Yes, Carolina Dogs make good family companions. They are pack-oriented, which makes them become very attached to their human family as well as any other family dog. They are happiest with space to roam free (like a fenced backyard) and an active family that can give them the exercise they need.

Yes, Carolina Dogs are good with cats. Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive, which means they might not be the best match for a cat who they have not grown up alongside. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament. However, when properly socialized and introduced at a young age, they should get along well.

No, Carolina Dogs are not always easy to train. Carolina Dogs are keen, intelligent animals, but their long history of independent living as pack animals in the wild can make them a challenge to train. This breed requires a confident, experienced trainer and more than a few treats on hand.

Yes, Carolina Dogs are good with kids. These pups are generally incredibly gentle around children, and their natural pack instincts can make them attentive and caring towards children.

However, it’s still important for pet parents to teach their dogs how to gently interact with children and supervise all interactions with them to make sure everyone stays safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is also crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child.

The Carolina Dog is believed to have originated in the Southeastern United States. These dogs are also thought to be descendants of ancient dogs brought to North America by early human settlers thousands of years ago. In the late 20th century, Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, a biologist and former researcher at Savannah River Ecology Lab, rediscovered the wild dogs in the swamps and forests of South Carolina and Georgia.

Yes, Carolina Dogs bark and howl, but they are not known for excessive noise. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

No, Carolina Dogs are not aggressive and generally have a balanced temperament. Like any breed, individual temperaments vary, so proper socialization and training are important to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved. Some Carolina Dogs have a natural wariness, which means they might need extra time to warm up to new people and animals.

If you are concerned by any signs of aggression or reactivity in your dog, be sure to address it promptly with the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist. Pain, discomfort, or underlying medical conditions can sometimes contribute to changes in a dog’s behavior, so it may also be worth visiting a vet to rule out their health as a cause for signs of aggressive behavior.

No, Carolina Dogs do not have a lot of health problems. Like most other primitive breeds, thousands of years of natural selection have led to them being quite a healthy breed with few serious disorders. If you are rescuing a Carolina Dog, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to genetic disorders.

• Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal disease in dogs where the hip joint develops abnormally. This causes the joint to rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly, leading to pain, lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and potential surgery can help manage the condition.

• Elbow dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is another common skeletal disease in dogs affecting the elbow joint. Abnormal bone or cartilage growth results in joint irritation and pain. While similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia often involves bone fragments, causing additional complications. Early detection and veterinary care are crucial for managing the condition.

• Eye issues: Glaucoma, a disease that causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place, causing pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.