Made in America: The Only Exclusively North American Dog

With yellow coats, amber-brown colored eyes, and ears that seem to invariably be in an erect position on top of their heads, a Carolina dog looks very much like most other mixed breed dogs often seen riding happily in the back of a pickup truck in rural Texas. However, Carolina dogs are considered the only breed of dog in America with no European ancestry. Long considered feral or wild, Carolina dogs have recently gained some traction in the world of dog shows and professional dog organizations and are now registered with the United Kennel Club.  

Carolina Dogs: Primitive Man’s Best Friend

Photo: Facebook/Available Carolina Dogs

Early accounts of Carolina dog sightings are depicted in such articles as a 1920 publication entitled, “Dogs of the American Aborigines,” written by Glover Morrill Allen. These dogs were often called, “Indian Dogs,” as they were frequently spotted traveling with Native Americans. It is thought that these dogs are descendants of dogs brought to the Americas from Asia by primitive man thousands of years ago. After arriving, however, the dogs are thought to have strayed away from humans and went on to breed among themselves, resulting in what experts call, “their own self-selected characteristics and instinctive habits.”

“Old Yeller” Was Possibly Modeled After a Carolina

Photo: Facebook/Available Carolina Dogs

These dogs go by several different names: Dixie Dingoes, American Dingoes, and sometimes “yaller dogs,” which is slang for a Southern speech pattern that pronounces the color “yellow” differently. In fact, some people believe that the character “Old Yeller,” from the famed children’s novel (that takes place in the Texas Hill Country) was modeled after a Carolina dog. The dogs have garnered the name, “Carolina Dogs,” due to the fact that the breed is prevalent across most of the southeastern United States.  

A Fiercely Loyal, Quirky Breed Loved By Many

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Thingsofbeauty

Those who know and love the Carolina dog extol the quirks and intricacies of their dispositions. Carolina dogs are known for their fierce loyalty to their “pack” and their primitive dog-like baying that can often sound like screeching to people unfamiliar with the breed. Many contend that the breed makes for an excellent family dog. Carolina dogs have gained popularity around the United States for their beauty and interesting personalities. There are now rescue groups who work hard to train and socialize these dogs, preparing them for a successful future in a home with a loving family.