Carolina Dog

33-44 lbs
18-24"
United States
American Dingo. Carolina Dingo, American Pariah

The Carolina Dog is a medium sized dog that is considered a primitive breed because of his rarity and has much of his ancestors’ primitive natures still intact. Since he is not overbred, the Carolina Dog does not seem to have the health problems that many domesticated breeds are prone to. He is not commonly found outside of the United States and even is virtually unknown except for the southern region of the United States. He is good with children, but does need a family with a strong leader in place so he knows his role within the familial unit. He is naturally distrustful of strangers. 

purpose Purpose
Companion, Small Game Hunter
history Date of Origin
1200s
ancestry Ancestry
Pariah Dog, Native American Dog

Carolina Dog Health

Average Size
Male Carolina Dog size stats
Height: 18-24 inches Weight: 33-44 lbs
Female Carolina Dog size stats
Height: 18-24 inches Weight: 33-44 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Usually A Very Healthy Breed
Minor Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • OFA on hips and elbows
  • Complete Physical Examination

Carolina Dog Breed History

Historians believe the Carolina Dog has descended from Pariah Dogs brought to North America from Asia about 9,000 years ago. Historians have determined that dogs with the same bone structure as the Carolina Dog were found in ancient Native American burial sites. Actual written records pertaining to the breed were not kept until about forty years ago when Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr., a biology professor at the University of Georgia, began researching the breed. Dr. Brisbin discovered the Carolina Dog at the United States Department of Energy’s ecology site along the Savannah River. He noticed dogs that strongly resembled Dingoes living in remote swamp areas of South Carolina. Some of these dogs were not domesticated; however, he did find breeders who specialized in the breed. It is thought that these dogs became trusted companions of the Native Americans and migrated with the tribes. These dogs maintained much of their wild nature but also became hunting companions and village dogs while travelling with the various tribes. He is still considered to be a primitive breed, meaning he still retains many of his ancestors’ primitive instincts. Today, there are more domesticated Carolina Dogs than feral in the deep south of the United States. There are expeditions into the swamps of the Savannah River basin being led by ecologists, including Dr. Brisbin, to search for pure bred Carolina Dogs. As these dogs are found, they are placed within pre-approved foster homes and are trained as hunters and family companions. The United Kennel Club recognized the Carolina Dog and he is eligible to compete in all UKC sanctioned events. The American Kennel Club has accepted him into their Foundation Stock Service as of July 2017. 

Carolina Dog Breed Appearance

The Carolina Dog is a medium sized dog that closely resembles the Pariah or feral dogs that still inhabit the swamps of the Deep South. He has large ears that stand erect and a long tail that is curved, but not carried high like a Spitz breed. His eyes are almond in shape and dark brown. His eye rims should be black. He has a large nose with open nostrils and it should be black, although a brown or self-colored nose is acceptable in lighter colored dogs. The Carolina Dog has a short, dense coat. His summer coat is much sparser than his heavier, thicker winter coat. His undercoat is short, thick and soft. His topcoat is longer than the undercoat but still considered short. It is straight and coarse to the touch with coarser guard hairs on his back to protect him in the underbrush. The Carolina Dog can be found in black and tan, solid cream, red ginger, yellow, red sable and orange. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Carolina Dog eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Carolina Dog nose
Black
brown Carolina Dog nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Carolina Dog coat
Black
cream Carolina Dog coat
Cream
red Carolina Dog coat
Red
sable Carolina Dog coat
Sable
fawn Carolina Dog coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Carolina Dog straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Carolina Dog Breed Maintenance

The Carolina Dog is relatively easy to maintain. His coat is easy to groom and only requires a quick brushing once a week unless he is shedding heavily. He does shed seasonally and usually twice a year there will be severe shedding that requires daily brushing to ensure all the loose and dead hairs are removed. Use a slicker brush or a natural bristle brush when grooming. A deshedder can also be used. Because of the heavy shedding, the Carolina Dog is not a hypoallergenic breed. He does not generally have a strong smell and will not require many baths. He will need to be bathed when he is shedding heavily to help loosen the undercoat and hasten the shedding process. Between baths, he can be given a dry bath using a dry shampoo or baking soda and corn starch can be mixed together and sprinkled through his coat to freshen the coat. His ears should be checked at least once a week and cleaned as needed. Trim his nails every two to three weeks. 

