Origin
The Carolina Dogs were discovered from South America and are considered to have originated from some Asian “pariah dogs”. They have transported 9,000 years ago to North America through the Bering Strait.
This breed was an Indian dog and was the first dog to be domesticated in America. Some of the pariah types also existed in the United States today.
A biology teacher named Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin was the first one to discover and name the Carolina dog. He has been teaching at the University of Georgia specifically at the United States Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site in South Carolina.
This area is isolated and barred from the public and the wild dogs which lived in the area for centuries were not able to have the chance to breed with other domestic dogs.
Brisbin has noted that this breed was nearly similar in looks to the Dingo. Also, other scientists have observed that their bone structures were very identical to the remnants of those dog bones from the Neolithic era which came from Native American Burial sites thousands of years ago.
The puppies are seldom placed to several selected families so they can be raised as well as trained as hunters and companions of a small game.
Traits and Behavior
A lot of these dogs are identified as very shy around people, but this can be ruled out by socializing them at an early age.
With proper socialization, these dogs can be loyal companion as well as loving pet.
They are naturally very clean and are easy to tame. They are responsive, intelligent, can easily learn and are not destructive.
They are not hostile by nature though they have a very well-developed hunting instinct.
These dogs want an ordered pack so the owners must establish a status as a pack leader.
They are suspicious of and shy with strangers as well as to circumstances or surroundings that are unfamiliar.
They are not friendly and outgoing with everyone but they will be devoted to their pack.
Also, these dogs enjoy hunting some small game with agility and grace.
Pet Care and Diseases
The Carolina dogs are not recommended to apartment life. They will thrive best with a lot of space in their surroundings. They can also live outdoors given that the weather isn’t too cold. On the other hand, they can adapt very well to a sunny, hot climate.
Additionally, their coat is very easy to clean and an occasional scrubbing or brushing will be beneficial for them. These dogs can also practically care for themselves and a bath can be done only when needed. Lastly, these dogs should also be taken on a regular long, long walk.
It’s so much important that they must be behind or beside the one who holds the leash so that they will be reminded that the leader will lead the way.
Appearance
The Carolina dogs are medium-sized that usually weigh around 20 to 50 pounds and stand approximately 18 inches high when they are full grown. They may have a little wild expression in them when compared to the other breeds that are more traditional and they may also look like wolves or dingoes to some.
These dogs are very powerful and well-muscled for their size. They also show an agile and free movement that has lots of energy and flexibility.
In addition, the head of the Carolina dog is wedge-shaped, its neck is long and its jaws are powerful. Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark colored with an intelligent, soft but alert expression.
They also have large, very mobile ears that are high-set. Their back is medium length and straight and their chest are well-developed.
They have a “fish-hook” tail which is distinctive to this breed and is carried in different positions based on their mood but it never loose or slackens.
The skin of Carolina dogs is tight and their coats are thick and short with a heavy undercoat. There are abundant and longer hairs on their neck, back and withers that may stand when they are aroused.
They have a distinctive color that is typically deep red ginger having pale markings at the shoulders as well as on the side of their muzzle.
General Information
This breed has an average life span of 12 to 14 years. The litter size is approximately 3-6 puppies.
Other names include American Dingo, Dixie Dingo, North American Native Dog, and Indian’s Dog. Its nickname is Ol’ Yaller.
Breed Club
Visit this dog club website dedicated to Carolina Dogs. Click this link: http://www.carolinadogtrainingclub.com/
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