This cross has hopefully preserved as much genetic variation as possible for the future of the breed. The entire captive NGSD population, estimated in 1995 to be approximately 300 animals, has thus descended from only eight wild caught founders. Efforts to capture additional wild dogs in the New Guinea Highlands have so far proved futile. Droppings and tracks were seen and howls heard during preliminary studies at a remote Highland location of Papua by both Robert Bino in 1993 - 94 and James McIntyre in 1996, so hope remains that the gene pool will be expanded when the resources become available to finance a thorough hunt for additional wild breeding stock. NGSD differ from man-made breeds of dog in several ways.
NGSD eyes seem to be more light reflective than domestic dogs', shining bright green in low light.
Modern breeds average two heats per year that are not dependent upon environmental cues. All rights reserved.