Many breeds originate from different countries, such as the French bulldog, the Japanese Akita, the German Shepherd, and the Australian Terrier. But is there a genuine American breed? Actually, there are several, including the Alaskan Malamute (not that we’re biased) and the Carolina Dog.
HISTORY
The Carolina Dog was first spotted in the wild by Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, but this breed had been mentioned in several publications as early as 1920. Some theories state that they may have originated from the first dogs that crossed the Bering Land Bridge from Asia all the way to North America.
It is thought that this breed may have come from natural selection instead of inbreeding. Carolina Dogs in the wild are still being studied, so this breed is not considered an entirely domesticated breed.
This breed hails from the South, and has earned several monikers such as American Dingo for having similar features as the Australian Dingo. They have also been called Dixie Dingo due to their southern roots.
CHARACTERISTICS
They have a medium build and a short coating, which come in a variety of colors such as fawn, ginger, and black. They are naturally clean and don’t necessarily require excessive grooming.
Carolina Dogs are generally shy but if they are introduced to the company of humans and other pets at a young age, they can learn how to adjust well, especially around kids. They have a lot of energy so you’ll typically find them running around the yard and playing with the children.
EXERCISE
As previously mentioned, they are very energetic but are not considered too rowdy. Daily exercise is highly recommended. This can include walks in the park, fetching balls or frisbees, or even swimming. Carolina Dogs do not like the idea of being cooped up inside the home, and they’d prefer a wide area like a fenced garden to play with. At least an hour of exercise and sports is an ideal daily activity for this breed.
These dogs are quite easy to train and they pick up instructions fairly quickly. They have an impressive prey drive, which can be manageable with training. Socialization with humans and other pets is not an issue and can be further improved if they are introduced to the presence of others at a young age.
HEALTH
Carolina dogs are generally healthy and are not known to be susceptible to any specific disease. Since they are considered primitive dogs and a product of natural selection, they have a stronger immune system compared to other breeds. They tend to be less prone to any hereditary conditions and normally have a very long lifespan.
However, recent studies report that some dogs of this breed are sensitive to ivermectin, a medication for parasites. It’s best to talk with your vet first before administering any antiparasitic drugs without medical assistance.
