American Dingo
The Carolina Dog is a wild dog found in the United States. Although this breed is now being domesticated and kept as a pet it can still be found in the forest and swamps of South Carolina and Georgia. It is believed that the Carolina Dog was brought to North America across the Bering 
Straits by Asians 8,000 years ago.
Carolina Dogs resemble small Dingos; they are rugged dogs with a slight resemblance to sighthound breeds. The breed has erect, high set ears and a distinctive “fish-tail” which they carry in various positions. They have a short, yet thick coat, that has longer guard hairs on the neck, withers, and back that will stand up when the dog is aroused. Colors can vary, but the most common is a deep red ginger with paler markings. Lighter shades of red are not uncommon, and other colors include white, tan, beige, yellow, and red sable. Above all Carolina Dogs look like a wild breed, and more than capable of surviving in the wild.
The history of the Carolina Dog is one that is still being studied as well as debated. Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin Jr., a Senior Research Ecologist at the University of Georgia came across a Carolina Dog while working at the University’s Savannah River Site. Brisbin was startled by this dogs resemblance to Dingos, and upon visiting the local shelter found more of these dogs existed. Many of the dogs have now been removed from the wild for studies, and early tests, including DNA show that this is indeed a very ancient dog. Further tests will hopefully begin to give us a better insight on where the Carolina Dog came from.
Carolina Dogs are kept as pets, and have been for sometime in the southern States. They make very loyal companions, and get along well with children. Carolina Dogs like to be part of the “pack” and will want to be included in family activities. Like many other breed that retain close ties to the wild this breed can be independent and shy around strangers. Carolina Dogs should be well socialized at a young age to help it bond with humans.