Brushes for Carolina Dog
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Carolina Dog requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Carolina Dog Temperament

The Carolina Dog is not an overly affectionate dog until he bonds closely with you. He is quiet and somewhat aloof. He is naturally wary of strangers and will closely watch them, although he should never act aggressively towards people. He does require early socialization to ensure he does not become overly shy and unwilling to accept any human interaction. He does need a strong leader to work with him and train him properly so he can become a well-adjusted member of the family. He is a natural hunter and will many times bring gifts of dead animals home for his family. He is a pack animal and will form a very close bond with other dogs within his home. Since he is such a social dog, he thrives in a home that has at least one other dog for companionship. The Carolina Dog has a high prey drive and should be closely watched when small pets are out of their cages. He may do well with a cat that he has been raised with since puppyhood but should still be watched.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Carolina Dog Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Carolina Dog Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Carolina Dog size stats at six months
Height: 16.0 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs
Female Carolina Dog size stats at six months
Height: 16.0 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Carolina Dog size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.0 inches Weight: 30.0 lbs
Female Carolina Dog size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.0 inches Weight: 30.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Carolina Dog size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 38.5 lbs
Female Carolina Dog size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 38.5 lbs

Carolina Dog Owner Experiences

3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
I have walked a Carolina dog a few times, and she is so sweet and happy. She really just enjoys her time outside. She is also incredibly beautiful!
6 years, 10 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Running
Sniffing
The Carolina dog I walked was such a sweet little lady. She greeted me at the door with many kisses and a big ol hug. On our walk, she had horrible horrible diarrhea, but it did not phase her at all.. she still bounced around the neighborhood with a huge smile on her face. She loved to walk and run very fast, and she was very well-behaved too. She did very well with people and other dogs. She is a sweet, sweet girl who loves attention!
6 years, 10 months ago
5 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Running
Meet Mango! Mango is such a funny dog! When I arrived she was so timid and shy but showered me with love once she was comfortable with me. But the moment we walked out of the apartment building, she was on a mission to get to the dog park and made herself the boss of that dog park! She made sure everyone knew she was in charge of all the balls! We played fetch for 30 minutes straight and she didn't tire at all! But, once we got home and I tried to put the wag bandana on her, she instantly became timid and meek again! See the first photo - she hated it and was so scared of the bandana! Then she instantly perked up the moment I hid it from her! Silly girl! Guess you just gotta look cool in front of your friends!
6 years, 10 months ago
Echo
8 Years
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
High energy, hard headed.Loves affection tolerates cats she grew up with. Jealous of any other dogs while on leash but good in dog park as long as owner shows no affection to other dogs.
5 years, 3 months ago
Twix
4 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I found her in the bushes behind a storage unit along side a gate. I was moving into my home when I heard her cry. She was so shy at first but now she has to have all the attention! A driver of a Swanson delivery truck told me what breed she was. Every one who sees her believes I own some type of wolf and of course I explain. I Love her to death! Now if I could just get her to stop digging holes in the front yard😃
5 years, 2 months ago
Neco
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hike
Swim
Agility training
Chase
Dog Parks
outdoorsy stuff
I absolutely love the breed! When I rescued Neco, I wasn't sure what the breed was so I did research and fell even more in love with him. I am a very active person, so it's nice having a dog that can match that. He enjoys being chased while he carries his toys as well as running. Lots of running and playtime. He is very pet friendly, which is great as I also own a cat and two horses. Once more, I love the breed and will for sure get one again!!
5 years, 2 months ago
Juana
6 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Walking, playing with toys
