Breed Spotlight: Carolina Dog

The Carolina Dog is a relatively new discovery. Resembling a dingo, the Carolina dog was a landrace type of dog discovered in the Southeast of the United States in the 1970’s. Landrace refers to a plant or animal that developed naturally over time, in isolation from other types of the same species, and then was domesticated.

Thought to be a stray wandering in Georgia, the Carolina dog was discovered by Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin Jr. When he went to the local pound, he found many of the same dog type who had been caught in human traps. They were later found living in isolated longleaf pines and cypress swamps.

Carolina dogs are now recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as a registered breed with distinctive characteristics, and can also be registered with the American Rare Breed Association. They are considered great pets if they are trained correctly, but require a lot of early socialization and exercise.