Carolina Dog

The Carolina Dog is a primitive and natural breed of dog, native to the southeastern United States. With its wild appearance and balanced physical appearance, it has a proportional head, erect ears and almond-shaped eyes.

General details

The breed is of medium size, with a height ranging from 45 to 49.5 centimeters, and a weight ranging from 14 to 25 kilograms. The life expectancy of this breed is 12 to 15 years. The Carolina Dog is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed history in brief

The Carolina Dog is a breed of dog native to the southeastern regions of the United States, especially South Carolina and Georgia. They are believed to be descended from ancient wild dogs that migrated from Asia thousands of years ago. For centuries, these dogs lived in the wild, adapting to the environment and developing unique physical and behavioral characteristics. In the 1970s, naturalist Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin captured and studied them, finding striking similarities to wild dogs in Southeast Asia. In 1995, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Carolina Dog as a pure breed. Today, they are valued for their hunting abilities, but also as family pets.

Breed characteristics

The Carolina Dog is a breed characterized by its natural and primitive appearance. Its head is of medium size and proportional to the body, with a slightly arched skull. Its ears are erect and pointed, and its eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown. Its tail is moderately long, low set and carried straight or sabre-shaped when the dog is in motion. As for their coat, the Carolina Dog has a dense, harsh outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that helps keep them warm in cold climates. Their coloring can vary, but they tend to have shades ranging from sesame to red with darker stripes or markings on the back and loin. In terms of temperament, the Carolina Dog is known to be intelligent, loyal and affectionate to their family. They are courageous and alert dogs, which makes them good watchdogs. They also retain strong hunting and tracking instincts, making them excellent companions for outdoor activities. However, they can be reserved with strangers and need proper socialization from puppyhood.

Common health problems

The Carolina Dog, with optimal care and attention, can enjoy a long healthy life, although it is predisposed to certain health problems. Among the most common diseases or disorders are cystinuria, severe combined immunodeficiency, entropion, glaucoma, intervertebral disc disease, lens luxation, progressive retinal atrophy and retinal dysplasia.