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Carolina Dog Breed Introduction
Carolina dog is a medium-sized sighthound dog breed occasionally found feral in the isolated stretches of cypress swamps and longleaf pines in the Southeastern United States. This breed got into the dog scene in the 70s after they were rediscovered by I. Lehr Brisbin Jr.( credited for naming the breed) living as free-roaming population. Originally a landrace breed, Carolina Dogs were initially documented in the American-dog related publications in the 1920s.
A Carolina Dog has Fox-like ears and snout with a fishhook curved tail. These dogs have a general appearance of a wolf or jackal. Carolina Dogs look similar to Australian Dingoes. They are also known as American Dingo, yellow Dog, Dixie Dingo, or Yaller dog. An unspayed Carolina dog has three estrus cycles in quick succession. Carolina dogs are pack dogs that are loyal and social. However, they are suspicious and shy around strangers at first.
Carolina Dog Origin | History
The precise origin of Carolina Dogs is up for debate. Although, experts believe they were descended from Asian Primitive Dogs, most likely from the Pariah dogs. The progenitors of Carolina Dogs migrated across the Bering Land bridge from Asia into North America along with Native Indian Americans. Mummified and skeletal remains of these dogs have been discovered alongside other artifacts belonging to Indigenous Americans of the Southwest who further moved into Central and South America and eventually to the now Eastern United States.
Similar canines remains have also been discovered by Archaeologists in ceremonial burials in the southeastern forests indicating their companionship with Native Americans long before Europeans arrived. Free-ranging dogs of the Southwest and Southeast have recently be studied. The findings suggest a close ancestry and possible descent from the primitive companions based on behavior, appearance, and ecology. United Kennel Club recognized Carolina Dogs in 1996. Since July 2017, this breed has been part of AKC Foundation Stock Service.
Carolina Dog Lifespan
A Carolina Dog has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Carolina Dog Grooming
A Carolina Dog has a short to medium length coat that sheds all-year round at moderate levels. Weekly brushing will help to remove, dirt, loose hair, and promote new hair growth. This breed sheds heavily during Spring and Fall. Brush the coat daily or three times a week to confine the loose hair in the brush rather than around the house. Carolina Dogs that live in the cold regions have a longer hair length. Therefore, they require frequent brushing to prevent matting or tangling. While working on the mats, spritz the coat first with a water conditioner solution or a detangling spraying to prevent hair breakage.
Carolina dogs tend to keep themselves clean much like a cat. However, they will need an occasional bath especially if they roll off into something stinky. Use a hypoallergenic canine shampoo and conditioner to bath and moisturize the coat. After bathing your pooch, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the coat to avoid skin irritation. Wipe the eye corners using a clean damp wash cloth or unscented canine wipes.
Trim the nails of a Carolina Dog fortnightly to prevent cracking, splitting, and overgrowth. Overly grown nails are painful for your dog while walking or running. Brush the teeth of a Carolina Dog at least twice a week if not daily to remove tartar buildup. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess wax or debris. While cleaning the ears, always lookout for signs of dog’s ear infection such as redness, odor, or a dark discharge.
Carolina Dog Shedding
A Carolina has a short to medium length coat that sheds throughout the year at moderate levels and heavily while experiencing seasonal change in Spring and Fall. Dogs that live in the colder regions especially in the North tend to shed more due to a thicker undercoat and longer hair length.
Carolina Dog Coat
Normally, Carolina Dogs have a short and smooth coat. Although, the coat density is affected seasonally, generally lighter in the warmer months, and heavier in the cooler months. The smooth and short hair is found on the front legs, ears, and head. Long and coarse guard hairs are on the back, withers, and neck. The guard hairs may be slightly darker giving the appearance of a ridge.
Carolina Dog Hypoallergenic
A Carolina Dog is not a hypoallergenic breed. It sheds all-year round at moderate levels and heavily in Spring and Fall. Shedding allows dander and fur to spread around the home aggravating allergies. Dog’s urine, mucus, and saliva also contain a protein allergen that triggers inflammation.
Carolina Dog Training | How To Train A Carolina Dog
A Carolina dog is an intelligent pooch that is eager to please and is easily trainable. Training a Carolina dog is an essential part of ensuring you raise a well-mannered and well-adjusted dog. This breed is a newbie to domesticity, therefore, it requires to learn how to live and behave with humans. Immediately start training a Carolina Dog when they join your home. Some dog experts urge parents to understand how the genetic history of a Carolina Dog will impact its desire to do or not to do certain things that more traditional breeds would enjoy such as joining your in the local market. However, with early and proper socializations, Carolina Dogs may turn out to be loyal and amenable companions to all family members.
