General Information

Dog NameCarolina Dogs
Other NamesYaller Dog
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeHound
GroupSighthound
Breed ForHunting big and small game
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited States of America (USA)

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span12
Max Life Span14
Min Ideal Weight for male13
Max Ideal Weight for male15
Min Ideal Weight for female13
Max Ideal Weight for male15

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentLoyal, Independent, affectionate
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyLow
Child FriendlyMedium
Cat FriendlyLow
Dog FriendlyHigh
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginUnited States
Nicknames and Other NamesIndian’s Dog, Yaller Dog,
Dixie Dingo, Old Yaller
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred (sighthound)
GroupHound Group
Bred ForHunting small and big game
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, UKC
Life Span12-14 years
Ideal Weight30-55 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height17.5-19.5 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeShort, smooth, dense
Common ColorsBlack, Buff, Red, Black and Tan
Tawny, White, Yellow
MarkingsPiebald, IrishMarked, White markings
AvailabilityModerately available
AchievementsNone
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToAustralian Dingos

The Carolina Dog which is also known as American Dingo, Dixie Dingo, Yaller Dog or Yellow Dog is a feral breed of dogs that is medium in size which originated in the southeastern part of the USA.

A Carolina dog has pointed ears, a fox-like snout and a tail that curves like a fishhook when raised. They look similar to Australian Dingos but fall under the Canis family of dogs.

Origin and History

The evolution of the Carolina Dog started 8,000 years ago when primitive people migrated across the Bering land bridge from Asia into North America. They brought a primitive form of dog along with them.

The Carolina breed was not much of a topic that was studied and written until the last century. The breed entered into the record of dogs breed in the 20th century.

A Carolina dog posing in the grass. Image Source: Sitterforyourcritter

The modern history of the Carolina Dog began in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. A professor at Aiken Technical College in Aiken, South Carolina, named Dr. Pam Brisbin, went to a county dump near New Ellenton.

One day, she found a small puppy with no collar and took him home.  It was not so long when the Brisbin family long realized that Horace (the puppy’s new name) behaved differently from other dogs.

These dogs quickly spread to Northern China and Siberia from their homeland in Southern Asia. They almost certainly were crossed with the larger, more densely coated wolves of the north there, giving them greater ability to survive in the cold.  

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

The Carolina Dogs have shy and suspicious behavior possibly because they haven’t been overly bred for domestication. They adapt well to a social group with other dogs and new people as they are pack dogs.

Carolina dog is a very child-friendly breed. Image Source: Instagram@sprymatt

Carolina Dogs have very affectionate and loyal temperament. They form very close attachments to their owners with great loyalty. They do possess a prey-drive but are less likely to be aggressive.

The Carolina Dog is a pack animal that bonds tightly to its closest people and mates. He has an aloof or nervous personality and is very alert and is well-known for being reliable watchdogs.

Is Carolina Child Friendly?

Yes, they are very good with children. They are very social by nature and also enjoy the attention that they get from the children. They bond with the children very quickly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BunHB3OH-M-/
A Carolina dog being gentle and affectionate to a child.

Trainability

Though an intelligent breed, Carolina is very difficult to teach and requires a skilled trainer to overcome their stubbornness. They have a natural instinct to please people.

A Carolina dog being trained.

So they require a gentle and consistent owner who is willing to dedicate a lot of time to the training. The dog will be able to learn every thing slowly but perfectly if taught with positive reinforcements and kindness.

Facts about the Carolina Dog Breed

Here are some of the facts about the Carolina Dog Breed that you might want to know about:

  • The Carolina breed is intelligent as well as independent.
  • The breed has only been believed to exist for 40 years.
  • They have very few hereditary diseases which make this breed more healthy as compared to others.
  • Their nickname is “American Dingo” or “Yellow Dog”.
  • They are extremely loyal and protective if properly raised.
  • They are great with children, especially active children.

Health Issues that are seen in the Carolina breed

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesCataracts, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia,
Elbow Dysplasia, Heart Diseases, Obesity, Bloat
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredCanine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Rabies,
Canine Distemper, Canine Parainfluenza,
Kennel Cough, Canine Coronavirus
SheddingModerate Shedding
DroolingAverage Drooler
GroomingEasy and Minimal Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 28%
Fat: 15%
Glucosamine
Multivitamins
Antioxidants

The Carolina Dog breed lives a life of 12 to 15 years. During this time, he suffers through various types of diseases and health issues. According to Easypetmd, here are some health issues that are commonly seen in the Carolina:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is one of the most serious genetically inherited disorders which is caused by malformation of the hip joint.

Cataracts

Cataract is lack of clearness in the eye lens which is commonly called opacity. Cataracts may block light from passing through the lens, hence it can have a substantial impact on a dog’s vision.

A sad Carolina dog. Image Source: Wayward Dogs

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is known as several closely related medical conditions which can impact the elbows of domestic dogs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy(PRA)

PRA is one of the leading causes of canine blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy is not only a single condition, but rather a collective term which is used to describe a number of very similar genetic defects of the retina.

Color of the Carolina Breed

The Carolina breed dogs are found in six different colors. They are Orange Red Sable, Yellow, Beige, Tan, Red Ginger and Tan.

Puppies

If you are having the idea of owning a Carolina puppy, then you better make sure you have your house and garden puppy-proofed before you bring him home.

Carolina costs about $800 to $1000. Image Source: Animals Adda

Electric wires and Cables should be properly managed and should be out of reach from the puppy.

Cost of a Carolina puppy

If you are willing to buy a Carolina puppy, make sure to separate a budget from $800 to $1000 depending on the breed’s quality.

Which dogs are they similar to?

Here are some of the dog breeds that are quite similar to the Carolina dog breed:

Visit Doglime for more dog breed information.

Tags