General Information
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Everything you ever wanted to know about Carolina Dogs/American Dingos! 
Please remember that Carolina Dogs aren't like other breeds! They are very different and must live as part of a gentle, loving family. Do your research, and read the CD/AD book. Also, realize that these dogs require much human interaction and are family dogs, not kennel dogs. Because they are gentle and kind by nature, they must have an abundance of love and attention and be a true part of your family to thrive. CD/AD's respond beautifully to positive reinforcement. Cruel treatment and harsh training methods will break their hearts and their spirits. They will excel in every venue with positive, loving treatment. Please see the section entitled Show Wins for examples of their success on the show circuits in competition. |
The Encyclopedia of the
Dog
by Bruce Fogle, D.V.M.
(Click HERE
to go to the complete entry pertaining to primitive dogs.)
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portion of the image that you would like to see enlarged.
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The
American Rare Breed Association's
Carolina
Dog Breed Standard
General
Appearance
The
Carolina Dog is a medium built dog, manifesting the features
of most pariah/feral dog types. The large, erect ears (designed
for optimal sound retrieval and possibly body temperature regulation),
long, curved tail (used for signaling and communication) and
short, dense coat have been naturally selected for to ensure
survival under free-ranging conditions. Carolina Dogs should
be kept in a natural state, with no trimming (other than nails)
allowed at any time.
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Temperament
The
Carolina Dog is naturally suspicious of strangers. Around those
it knows, it is quiet, reserved, somewhat aloof, yet affectionate.
Unprovoked aggression toward any human is not to be tolerated.
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Head
and Neck
The
skull is broad between the ears, moderately rounded with a distinct
furrow extending down between the eyes. There is a slight but
distinct stop. the head forms a wide triangle-shaped wedge, tapering
to a long, distinctly pointed muzzle. Muzzle length is equal
to or slightly greater than skull length. Teeth: A
full set of strong, rather large teeth should meet in a level
or scissors bite. Eyes: Eyes are almond-shaped,
dark brown in color and set obliquely. Eye rims are black. Nose: The
nose is large and black. Lighter colored noses often occur in
white and cream dogs, but black noses are to be preferred. Ears: Ears
are large and slightly rounded at the tip. They are held erect
when alert and folded back along the head and neck at other times.
They are well set on top of the head, pointed slightly forward.
Drop ears are a major fault. Neck: Graceful and
versatile, strong and well placed on the shoulders.
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Forequarters
The chest is narrow to medium in width. Shoulders
are well laid back. Forelegs are straight with moderate bone
and well muscled. Pasterns are strong and of good length. Feet
are moderately small, yet strong with a compliment of thick padded
toes and strong nails.
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Body
The
back is moderately long and straight, rising slightly over the
loin. The chest cavity is deep, rising to a distinct waist in
an obvious tuck-up.
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Hindquarters
Strong
and muscular, they are set under the body. They are well angulated
for tremendous reach and drive, allowing for greater agility.
Thighs are well muscled, lean and powerful in appearance. Tail:
A continuation of the spine, its carriage varies depending
on mood. There is moderate brush with lighter shadings on the
underside. When alert, the fishhook or sickle tail is carried
at a 45 degree angle from the horizontal. At other times, the
tail is held low or tucked between the legs.
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Coat
The
coat is short with definite seasonal differences. The winter
coat is heavier than the summer coat due to the abundance of
undercoat. The hair is short and smooth on the head, ears and
legs. Longer, coarser guard hairs extend down the topline. When
aroused, these hairs are carried erect to create a more imposing
outline. The coat is never long, wavy or curly.
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Color
1)
Ginger--ranging from light cream to deep red, with paler markings
over the shoulders and along the muzzle. Dark masks often occur,
particularly in juveniles. White feet, face blaze and tail tip
are common.
2) Black
and Tan--dull (reddish) to brilliant black with tan markings
as follows: small spots over each eye, on sides of muzzle and
cheeks, forechest, ends of legs and undersurface of tail. The
tan areas lie between the black coat color and white markings.
White markings occur as follows: on sides of muzzle and cheeks,
underside of jaw, neck, chest, and stomach. White may or may
not appear on legs and feet.
3) Piebald--overall
white or cream body color with random large spots of red, tan
or black. Only one spot color should occur on an individual dog,
and colored spots should not constitute more than 50 percent
of total body color. White/cream should be predominate.
Saddleback
pattern, Irish markings, and brindling are a disqualification.
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Height
and Weight
Average
height is 17 to 24 inches, but can vary according to build. Average
weight is 40 to 60 pounds. Type and symmetry are more important
than actual size.
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Gait
and Movement
Low,
smooth, effortless and free-moving.
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