A Carolina dog has a pack mentality and have no problems getting along with children and other household pets if socialized from an early age. These are also sociable and playful dogs that can adapt themselves to both outdoor and indoor living. To prepare for a successful training, parents should assume pack leadership. This allows the Carolina Dog to reach its full potential while feeling secure to know it is under the guidance of a trusted, loving, and respected leader who will make thoughtful decisions for the well-being of the entire pack. Therefore, the pooch will be a cooperative follower within the pack.
Generally, a Carolina Dog is suspicious and shy around strangers especially men and people wearing strange clothing like hats, sunglasses, large flapping clothes, and carrying things. Therefore, Carolina Dogs dogs need to be socialized from an early age. Normally this training starts at the age of 3 weeks while the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after it has already settled in its new home. Although, it can be a life-long process to ensure the dog matures to have a well-rounded temperament. To socialize a Carolina dog, expose it to a wide variety of people, animals, surfaces, sights, places, smell, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, door bells, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, sirens, whistles, and lawn mowers.
Socializing a Carolina Dog to different sounds is crucial since they have been known to howl at certain noises. While socializing this pooch to strange children, to so in a controlled and monitored setting to ensure a pleasurable experience for all parties involved. Enrolling a Carolina Dog in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes create a controlled and monitored environment where dogs interact with each other. Puppy classes are also beneficial to parents. They allow them to not only identify and correct bad habits but also have access to training information and assistance. This breed also has a strong prey drive making socialization and teaching basic command words a must do especially the drop it and recall commands.
Parents should start teaching the basic commands words immediately the pup comes home. Teach one basic command word at a time until the pooch is well-acquainted before proceeding to the next command. Some of the basic commands that Carolina Dogs learn include come, lie down, sit, stay, wait, heel, etc. Keep the training sessions short, fun, and challenging for a span of 5 minutes distributed throughout the day to avoid boredom and distraction. Some Carolina dogs may or may not respond to treat training. Make us of toys, playtime, petting, and verbal praise to reinforce positive behaviors.
Avoid use of harsh correction or training methods such as beating, kicking, yelling, shoving and use of choke or prong collars. Effectively housebreak a Carolina dog by creating a feeding schedule, crate training, and potty training. This breed is easily housebroken with proper training since they are clean dogs. They are also not destructive in the home as long as they are kept mentally stimulated with exercising, toys, and lots of attention. Carolina Dogs also love their privacy while eating or going potty.
Get positive outcomes while potty training by taking the dog to the designated toilet area immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, following an exciting activity such as playtime and car ride, every 2 to 3 hours, after naptime, and before bedtime. A crate is an invaluable tool while potty training. It allows the owner to closely monitor the dog for signs of elimination such as whining, restlessness, circling, sniffing, squatting, and lifting a leg against the crate wall. After the age of 8 months, Carolina Dogs should go for potty breaks every 6 to 8 hours. This is because the bladder and bowel muscles of a pup strengthens as it matures.
Carolina Dog Personality | Temperament | Traits
- Intelligent.
- Shy and Suspicious around strangers.
- High prey-drive.
- Strong pack mentality.
- Sociable.
- Playful.
- Energetic.
- Easily trainable.
- Eager to please.
- Loyal.
- Not overly affectionate.
- Alert.
- Independent.
Carolina Dog Exercise
This is an energetic breed that needs daily exercise in form of daily walks several times a day, or playtime in a securely fenced yard. Carolina Dogs can also exercise indoors by chasing a ball rolled along the floor, hide-and-seek, or learning new tricks. Swimming, retrieving balls or flying discs as well as hiking provide a good outlet for pent-up energy. Exercise your pooch physically and mentally by enrolling it in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility.
Carolina Dog Barking | Bark
Carolina Dogs are vocal when introduced to other dogs. Owners hear many sounds such as barks, whines, growling of different pitches, and whimpers. However, parents should not be alarmed and jerk the dogs apart unless they become overly aggressive. Moreso, a bored Carolina Dog will dig, chew, jump, and bark in an effort to keep themselves entertained.
Carolina Dog Height
A Carolina Dog has a height of 17.75 to 19.75 inches ( approx. 45 to 50 cm ).
Carolina Dog Weight
Mature Carolina Dogs have a weight of 30 to 55 pounds ( approx. 14 to 25 kg ).
Carolina Dog Size
A Carolina Dog is a medium-sized breed with a height of 17.75 to 19.75 inches ( approx.45 to 50 cm ) and a weight of 30 to 55 pounds ( approx. 14 to 25 kg ).