As I have read, my dog happens to be a Carolina dog. But i live in Argentina, so this dog can be found outside the US. She likes to dig holes, and a fact that is curious is that we tried to mate her with several dogs, but she, on her own, "chose" a dog very similar to her -lightly brown, with hooked tail and pointed ears. Initally, we thought this was a street dog
5 years, 2 months ago
Lady Joplin
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She loves to wade in our stream..she enjoys trips
She was a 3 month old puppy when she was in the Joplin Mo tornado. Thus her name Lady Joplin.She is an excellent dog who has adopted 2 kittens and brought them home as her babies. She absolutely loves my husband..he found her at a garage in Joplin shortly after the tornado and spent two weeks traveling with her in his semi truck
4 years, 10 months ago
Nevie
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Intelligence Training
Adopted as a 4 month old. Was part of a hoard of 32 other dogs. Was classified as a chi-cattledog. Has all the markings and personality of a Carolina Dog except the prey drive. Loves our rats but will chase squirrels outside. Lives in our home with a pit mix and a chi-aussie.
4 years, 10 months ago
Angel
8 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rides motorcycle
Walks
Play ball
Excellent easy to train very smart
4 years, 9 months ago
Rosie
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
Hiking
Look out the window
Learn a new trick
Play
Fetch
I love her with everything I have she’s my child I will die for her
4 years, 8 months ago
Relay
6 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He was found by a friend at our annual Beach to Bay relay marathon. He was running around outside the gated area scared and afraid. My friend took him into the gated area and found me and asked if I wanted another dog. One look at the cute little guy & I said yes. He was 4-5 months old, skinny & full of fleas but now he's a happy healthy 6 yr old full of love. I have a standard poodle who came later and they are the best of friends. I adore this guy...he is my protector and watchdog as well & I feel like he would kill an intruder for my safety :)
4 years, 8 months ago
rolex the "watch" dog
4 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
running, walking chasing a ball
we just lost rolex. he was the best dog ever we live in calif and would like to find a carolina puppy you can contact me on facebook david conrad
4 years, 7 months ago
Sunny
10 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We are a Shepard household for the most part. We adopted sunny thinking he was a shepard. He was a total loner he liked to even sleep outside away from us. We then get a 2nd dog a Shepard. He taught sunny how to be a dog. He learned to bark at ppl and be loving. Sunny also was blessed with a gift we never knew he had. He can detected seizures early. Found this out with my wife. This dog is amazing. Only downside his health and if anyone could help please let me kno rongeary2005@hotmail.com From time to time sunnys face gets all wrinkly and he gets ill. Wont even eat his treat. This last about 4 to 5 hrs. Then he is fine. Anyone else have this happen to the?
4 years, 6 months ago
Belle
12 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Hike
swimming
We just lost Belle, she was found in a puddle when only a puppy, we didn't know what she was for the longest time. She was healthy and happy all 12 years until the last month of her life. Very wary of strangers, but loving to all those in her pack. Loud alerting bark, but backing up timidly not aggressive with strangers
4 years, 6 months ago
Juno
4 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bringing her with me around town b/c she's an ESA
Playing with toys
Cuddles
taking naps
Taking her to her grandparents country house
I met Juno in November of 2019. I had just gotten out of a long term relationship and was very lonely. I was going to get a hamster but then happened to see her on the Humane Society's Facebook page. Her sweet face and big ears made my heart melt. I couldn't go see her that day because I had work but a friend went to check her out for me, but I ended up going out there anyways. She was SO timid and hid for a while but eventually came out and played with me. I adopted her and found out she had been given to her last owners as a gift as a puppy and the owners had to give her up because they were older and the wife had gotten cancer, so they couldn't take proper care of her anymore. Juno was very timid the day I took her home, and she actually slipped her collar and I had to carry her to the car, but once she realized we were driving away from the shelter, she realized I was taking her home & from then on out, she's been attached to my hip. Even when she plays, she occasionally has to look around and make sure I'm still there, she watches for me from the patio windows for me to come home from work every day, and she follows me from room to room like my shadow. She's mommy's girl and I can't imagine life without her!
