Carolina DogCharacteristics, history, training and care
Carolina Dog. · Calabash13 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Carolina Dog (the “American dingo” or “yellow dog”) is a medium-sized primitive dog, sometimes found in the wild in the south-eastern United States, in pine forests and remote swamps. The AKC says it descends from the dogs that accompanied the first people who came from Asia to America across the Bering land bridge, and describes it as alert, vigilant and self-confident. It is not recognised by the FCI; the AKC has it in the Foundation Stock Service.
Quick facts
| Common name | Carolina Dog (American dingo) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Official recognition | Not recognised by the FCI; the AKC has it in the Foundation Stock Service |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 45–50 cm at the withers; 14–25 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 45–50 cm at the withers; 14–25 kg according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Short to medium |
| Common colours | Ginger (“yellow dog”) |
| Energy level | Medium |
| Suited to an apartment? | Not very |
| Temperament | Alert, vigilant, self-confident |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Moderate |
| Good with other animals | Moderate |
| Genetic predispositions | Ivermectin sensitivity in some dogs |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The AKC says that when the first people migrated from Asia to North America across the Bering land bridge, they brought with them a primitive dog, domesticated from Asian wolves thousands of years earlier. Wikipedia says studies show the Carolina Dog has a mix of East Asian breeds.
Wikipedia says it was documented in American publications as early as the 1920s and rediscovered as a free-ranging population by I. Lehr Brisbin Jr. The AKC says it can still be found in the wild near the border between Georgia and South Carolina.
How the breed developed
- Prehistory – The dogs of the first people reach America.
- 1920 – Glover Morrill Allen writes about “Indian dogs”.
- 20th century – Rediscovered by I. Lehr Brisbin Jr.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★☆☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed; the breed is not recognised by the FCI.
Physical characteristics
It is a medium-sized dog with a primitive look, similar to a dingo. The AKC says it keeps itself clean, like a cat.
General appearance
The AKC says the coat is short to medium, and dogs from more northern regions have developed a thicker coat.
| Feature | Carolina Dog |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | 45–50 cm (AKC) |
| Weight | 14–25 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Short to medium |
| Colour | Ginger |
| Type | Primitive dog |
Wikipedia says it is also called the “yellow dog” or “yaller dog”, after its typical ginger colour.
Training and socialisation
The AKC describes it as alert, vigilant and self-confident. As a primitive dog, it can be independent and reserved, so early socialisation and patient, reward-based training are important.
It is not a very high-energy dog, but it needs daily exercise.
Tips for effective training
- Be patient. It is a primitive dog.
- Socialise it early. It can be reserved.
- Use rewards. It responds to gentleness.
- Tell your vet about ivermectin. Some dogs are sensitive to it.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says it is not a very energetic dog, but it needs daily exercise: play in a fenced yard, walks several times a day or indoor games.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | several times a day | Fitness |
| Play in the yard | daily | Energy |
| Search games | several times a week | Keep its mind busy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It needs a fenced yard.
- Socialise it a lot.
- Be careful with parasite treatments.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says it needs very little grooming: it keeps itself clean like a cat; brushing and nail trimming, plus a bath when needed.
Common health problems
The AKC says the Carolina Dog generally enjoys good health. Recent studies show, however, that:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin sensitivity | Some dogs react to this antiparasitic drug | Talk to the vet before treatment |
Other care
- Tell the vet about the sensitivity to ivermectin.
- Check for ticks after outings.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 kg | 810 kcal | 910 kcal | 200–260 g |
| 19 kg | 1,020 kcal | 1,150 kcal | 260–330 g |
| 25 kg | 1,250 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 310–400 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The “American dingo”. It looks like a dingo.
- The dog of the first Americans. It came across the Bering land bridge.
- It still lives in the wild. In the swamps of the south-eastern United States.
- Clean as a cat. So says the AKC.
- It is not the Carolinas' state dog. The symbol dogs of the Carolinas are other breeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a dingo?
No, but it looks like one and is called the “American dingo”.
Is it recognised by the FCI?
No; the AKC has it in the Foundation Stock Service.
What colour is it?
Usually ginger.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 12–15 years.
