The dingo is usually classified as a subspecies (C. familiaris dingo) of the domestic dog.  An inhabitant of Australia, it was introduced to that continent by human settlers which migrated from Asia.  This introduction probably occurred between 4,000 - 8,000 years ago, though some authorities place the date at only 3,500 - 4,000 years.  The oldest verified dingo remains yet found have been carbon dated to an age of 3,450 years.  Some believe that the dingo may be a descendant of the Indian Grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes).  Additionally, it its theorized that the pre-Australian form of the dingo, or a breed very similar to it, may be ancestral to most or all of today's 400+ recognized breeds of domestic dogs (with the exception of some of the breeds originating from the far north, which more likely were developed from a larger, northern subspecis of wolf).  Dingoes are actually rather physically distinct from other breeds of dogs which occur in nearby New Guinea and Indonesia.  Although similar in colouration, breeds such as the New Guinea singing dog (so named for its odd vocalizations), are much smaller and stouter in general.