Carolina Dog Health Problems
This is relatively new domesticated dog breed. Carolina dogs have not be selectively bred. Therefore, they don’t have genetic disorders present in many breeds today. However, owners should closely work with the breeders to acquire knowledge on the specific health concerns present in the breed. Recent studies have revealed that some Carolina Dogs are ivermectin sensitive. Parents should discuss with the vet before administering any antiparasitic medications.
Apart from Carolina Dogs, other dog breeds include:
American Staffordshire Terrier.
Carolina Dog Names
A Carolina Dog owner may get a name for the pet before it joins them home from the breeder or days after the pup has settled home to understand better the personality of the dog. Carolina Dogs owners may get name inspirations from the coat color and texture, heritage of the breed, behavior, celebrity Carolina Dogs, songs, Fox-like ears and snout, food, movies, books, historical figures, or nature.
Regardless of where you source the name, ensure the name chosen freely rolls off your tongue. The name should not make you embarrassed if uttered out loud in public. Carolina Dogs and other dog breeds better understand a name that has vowels. If the owner settles with a long name, he or she should find a cute nickname for the dog.
Avoid giving a Carolina Dog a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion. If this breed shares a name with any household member or guest who frequent your home, it may cause confusion. Some of the names that Carolina Dogs owners give to their pets include:
- Max.
- Amelia.
- Andy.
- Annie.
- Rex.
- Bailey.
- Birdie.
- Emma.
- Amy.
- Sadie.
- Cooper.
- Randy, etc.
Carolina Dog Colors
The common coat color is the various shades of Ginger varying from reddish ginger, lighter straw-color, pale-yellow, or buff.
Carolina Dog Food
The amount of food that Carolina Dogs feed on depend on their age, metabolism, size, activity level, and body build. Carolina Dog puppies have a high metabolism rate as compared to adults or senior dogs. Therefore, a puppy should feed 3 or 4 times a day immediately they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, Carolina Dogs will feed a total of two meals for life with snacks in between.
Like other dogs, Carolina Dogs should feed on the right amount of minerals, protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, water, and fats to maintain a healthy bone structure and weight. Depending on the budget and the time of preparation needed, parents may feed a Carolina Dog with dry food, wet food, home made meals, or a raw diet. Owners who prefer commercial dry or wet food should ensure the first three ingredients that are listed are proteins from a known source.
Commercial foods should neither have fillers, chemicals, meat by-products, additives, nor preservatives. The same goes to the snacks given to the pets. Dry or wet food should also be formulated for medium sized puppies, adults, and senior depending on the age of your Carolina Dog. Check the physique of your dog to tell whether it is underweight or overweight.
The pooch is underweight if the ribs are visible. However, if the ribs are not visible but you can feel them without pressing hard, a Carolina Dog has an ideal weight. Although, if you cannot feel the ribs after pressing, the pet is overweight and should be exercised. Owners who want to switch to another pet food should gradually do this over a period of one month by mixing old food with new food. As the week progresses, the amount of old food decreases as the amount of the new food increases until the Carolina Dog is only feeding on the new food.
Carolina Dog Collar
A Carolina Dog is a sighthound that hunts by sight rather than scent. It also has a high prey drive. Therefore, it should go for walks while on a leash. The parent may attach the leash to a harness or collar. The latter is preferred if the dog has proper leash manners. A dog that is likely to pull on a leash should walk in a harness. This accessory allows the parent to have better control over the dog.
Carolina Dog Tail
A Carolina Dog has a fishhook shaped tail that should never completely curl over the back of the dog.
Are Carolina Dogs Aggressive
No. Although, Carolina Dogs are shy and suspicious of strangers, they are not aggressive. They get along well with other pets and children if introduced from an early age.
Are Carolina Dogs Good Pets
Yes. Carolina dogs are loyal and devoted companions with a strong pack mentality. Therefore, they easily get along with their human family. Although, they are not overly affectionate dogs.
Are Carolina Dogs Hypoallergenic
No. Carolina Dogs have a moulting coat that allows dander and fur to spread around the house triggering allergic reactions.
Do Carolina Dogs Shed
Yes. Carolina Dogs shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily while experiencing seasonal change in Spring and Fall.
Do Carolina Dogs Have Webbed Feet
A Carolina Dog has moderately small feet that are compact and never splayed.
Carolina Dogs Quick Facts
- Carolina Dogs were descended from the Asian Primitive dogs. However, they make excellent pets with proper socialization.
- These dogs are suspicious and shy of men and people dressed with strange clothing such as hats and glasses.
- Carolina dogs have a general appearance of a wolf or jackal.