4 years, 3 months ago
Zoey
4 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Got Zoey at 2 months and she’s been amazing so far. Potty trained in about 2 weeks, doesn’t chew up furniture and is a very smart pup. She can sit, stay, lay and shake already. Very social with other dogs.
3 years, 11 months ago
Lucy
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing tug of war
Lucy is 9 year old we got her when she was about 4 and has been living with us ever since, she loves the car but she doesn't like men. All round a great dog and we love her!
3 years, 10 months ago
Copper
6 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He talks in sentences and he can clear a 6-7foot fence he's not like the typical breed he trust everyone and is the most lovin gand adorable dog he learns tricks very fast he's very good at ignoring you if wanted he's a very sassy dog and needs constant attention
3 years, 9 months ago
Benji
11 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Walk
football
We adopted Benji when he was around 7 months but no one really knows his exact age. He is the biggest softy I have ever met and I've had dogs my whole life. He loves nothing more than cuddling up on the sofa and that's where he'll stay the whole day if you let him. He is always looking around to make sure myself and my partner are around and never goes too far away. Always looking over his shoulder to check that we're still there and okay. He loves running around and playing football but he's also just as happy to lie in the sun all day as long as he gets his cuddles. He is really easy to train, picking up new tricks within days as he is very food orientated. He can be a bit of a pain sometimes with eating his food, going toilet and recall as he gets distracted quite easily. His fur is everywhere and he needs brushing at least twice a week, but we don't mind so much. Benji is such a fun, affectionate dog and we feel so lucky and grateful that he's part of our family.
3 years, 8 months ago
Khaleesi
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Khaleesi has been the sweetest puppy. Very affectionate, oddly enough. Very needy and definitely wants to please. But she has a mind and will of her own for sure, not easy to train and will take advantage of you if you let her.
3 years, 8 months ago
Sarah
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
cuddle
Tug-of-war
Hide & Seek
Amazing best friend I ever asked for!!!!!
3 years, 7 months ago
Thor
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Belly rubs
Tricks
My husband and I started fostering sweet Thor and fell in love; we adopted him. The shelter thought he was a Lab mix but after research and little visual comparison with his ‘siblings’, we are sure he is a Carolina dog. He was found in South Carolina after all! He is such a gentle and conscious boy. But overly friendly nonetheless. Loves all people and children and other dogs. Expert hugger. We fostered a small 6 week pup and he became fast friends with the tiny one and they were absolutely the most adorable buddies. He could sleep most of the day but has spurts off zoomies and we happily oblige with fetch. He’s the fastest runner at the dog park and his hackles stand up very tall when he gets to play. He has quickly become house trained, tells us when he needs to go out, yet is independent enough to stay at home when we are gone and happily relaxes in his crate. He is picking up tricks quickly and very eager to please. Walking though...It’s been hard to get him to walk more than a block. He shuts down and gets too distracted and frightened of city noises. He also has experienced a skin issue and lost most of his neck and chest fur. Has anyone else experienced these issues with the breed? Curious of any known allergies!
3 years, 7 months ago
Hollister
14 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Car rides
Hike
Boat ride
Tug-of-war
Rescue from 4 years in shelter. Wary of us at first but loving and loyal within a couple weeks. Became friendly with our son's dog but very few other dogs. Randomly pick people that she likes. Fierce hunter. Bad swimmer but still lovesthe boat and wading
3 years, 6 months ago
Amelia
3 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Running
Park
My dog doesn't like new people. Shes very shy and only wants to be around me and my son. She is a gentle dog around kids but nothing more. No excitability and loud noises or she flips out. She was easy to train and was potty trained in a matter of days. She's very intelligent and sometimes conniving about it when she doesn't want to behave.
3 years, 6 months ago
Kipp
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
New to it all. Very affectionate bed hog dog.
3 years, 2 months ago
Izzy - short for Isabell
