Carolina Dog: Unveiling the Unique Canine of the South

Last Updated on August 11, 2023 by Fumipets

In the 1970s, the Carolina dog emerged from the swamps of the Southeast United States and into the dog world. These jackal-like canines still have some wild kid in them, unlike the long-domesticated puppies that nap on your knee, and it’s not unusual to see them wandering the Georgia and Carolina forests today. 

There is evidence to indicate that these dogs coexisted with native peoples, and a Carolina dog may form a devoted companion with a committed handler and a home in a rural region. Just do not anticipate him to act in a golden retriever-like manner. 

Appearance

You can mistakenly believe that you have just seen an Australian dingo when a Carolina dog runs past. In fact, the two are so similar that Carolina canines are sometimes referred to as the “Carolina dingo” or “American dingo.”

A medium-sized Carolina dog has a lean, strong physique. His short fur may be white, black, brown, tawny, yellow, red, or black and white. White markings may be seen on the neck, chest, and belly of certain Carolina dogs. Backs made of a blanket or dark sable are other options.

His ears, which are distinctive to the breed, are prominent and almost seem to be too huge for his long, triangular head. His almond-shaped eyes, which are often brown but may sometimes be yellow or even blue, give off an intelligence-inspiring vibe. 

According to the Carolina Dog Club of America (CDCA), the Carolina dog’s long tail, which is formed like a “fish hook,” is also symbolic of his emotions, wagging when he is with his family and kept low around strangers.

Temperament

Because they are a primitive breed that hasn’t undergone selective breeding, Carolina dogs often have timid and wary personalities. For a Carolina dog puppy to develop into an adult with good behavior, early socialization, and obedience training are essential. 

According to Laura Pletz, DVM, Scientific Services Manager at Royal Canin, “They are great once you earn their trust, but they can be a little more suspicious in nature and a little shy in the beginning.”

He is very devoted to his human family because of his pack mentality. While his favorite activities—hiking, jogging, and exploring—are all better when you’re at his side, he may not be especially cuddly on movie night.

According to Haylee Bergeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, RBT, editor of pet health and behavior at Regular Paws, a Carolina dog has almost boundless energy and requires regular exercise.

Even if you get up early to take your dog on a stroll or exercise, he will still want to go outside in the late afternoon. He requires a dynamic owner who can keep up with his vivacious personality. 

Living Needs

The Carolina dog’s long history as a wild “swamp” dog explains why they still choose the great outdoors over a home in the city or suburbs. They could feel uneasy around odd people, strange places, and strange animals, but they will flourish on a farm or ranch with plenty of space to smell, explore, and run. 

As an owner, it is essential to comprehend how a dog’s genetic background can affect his or her willingness to engage in activities that more “traditional” breeds would find enjoyable, according to Bergeland.

For instance, it may not be appropriate to expect this dog to just feel at ease in a dog training class with other dogs. Expecting this dog to just accompany you on trips into town or to join you at the neighborhood market would likewise be totally ridiculous.

Carolina dogs thrive in households without young children or other small animals. They are “very much pack dogs,” according to Pletz, and get along well with other puppies, particularly if they are introduced early on. This dog is not appropriate for a novice owner or even someone who has experience with other breeds, according to Bergeland. 

“It would take a very special situation with a very experienced handler to make sure this breed is happy and healthy in a home,” the breed expert claims.

Carolina dogs prefer excursions into the woods to stroll around a neighborhood. They must take frequent, strenuous treks where they will have plenty of opportunities to explore.

Carolina dogs should always be walked on a leash by their owners. Due to their history of wandering freely, they have a strong prey drive, making them susceptible to the temptation to go after quick-moving objects like rabbits, squirrels, or neighboring cats. According to Bergeland, getting a Carolina dog “will be a full-time job.”

“Any breed that has such a history, or really any breed that has significant drive, takes a lot of work and must have a knowledgeable full-time owner,” she claims. “This won’t be a dog you can just leave in a kennel for hours at a time,” the owner said.

Care

Carolina dogs don’t have a lot of grooming requirements, despite the fact that they may be a little high maintenance overall. Regular brushing and, if they get into something exceptionally filthy or smelly on their wander, an occasional bath will keep these puppies clean since they have a cat-like propensity to clean themselves.

Their mild shedding may also be kept under control with brushing and baths. If your Carolina dog spends a lot of time outdoors, be sure to periodically trim his nails so they don’t click-clack on the floor. He has to have his teeth washed and his ears cleaned, just like any other dog. 

Like other breeds, Carolina dogs benefit most from positive reinforcement training, and they need their owner to be consistent and patient with them. Never be afraid to ask for assistance from a positive-based, trained professional dog trainer, advises Bergeland. 

Making sure Carolina dogs have adequate physical activity and mental stimulation via athletic pursuits, regular training, exercise, and playing is a big element of canine care. A Carolina dog that is bored may bark, climb, dig, chew, and leap to pass the time. 

“All dogs need to be understood, and owners should understand what dog behaviors are natural to all dogs,” adds Bergeland. That said, the dog won’t be content with an owner who doesn’t comprehend those crucial details.

Health

A medium-sized breed like the Carolina dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. He’s a tough dog with no significant known health concerns, so you may anticipate easy sailing (and little medical expenditures) over that period.

According to Pletz, “They have comparatively few genetic problems.” “I’m sure you could see a few suspected cases of hip dysplasia and other conditions, but it’s not that common. With this breed, there are extremely few inherited health issues. 

You still need to take your Carolina dog to the doctor for regular exams and keep up with all of his immunizations despite the fact that he is in excellent health.

History

The Carolina dog is a new discovery, although several breeds have been improved and standardized for decades (or even centuries). According to the Saving Carolina Dogs charity, the dogs were discovered roaming loose in the Southeast of the United States in the 1970s. 

So, from whence did these dogs originate? According to North Carolina Public Radio, it is believed that Carolina dogs are descended from dogs that crossed the Bering land bridge with their human ancestors some 12,000 years ago.

These puppies were probably long-term Native American companions, according to archaeological findings and DNA research. I. Lehr Brisbin, a biologist, and former researcher at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Lab is credited with discovering and naming the breed.

He “noticed wild dogs on his trips into the fields and swampy areas of the Savannah River Site,” the Columbia Star reported. The live traps he used to observe other species sometimes captured the dogs.

The Carolina dog was first registered by the United Kennel Club in 1996, and in 2017 it was admitted to the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club.

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