Carolina Dog Breed Description

An Owner's Carolina Dog Description
I started with just one of these rather shy dogs, who I named Dingo. He followed me home from school one Monday afternoon, and did the same each of the next four days. When the weekend came, he vanished. But come Monday, there he was, following me home. Did that again all week, and that time he hung out at our house all weekend. At first he kept his distance, hanging back while I offered giifts of friendship, mainly soup bones and left-overs, only cautiously approaching those goodies after I'd backed away from them.

Well, on that third Monday, after school let out, Dingo was sitting at the gate I always came out of to head home at 3 o'clock. Only this time, he wasn't alone. He had what surely was a twin with him, and the two of them followed me home. I don't know where they came, from but I'm guessing were running wild and decided it was time to grow some roots and settle down. Of course, that's just a theory.

Anyway, it sounds corny, but the fact is that it happened just that way. Based on a true story, like they say on TV. Where they really came from and why they chose me is anybody's guess. It could be that it wasn't me after all - my Dad says more than likely it was mama's soup bones!

My two dogs have become my best friends, and I know even if the soup bones got them here at first, it's our loyalty to each other that made them stay here.

 

 

Introduction

Also called the American Dingo, the Dixie Dingo, the Southern Dingo, the Native American Dog, the Indian's Dog, the Southern Aboriginal Dog, and just plain Ol' Yaller Dog. Medium built with large, erect ears (designed for optimal sound retrieval and possibly body temperature regulation), and a long, curved tail (used for signaling and communication), they have a short, dense coat - traits that have been naturally selected to ensure survival under free-ranging conditions. Average height is 17 to 24 inches, but can vary according to build. Average weight is 40 to 60 lbs.

History

Any dog with eight different names has a long history. For decades, a primitive looking dog has inhabited the lowland regions of South Carolina and Georgia. These animals resemble other dogs that stem directly from the ancient Pariah Dog, and like those breeds (notably the modern Canaan Dog) illustrations found on tombs, caves and other artifacts show these animals were here for hundreds of years.

As interest in these native dogs increased, capture and study programs began. The original discovery of the dogs is credited to a biology professor from the University of Georgia, Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin. Jane Gunnell played a major role in creating a captive breeding program. Her book chronicles the journey of these unique animals and the people who have made rescuing and preserving the breed their life's work. (Carolina Dogs, the American Dingos by Jane R. Gunnell is available from the Carolina Dog Association at www.carolinadogs.org).

DNA testing has confirmed the primitive nature of these dogs, and they certainly have physical traits and social patterns that have engendered further study.

General Description

Almost fox-like in appearance, the Carolina dog has a pointed muzzle and erect triangular ears. Lips are tight with a scissors bite. Almond-shaped eyes are dark brown and set on a slight angle. Both lips and eye rims are black. Overall traits are those of other Pariah dogs: medium size, muscled hindquarters.

They are double coated, which creates a seasonal change in profile as the undercoat thickens. Red colors range from pale cream to deep red, with lighter markings on the muzzle and shoulders. They can also be black and tan, or piebald.

These dogs have webbed toes and fish-hook tails. Observers report they use their front legs and paws (which are small and pointed) as arms and hands, with a great deal of dexterity.

Temperament

In the wild, the entire pack appears to rear, protect and feed the puppies, which are birthed in an underground chamber. There the litter and dam reside, fed by the rest of the pack until all are ready to emerge and become part of the whole.

Interestingly, even those caught in the wild and brought to captivity make gentle pets and seem to replace their pack needs with their human family.

Health and Care

These are hardy dogs, having evolved to survive in the natural environment. No specific health problems have been noted by those breeding them in captivity. As with all pet dogs, acclimating pups while young to nail trimming and oral hygiene sessions will make for an adult dog that will be at ease during those activities.
 

Colors

Deep red with buff markings along the muzzle and over the shoulders; dark sabling over the back, tail, and loins.

Living Area

Not recommended for apartment life. They do best with plenty of space around them.

Recognized By

UKC, CKC, NKC, CDA, APRI, ACR, DRA

Pets4You offers listings of Carolina Dog breeders with puppies for sale.