Carolina Dog – The Independent Sighthound

Carolina Dog sitting on the grass

Dogs are often known to be playful and friendly to humans. Their loving nature is what makes them man’s best friend. However, not all dogs are amiable toward humans. Some breeds are naturally shy and aloof but still shows affection to humans once they accepted them. A perfect example of this type of breed is the Carolina Dog.

The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog that looks like a wolf. As mentioned, they are shy in nature, making them isolate themselves. Despite their conservativecharacteristic, they can become affectionate to humans once they get comfortable.

Aside from its unique nature, the Carolina Dog also has other features that make it an interesting breed. This dog is a sighthound, wherein they mostly rely on their eyes to hunt. Carolina Dogs work best in packs, which make them efficient workers in the field. We can say that the Carolina Dog is an overall remarkable companion for humans with all these features.

Origins of the Carolina Dog

We can trace back the origins of the Carolina Dog to thousands of years ago. It originated in Asia, wherein primitive people domesticated Asian wolves and brought them to North America when they migrated. Interestingly, archaeologists discovered the skeletal and mummified remains of these ancient dogs in different parts of America. Furthermore, they also found similar remains of these dogs in the southeastern forests. These discoveries made by archaeologists showed strong evidence that this breed existed and lived with Native Americans years before the Europeans came.

These features showcase a relatively close relation to free-ranging dogs of the Southeast and Southwest. Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin was responsible for naming these free-ranging dogs as the Carolina Dog.

Characteristics of the Carolina Dog

Height: 17.75 – 19.5 inches

Weight: 30 – 55 pounds

Hypoallergenic: No

As mentioned earlier, the Carolina Dog is a medium-sized breed that could stand up to more than nineteen inches tall and weighs up to fifty-five pounds. Evidently, this dog is commonly found in the Georgia-South Carolina border, as well as in different parts of the United States.

The Carolina Dog has an elegant appearance that heavily resembles the looks of a fox and wolf. It has triangular ears pointing upwards, along with small brown eyes, showing a fierce look. Its snout is highly similar to those of foxes. Its body coat is short and smooth, which usually comes with the color brown. Overall, the Carolina Dog’s body has an athletic physique that truly defines its remarkable skill on the field.

Moreover, the Carolina Dog is a humble breed. It is a shy dog that does not usually socialize with humans, unlike other dogs. When in contact with strangers, the Carolina Dog becomes highly uncomfortable, making them produce sounds to express their feelings. However, their aloof nature comes to an end when they get comfortable with a human. When they do, they tend to show devotion and affection toward humans. The Carolina Dog could be an excellent family companion with proper training, care, and socialization.

Caring for the Carolina Dog

The Carolina dog is not a challenging dog to manage. They work best with high-quality dog food, while homemade meals are acceptable as long as your local vet approves them. Like other breeds, treats can work wonders for the Carolina Dog since it is an athletic dog and works well on the field. However, both dog food and treats should be put into moderation. Always be mindful of the amount of food you are feeding your dog to avoid getting overweight. Without proper monitoring of your dog’s calorie count could lead to obesity and other medical problems.

In terms of grooming, the Carolina Dog won’t give you a tough time since it is a naturally clean breed. Make sure to give it a bath regularly to remove dirt and keep them fresh and clean. Besides bathing them, always check their nails if they’re still in a good length. Long nails could cause harm to your dog, so it is best to trim them regularly to prevent them from causing damage to your dog whenever they walk or run. Practice weekly brushing their coat to remove dead hair and promote healthy body fur.