year, in 1865, 8 Rough and 15 Smooth Kangaroo Dogs were shown, but the Roughs were so poor that only the first prize winner received an award.

The name "kangaroo dog" was applied to any large mongrel that could catch or assist in running down kangaroos, and in the early days, these indigenous animals were so plentiful that all sorts of dogs were bred for the purpose of destroying them.

A common cross used in breeding these dogs was that of a Deerhound and a Greyhound.

Kangaroo Dogs thrived in wide open spaces, catching food for squatters and convict labourers.

By the late 1800s, fencing surrounded huge paddocks, making the Kangaroo Dogs' job less necessary.

Lamb and beef had replaced kangaroos as a meat source, and guns had become a more efficient way to kill game.

The Kangaroo Dogs' role was further diminished by the popularity of kangaroo skin as a fashionable product.

Typical of Scent Hounds, the Kangaroo Dog was a sweet-natured, gentle dog that made a great household pet.

People in Western Australia still hunt with what they call Kangaroo Dogs, and there's a movement to resurrect the breed into a pure breed.

This would require complying with the ANKC Regulations Part 6 Section 10, which is a significant undertaking.

Kangaroos will attack dogs to protect themselves, often by dragging the dog into water.

In Australia, domestic dogs and dingos are primary predators of kangaroos, and kangaroos have been known to drown their hunting dogs.

A large male kangaroo has the height and upper-body strength to kill any dog that enters the water.

Kangaroos will also seek refuge in streams and dams, standing in the water while the dogs pace the shore.

In a reported incident, a kangaroo drowned one of four dogs by holding the dog underwater with its hind legs while fighting the others with its front legs.

These instances of kangaroos attacking dogs are rare, but it's essential to keep your dog on a leash and remain cautious when in areas where you may encounter a wild kangaroo.

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