Carolina Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

13.6-25 kg

Height

45.7-50.8 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Carolina Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

Caroline Dogs, also known as an “American Dingo” or “Dixie Dingo”, is a medium-sized breed that has tall, sharp ears, a long snout and a slim build. They closely resemble the Australian Dingo, but they are not from Down Under.

This breed descended from wild dogs in the United States, hence the nickname “American Dingoes”. No longer feral dogs, this domesticated primitive dog breed is gentle, loyal and makes great family pets.

What is the history & origin of the Carolina Dog?

It is suspected that the Carolina dog was originally brought to the United States by merchants from Asia who travelled through the Bering Strait. These merchants brought dogs along with them, and individual dogs escaped and became feral. These feral dogs then migrated south-east through the US.

Despite starting their heritage in northern America, these wild dogs can still be found in the forests and swamps of George and South Carolina. They were slowly domesticated and today are fully domestic dogs.

The DNA of Carolina dogs links back to the base of the canine family tree, which means the Carolina dog possible closely resembles the very first canines and is a primitive breed. Carolina dog remains have been found in ancient burial sites throughout North America, indicating that this breed was domesticated thousands of years ago.

The Carolina dog breed was rediscovered during the 1970s by Dr I. Lehr Bisbin, who gave them their common name as Carolina dogs.

They were registered by the United Kennel Club in 1996. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has also officially recognised the breed in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service and created a breed standard. These dogs are also recognised by the American Rare Breed Association.

What is a Carolina Dog breed?

The Carolina dog breed is an ancient breed that looks similar to a Dingo and has been described as looking like a jackal or wolf. Despite being around for many years, Carolina dogs were only domesticated fairly recently.

These dogs truly are man’s best friend. They are loyal, eager for any adventure, love to play, and can be protective of their family. They are very devoted and will bond closely with their people. This breed is a natural pack dog, which means they will want to remain close to their family. They are also athletic and energetic.

They come in several colours and can have white markings according to the breed standard. Some other names for Carolina dogs are:

Dixie dingo
Indian dog
North American Native dog
Yaller dog
Yellow dog
Yeller dog
American dingo

Who is a Carolina Dog best for?

Carolina Dogs are very social and want to be around people. They do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. They do well with other dogs with proper socialisation.

Carolina dogs do not do well in an apartment and require a home with a large yard to allow them to expend some of their energy; otherwise, they will become destructive. They will do well with an active family that can take them on adventures but will also prefer someone to be home with them during the day.

Carolina dogs are wary around strangers; however, they can adapt quickly to new situations. They are averagely friendly towards children but should be introduced gently and with supervision. They are also averagely friendly towards cats.

Carolina Dog Grooming & Shedding

Carolina dogs do not need a lot of grooming. They show behaviour similar to cats and are able to groom and clean themselves. Of course, occasional baths are required if they get exceptionally dirty or muddy.

No special grooming is required for this breed. They only need brushing to remove dead and loose hair, as well as nail trimming if the nails are not worn down naturally.

Most individuals have short to medium coats; however, certain individuals in the north have developed a longer coat which will require a bit more brushing.

The density of their coats is affected by the seasons. Coats tend to be thicker and heavier in cold seasons, with an undercoat appearing in winter. Longer, coarse guard hairs are normal on the neck, shoulders and back.

This breed does not shed a lot; however, after winter, the thick undercoat will shed. Brushing will help to reduce shedding and get rid of the undercoat quicker.

Do Carolina Dogs bark a lot?

Carolina dogs are not yappy and rarely bark. They are considered a quiet breed.

These dogs will only breed if they have a good reason, like a perceived threat, when they are alarmed, when they want to protect their family, or if they are bored and left alone for too long.

What is the average weight & height of a Carolina Dog?

The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized breed, typically standing between 45.7 cm and 50.8 cm at the shoulder and weighing between 13.6 kg and 25 kg. Known for their agility and endurance, they are often characterized by their strong, athletic build.

Are Carolina Dogs easy to train?

Carolina dogs are more intelligent than a lot of other breeds. This intelligence comes with a stubbornness; however, they are also eager to please their owners. These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

Their lithe build and strong bodies make them excellent competitors in dog sports. They do well in hunting activities and dog agility.

How do Carolina Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Carolina dogs can be described as being gentle and loyal. They are reserved with strangers and can be hesitant in new situations, but with proper socialisation, they are quite adaptable.

These playful dogs love to go on adventures with their families and have plenty of energy to go on long hikes and runs.

Does the Carolina Dog have any common health issues?

Unlike other purebred dog breeds, Carolina dogs are not prone to any serious hereditary health conditions.

Interestingly, some Carolina dogs are incredibly sensitive to ivermectin, a medicine used to treat mites, ticks and other parasites. You should always discuss this with your vet before administering any antiparasitic medicine.

A reputable breeder should screen parent dogs and puppies for any diseases or genetic health problems.

Vaccinations, parasite treatment and regular check-ups are recommended by veterinarians.

What is the lifespan of a Carolina Dog?

The average lifespan of a Carolina dog is 12 to 14 years.

How much does a Carolina Dog need to be fed?

As with all dogs, high-quality dog food with an adeqaute amount of protein is very important.

Some Carolina dogs are prone to obesity, so never overfeed them and make sure to provide any treats sparingly.

Discuss your dog’s diet and feeding frequency with your vet, taking into consideration the lifestyle and activity of your dog. If you are training your dog with treats, take this into consideration when giving food (i.e. feed less if the dog has had a lot of treats).

Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water throughout the day.

How much can you expect to pay for a Carolina Dog in Australia?

Depending on the age of the pup, the breeder, and the parents, the price of a Carolina dog can vary from $1,100 to $1,370.

Carolina Dog FAQs

How do you tell if your dog is a Carolina dog?

Carolina dogs have the following coat colours:

Beige
Ginger
Tan
Yellow
Red
Sable
Orange

Some individuals have white markings, which are recognised as part of the breed standard.

This hound breed is of medium size and closely resembles the appearance of an Australian Dingo or jackal.

The breed has a straight back and a fishhook tail shape that often ends in a white tip. They have large, upright ears, a long snout with a black nose and an elegant neck.

These dogs often appear thin, and it is not unusual to see their ribs similar to a racing sighthound.

Are Carolina dogs hypoallergenic?

No, Carolina dogs are not hypoallergenic. Despite their short coats, they do grow a thick undercoat during winter, which is then shed during the warmer months. This will cause an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers as a lot of dander is shed along with the hair. Their saliva can also induce an allergic reaction.

Do Carolina dogs have black tongues?

Not all Carolina dogs have a black tongue. According to the AKC breed standard, the tongue can be completely pink, completely black, pink with black spots, or purple.

Are Carolina dogs protective?

Carolina dogs are not aggressive dogs and will not bite or bark unless unprovoked. That being said, these dogs are suspicious around strangers and new environments, which makes them good guard dogs.

They are protective of their families and will bark when threatened, but they are not aggressive, which makes them excellent family pets.