Carolina Dog

• Energy Level

• Exercise Requirements

• Playfulness

• Affection Level

• Friendliness to Dogs

• Friendliness to Other Pets

• Friendliness to Strangers

• Watchfulness

• Ease of Training

• Grooming Requirements

• Heat Sensitivity

• Vocality

The Carolina Dog is active, healthy and intelligent. Although shy and suspicious by nature, the loyal, independent and alert Carolina Dog is warm and affectionate toward his human family.

The Carolina Dog has a short- to medium-length coat that sheds seasonally, but because he grooms himself much like a cat, grooming needs don’t extend much past the occasional bath, brushing and nail trimming. The Carolina Dog isn’t a high-energy breed by any means, but still should receive regular exercise, such as playtime in a fenced yard or being taken on a couple of walks a day. Easily trainable and eager to please, he enjoys activities such as hunting, swimming, hiking, retrieving balls and catching flying discs, and excels in dog sports such as agility, obedience and rally.

• Major Concerns: N/A
• Minor Concerns: N/A
• Occasionally Seen: N/A
• Suggested Tests: N/A
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

A nod to the breed’s pack mentality, the Carolina Dog descended from a group of primitive dogs that migrated with the first primitive humans across the Bering land bridge from Asia into North America. The dogs’ remains were found near other relics from the Southwest Indians, and from there, they moved into Central and South America, as well as the eastern United States. Studies of free-ranging dogs from the Southeast have revealed these primitive dogs’ continued existence. Their appearance, not to mention behavior, further imply a close ancestry with, or decent from, these primitive dogs. Named the Carolina Dog, and also commonly called the American Dingo, the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.