Both dingoes (Canis lupis dingo) and
the New Zealand wild dog, the Kirri, originated from Asia where they
were present possibly 10 000 to 14 000 years ago and were derived from
wolves. Maori brought the Kirri to New Zealand and Aboriginal people
brought the dingo to Australia approximately 4000 years before
present. Aboriginal people aided the spread of dingoes throughout
Australia and used dingoes for food, companions, hunting-aids and
bed-warmers. The dingo never reached Tasmania. Domestic dogs (Canis
lupis familiaris) were brought into Australia by Europeans in 1788 and
their release into the wild has continued since.
Dingoes and other wild dogs are widely distributed throughout the country and are present in most environments. However, dingoes and other wild dogs have been removed from much of the agricultural zone over the past 200 years and hybridisation between the subspecies over that time has resulted in a lesser proportion of pure dingoes, especially in south-eastern Australia. Food, water and cover are probably the most important factors influencing the distribution and abundance of wild dogs in areas where there is little management. Dog-proof fences that protect sheep from predation also limit the distribution of wild dogs
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New Zealand Wild Dog 
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