9 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got her as a pound puppy in Victoria Tx. Could never identify her breed until now when my son stumbled on a picture on the internet. We had never even heard of the Carolina dog. She fits written descriptions nearly perfectly. Izzy is very quiet and shy. She will lay on her bed for half a day after morning walk. She likes to have her back scratched and be stroked around her ears and head. She tells us when its time to go to bed every night but won’t stay there on her bed until we come in with her. She loves to go camping with us, and is a good traveler. She will sleep a lot on the road but occasionally set up and watch the scenery. She gets depressed when either my wife or I am gone for an extender time. She is not aggressive but gets defensive when she feels threatened by other dogs. She will browse on certain types of vegetation like a deer, which she resembles. She will pounce and scratch around in flower beds when she detects bugs under the surface. She tried to bury and hide any type of bone, scraping dirt and rocks over it with her nose. She can be very stubborn at times. We love her.
2 years, 11 months ago
Waldo
4 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The physical, personality & social descriptions of Carolina dogs above also accurately describe Waldo. A yr old Waldo was shipped from N Carolina to a dog shelter o/s of Philly, where I adopted him. DNA test results: Siberian Husky 35% & 12% ea ChowChow; ShibaInu & Rottweiler. Independent, can be aloof, loving, all he wants to do is hunt. Plays well w/other dogs. Doesn’t come when called, obstinat.
2 years, 10 months ago
Lincoln
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I caught this dog when he was 10 weeks old. He was living in a pack that was taking over our factory. I thought he was a coyote when I first heard and saw him, but he only weighed 8 pounds at 10 weeks old, still small puppy, but very wild. There was 9 dogs in all, first litter had four pups, and the second litter had 3 pups, and the mom and dad. Some people in the factory said there might have been 12 dogs, but I only took photos of 9 dogs and or puppies. they lived in a very brushy part of the factory property, but would bark and growl at workers when they were under the equipment they were moving. Very good dog, but still very wary and frightened at times, we keep a close eye on him, and reassure him when he gets scared. We love him more then most animals we have had, and consider it a privilege to care for him.
2 years, 7 months ago
Bailey
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very loyal,and protective. Trains easy, loves the water. Great sense of smell, Intelligent, no fear.
2 years, 4 months ago
Jax
4 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Fetch
The best dog breed ever. My dog, Jax is the smartest and most affectionate dog I've ever met. He was so easy to train but can be stubborn. Like, he knows better, but tries to manipulate me by laying on his back and turning to mush when he doesn't want to do what I ask. He is extremely affectionate and will lay on top of me and all my guests. He is wary of strangers and will bark when people enter my home, but will quickly warm up to them within two minutes and jump in their laps and fall asleep. He is very jealous though. I have a cat and he doesn't let her near me. He also won't other people's dogs near them and wants all attention on him at all times. The one thing is he does shed a lot. Like so much. But other than that, he is the best and he's so cute!
1 year, 10 months ago
Maple
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch and chase
Walking
Loves her family fiercely loves to play with other dogs loves going for rides and very long walks
1 year, 2 months ago
Luffy
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I am fostering what I believe is a Carolina dog. He ticks all the boxes and I see him in almost every review. But I live in the UK! He came to me two months ago in a bit of a sad state after spending time in kennels but he has blossomed and now is the best. He is the perfect house guest enjoying comfy snoozles, dreaming of his forever home, preferably in a bed if he can flash those beautiful eyes at someone and wheedle his way in. Enjoys walks in the countryside and chasing squirrels and rabbits and delicious smells.
11 months ago
Luffy
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I am fostering what I believe is a Carolina dog. He ticks all the boxes and I see him in almost every review. But I live in the UK! He came to me two months ago in a bit of a sad state after spending time in kennels but he has blossomed and now is the best. He is the perfect house guest enjoying comfy snoozles, dreaming of his forever home, preferably in a bed if he can flash those beautiful eyes at someone and wheedle his way in. Enjoys walks in the countryside and chasing squirrels and rabbits and delicious smells.
11 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Hello Sir, I am a new pet owner and i just adopted a 6 month labrador claimed, but i think he is more of carolina wild dog

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd