What is a Carolina Dog
This is all based on what I have read, studied, researched, and discussed with other Carolina Dog enthusiasts, and have learned from my time spent with my Carolina Dog Sarge observing him during our time together and on our adventures. My thoughts and opinions… Bill Copeland
The Carolina Dogs’ ancestors came to North America with the Paleoindians from the area now referred to as Asia, who crossed the land bridge at the Bering Strait around 15,000 years ago. They slowly migrated and eventually spread into the area that would become the United States. There is evidence that these ancient dogs lived with and followed the Native American Indians as they continued to migrate into North America. Over the centuries, some of these dogs became pariah and wild dogs because they were very adapted to surviving in the wild on their own as a Landrace animal. A landrace animal is commonly defined as a locally adapted variety of a species of animal that developed and survived over time according to its surrounding environmental conditions and isolation from other groups of the same species.
The primitive dog’s ancestor’s appearance and physical traits have changed since they crossed the land bridge many thousands of years ago and as they migrated over North America. Being a landrace animal their appearance, behavior, and some physical traits have varied over thousands of years of time as needed for the dog’s survival in their environment whether it was in the colder or desert type of areas, or in forest and swampy areas such as the southeast portion of the United States. These dogs are known as a pre-Columbian breed of dogs and are thought to be one of the very few native North American dog breeds. Before the European explorers, settlers and their dogs show up in North American about 500 hundred years ago the Carolina Dog ancestors lived on their own, adapted as needed, and survived for thousands of years.
To me this is what makes the Carolina Dog a most special breed.
For a long time, these dogs were just thought of as wild or stray dogs seen roaming around various areas of the country. They were eventually noticed, studied, and rediscovered as their own unique breed of dog in the 1970’s where some were living as a landrace or pariah and free roaming breed by Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, an ecologist with the University of Georgia while doing research at the Savannah River site in South Carolina. This is a very large area of land that had been unpopulated for several decades, giving these dogs years of isolation from any outside influence. Through research of written records concerning these dogs’ unique behavior, appearance, physical traits, DNA, and comparisons to ancient dogs remains found in burial sites, it is believed these Dogs are related to the ancient primitive breed that crossed the land bridge and migrated across North America. Dr. Brisbin named this unique dog breed, the Carolina Dog, after the area where he discovered them. He continued to research their history, studied their attributes, bred them, and started a stud book to maintain progress of known Carolina Dogs.
Some of the physical characteristics of these dogs consist of a medium build with a straight back, medium to large upright ears and a distinctive long strong neck. A deep chest with a noticeable high tuck at the waist. They give the appearance of a small and resourceful predator, well suited to surviving on its own in its natural habitat. The ears are shaped like an equilateral triangle. While the dog is alert, the ears are carried erect with one ear that will be firmly held in place and the other will shift in different directions as needed to pick up other sounds. The nose has large open nostrils and is generally but not always black. The tail has a noticeable characteristic; it usually has a moderate brush and possibly with more hair on the underside which could be more lightly colored or a bit paler. This breed is known for carrying its tail with a “Fishhook” look, at about a 45-degree angle, when the dog is alert. When the dog is moving along at a trot the tail will usually be carried in a downward “Pump Handle” configuration. The tail often has a white tip. The eyes are almond shaped and rims are black in color like eyeliner.
The Carolina Dog will have hindquarters that are strong, powerful, and muscular. As well as strong and well-muscled hind legs, this gives the dog a great drive and agility capability. They also will have a very smooth graceful gait as they move about. Carolina Dogs can have a variety of coat colors. A more common color is a ginger color that will vary from a reddish to a light pale-yellow appearance, you will also see white piebald with various colored spots, some that are black/tan to all black and even a brindle color. Some may have white fur on their feet and legs. Their hair is usually short and smooth with some having a bit longer hair. The coat behind the shoulder blades is often lighter in color and referred to as Angel Wings. The dog’s height usually runs from 18-24 inches, and weight varies from approximately 35 to 50 lbs.
With the ancient genes that is still carried by these Dogs their litters can be quite varied depending on the genes carried by the female and the genes they are paired with carried by the male. Traits such as the color and length of the dog’s coat can vary in the resulting litter. I have heard of a few Carolina Dog litters that produced puppies of various coat colors with the short hair coat and will be surprised to have a puppy or 2 with a long hair coat.
Everyone is different in their preference of how they want their Carolina Dog to look. Some want or like the various ginger color coats, others like the piebald look, me and some others like the black/tan or all black. Some like short coats while others enjoy the long hair look. But overall, everyone appreciates the Dogs’ temperament, and their unique behavior is always an adventure. I have become quite fascinated with today’s Carolina Dog breed as this is a rare primitive breed with a very ancient history and the fact that this breed is pre-Columbian in North America. I personally believe that their instincts are very sharp and adapted for the breed’s survival because of their very primitive history and we still see some of their ancient instincts and behavior appear in their actions. They are generally shy, have a cautious or suspicious nature and are always aware of their surroundings and alert to possible dangers. They are not overly affectionate, but they are incredibly loyal and will form a strong bond with their humans. They are wary of strangers and will be suspicious of them, this helps to make them great watchdogs. They have a bit of a stubborn streak but are easily trained and have a willingness to please. They are instinctively a pack animal and do not like being alone for long periods of time. They will want to be part of the family, are very clean and easy to house train. Carolina Dogs will at times dig small holes called “snout pits”. They have a deep-rooted prey drive and will pursue small wildlife. The Carolina Dog is not an aggressive dog but will defend itself and with proper socialization will prove to be a loyal companion. They have shown themselves to be very adaptable and will make a great family pet. Treat them with respect, they will learn their proper place within the family pack, will return the respect and understand its role as a member of the family.
"It's amazing how Dogs come and bring joy and meaning into our lives."