If you are planning to take a wild dog as your loyal companion, then the Carolina dog breed is just perfect. They are warm, friendly, and great with children. DogAppy gives you more information on this particular breed.
Amazing Ancestry!
The Carolina dogs are said to be the direct descendants of the ancient pariah dogs that accompanied Asians across the Bering Strait land bridge 8,000 yrs ago. Scientists have also observed that their bone structure is similar to the thousands-year-old neolithic dog bones found at ancient Native American burial sites.
The discovery of this free-ranging dog breed is credited to Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin Jr., a Senior Research Ecologist at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Lab. He first came in contact with this breed while working at the Savannah River site in the 1970s’, more ‘packs’ were discovered in the isolated stretches of longleaf pines and cypress swamps in South Carolina and Georgia.
They closely resemble the ‘Dingo’ of Australia, which may be the closest living relative of this breed as both have a primitive and pariah niche to its origin, hence they are also known as ‘American Dingo’ or ‘Carolina Dingo’. It was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995. These dogs have since then been breed in captivity and can be adopted as pets.
Physical Characteristics
Height and Weight
Male
30 – 44 pounds (15 – 20 kg)
17¾ – 19 5/8 inches
Female
30 – 44 pounds (15 – 20 kg)
17¾ – 19 5/8 inches
Life Expectancy
12 – 14 yrs
General Appearance and Nature
They are of a medium built with the general appearance of a jackal or wolf. They have a medium-length straight back with a distinctive waist. The tail looks like a fish hook, in ideal conditions it looks thin and tight. They are shy and like to live in ‘packs’.
Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Muzzle
The skull is strong and impressive, with powerful jaws. The eyes are almond-shaped and mostly dark brown in color, which give an expression of softness and caution. Ears are prominent, mobile, and expressive. Nose is black with large open nostrils.
Feet, Coat, and Color
They have moderately small feet that are well padded. The coat appearance is affected by seasons; the winter coat is heavier than the summer coat. Most prominent color is a deep red ginger with pale buff markings on the shoulder and muzzle. Other acceptable colors are pale yellow buff, wheaten to straw-color.
Ideal surroundings, Exercise, Training and Grooming
As they are free breeds, they love the outdoors, long hikes, camping, and daily long walks, so a house with a large fenced yard is ideal for them, they are not recommended for small apartments or flats. They are self-sufficient, intelligent, and ‘pack’ oriented. They do not require much grooming, just some occasional brushing. They have the habit of digging ‘snout pits’ in the ground, which is natural trait and should be allowed.
Health Issues
They have a life span of about 14 years without any major diseases. They are a naturally healthy breed without any known genetic issues.
Behavior With Other Pets and Children
They are extremely friendly and comfortable with other pets as long as they are monitored and introduced comfortably towards the dingoes. They tend to see older dogs as ‘alpha’ males and can be submissive around them. They enjoy the attention from children and can be very fond of them. With proper socialization, they prove to be loyal companions.
This breed is a free-spirited animal and requires a loving home with an active family. As long as they are kept mentally and physically stimulated, they make excellent pets.
