 Barked: Sat Apr 17, '10 10:30am PST |
 | |  | | Katie,
Carolina dogs are wild dogs. Like most wild dogs they have been domesticated (in small numbers) over the years. The closest genetic match to Carolina Dogs is the Australian Dingo and the Asian Dingo (believed to be extinct), also a lot of similar genetic markers to the New Guinea Singing Dog (believed to be extinct in the wild). Although directly related to Australasian Dingos the Carolina Dog does vary in a few major ways. Carolina Dogs are smaller by about 15lbs to 30lbs, they live and hunt in a pack while AU Dingos live alone or in small family groups. Wild Carolina Dogs, when domesticated under 8 weeks old, generally adapt to domestication better than AU Dingos, they can remain reserved and shy to anyone other than their immediate family. Carolina Dogs are very intelligent, fast learners, somewhat independent and very trainable.
Carolina dogs are "wild" dogs, a product of natural selection. Carolina Dogs are recognized by the A.K.C as a "Rare Breed" and can be registered as such although the process or verification is more in depth. Although recognized by kennel clubs the vast majority of these dogs still live in the wild and are listed as a endangered animal. There are a few breeders of Carolina Dogs and the A.K.C. does certify captive bred Carolina Dogs. This practice is questioned by some since the captive rare dogs are bred from a fairly small gene pool. This can lead to increased risk of inbreeding and genetic health problems.
Americus (our Carolina Dog) is extremely rare, she has blue eyes. Blue eyes are probably a mutation brought on from breeding with a domestic line at some point but is accepted as a rare trait (1 in 800). Other than the eyes she is just about normal; 40lbs, yellow and reddish/tan coat, 16"/17" tall, fish hook tail with a white tip and extremely powerful for a medium dog.
If you are interested in adopting a Carolina Dog I would suggest checking with animal shelters in South Carolina and north Georgia. This is their natural habitat and do end up in shelters from time to time. Be warned, although our dog is wonderful, I have heard/read that Carolina Dogs can be a challenge to train.
I hope some of this info is helpful. For further information you can always look up Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin Jr., a Senior Research Ecologist at the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Lab. He has done some of the best research and studies of the Carolina Dog and was intrumental in getting kennal club recognition of theses wonderful dogs.
Paul |  |  | |  |
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