Reproduction in captive and wild dingoes (Canis familiaris dingo) in temperate and arid environments of Australia

Abstract

The dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) had one breeding period per year. Most matings took place in April/May and most births in June/July. All males in their first year exhibited a testis response similar to that in older males, but the peak in that response was reached two months later and the prostate reached only half the weight of the prostate of old males. Some older females did not produce young and only a small percentage of females bred in their first year. Crossbreed canids [dingo xferal dog (Canis familiaris familiaris)] did not follow the same reproductive pattern as the dingo. Several testis parameters did not show the marked seasonal variation seen in the dingo. Also, crossbreeds had larger litters than dingoes and some bred throughout the year. A major difference in reproductive response was detected between flush and drought periods in arid central Australia. Males and females responded one month later during drought periods. During drought, fewer older females and no first-year females bred and males demonstrated a reduced and delayed reproductive response. Social constraints on reproduction have been shown in young dingoes, but in this study a lack of food due to drought may have had a greater influence.