5 Facts About Carolina Dogs

carolina dog exploring the outdoors

Carolina Dogs are medium-sized sighthounds. They are loving and affectionate dogs that bond closely with their families. Here are a few more facts about Carolina Dogs:

1. Carolina Dogs Originated in the United States

Although their appearance can be described as similar to Australian Dingoes or Jackals, Carolina Dogs originated in the region that would become the Southern United States.

It’s thought that their canine ancestors came to North America over the Bering land bridge with the tribes of Paleo-Indians they associated with. Traced back thousands of years ago, they are related to domesticated Asian wolves.

2. They Can Still be Found in the Wild

Although they are considered a domesticated breed and have been recognized in the AKC Foundation Stock Service, Carolina Dogs can still be found in the wild. For the most part, the wild populations tend to stick near the Georgia-South Carolina border.

However, wild Carolina Dogs have been spotted across the U.S. from Arizona to Ohio and Pennsylvania. Because they tend to be particularly shy in the wild, they tend to stick to very rural areas and avoid contact with humans.

3. Carolina Dogs Tend to Stick With Their Pack

Because of their ancestry and more recent domestication, these dogs tend to have a strong pack mentality. It can take them some time to warm up to their humans, but once they recognize their family as their pack, they are loving and affectionate dogs and tend to stick with them. They also bond fiercely with their families and do not like to spend long periods of time alone.

This does make them wary and suspicious of strangers. Although they can warm up eventually once they are introduced and get more familiar with people outside of the family, they do tend to be aloof and standoffish for a bit and may remain relatively reserved with people and animals they consider “outside of their pack”.

4. They Can be Sensitive to Ivermectin

Some Carolina Dogs can have a sensitivity to Ivermectin. Since some common antiparasitic medications contain Ivermectin, it’s important to talk to your vet about it before giving your Carolina Dog anything that contains it.

It is possible that your vet can help test for this sensitivity in a safe, controlled environment where you don’t have to worry about any harm to your dog. Flea and tick prevention is important, so you do want to take these steps. If it turns out that your Carolina Dog does not react well to Ivermectin, your vet will be able to help provide you with alternative options that are safe for your dog.

5. Carolina Dogs Are Versatile and Athletic

Although they tend to sit in a more moderate activity range, Carolina Dogs are athletic and versatile dogs that enjoy being active. They are considered one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures.

They are also known for excelling at a variety of dog sports. Once Carolina Dog puppies are finished growing and are cleared for more intense activities, you can try rally, obedience, agility, dock diving, and more.

Is a Carolina Dog Puppy Right For You?

These are just a few facts about Carolina Dogs. If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Carolina Dog puppies. Who knows? You could end up finding your new best friend!