Breed Profile: The Carolina Dog

The Carolina Dog is a unique and rare breed of dog. In fact, you may have to be in one of the Carolina states, or at least the southern United States in order to come across this breed of dog. It is thought that the Carolina Dog is related to the dogs of the American Indians, and it once lived wild among the swamps and grasslands of the southeastern United States.

The Carolina Dog is often referred to as the American Dingo. In fact, it closely resembles the Australian Dingo in appearance. The Carolina Dog varies in color from cream to tan to chestnut, and even black. Additionally the dog may be bi-colored, with patches of other colors marking its coat. He typically stands 17 to 24 inches high and weighs 40 to 60 pounds. The expected lifespan of the Carolina Dog is twelve to fourteen years, and they are generally very healthy and hardy dogs.

The first Carolina Dogs were found in the 1970’s in South Carolina and Georgia. It is thought that many of the mutts and mixed breed strays in the southern United States may have some of the Carolina Dog in their bloodline. After coming across the dogs, captive breeding programs were started to research the dog’s ties to the dogs depicted in the artwork of the Native Americans of the region.

Today many people are finding the Carolina Dog to be an excellent pet. They do require plenty of exercise, but they are typically an easy-going dog who truly enjoys spending time with their family. The Carolina Dog maintains many of their natural instincts, so finely tuned in the wild. Therefore, they are excellent hunting dogs, but may run away from their homes to track scents. They require a great deal of supervision, and also patience. The Carolina Dog is also somewhat wary of strangers and shy. They are easily trained though, and do get along well with children in a stable home environment.