Breed Characteristics:
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. Theyre also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. Youll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they cant pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and youll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if theyve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isnt the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by whos on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas arent always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and theyre not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if theyre love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If youve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if youre a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesnt mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that theyre at an increased risk.
If youre adopting a puppy, its a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed youre interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pups parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed thats prone to packing on pounds, youll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dogs diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the worlds smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if theyre compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “Whats in it for me?” attitude, in which case youll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they dont get the mental stimulation they need, theyll make their own work–usually with projects you wont like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesnt puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that its fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy thats been stuffed with kibble and treats.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and youll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally arent a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally wont chase, but youll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If youre considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If youre considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, theyll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and theyre more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether youll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone whos elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you dont like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
How long do Carolina dogs live?
Carolina Dogs can live as long as 15 years with relatively few genetic health issues. They are fairly easy to groom, needing only an occasional brushing.
Domesticated Carolina Dog Personality And Temperament
The Carolina Dog is hardy, lively and gentle, but is quite shy and suspicious like every wild animal. The breed is also known as very brave, intelligent, resourceful, cunning, aloof, independent, quiet, adaptable, responsive, and eager to please its master once properly trained. The ancestors of the breed were used as working dogs – herders and hunters – but today the American Dingo is mostly bred as a companion. Even though this is a very primitive dog that retains many characteristics of other wild canines, his pack-oriented nature is the reason he can be such a nice family pet. Of course, it will greatly depend on the way you treat your dog, but in the right hands he will be a pet to admire. As companions, these dogs are very loyal, devoted and affectionate. Usually, they will create strong bonds with all family members. They enjoy company and will gladly join you in your daily routines. However, it will be necessary for all members of the household to have higher ranking in the hierarchy of the pack. Indeed, to have an obedient, devoted and respectful Carolina Dog, every family member will have to be a pack leader. If not, this dog will just ignore their commands and do things on his own, which is unacceptable. That’s why it is mandatory that all family members get involved during the obedience training.
You probably didn’t expect to hear this about a semi-feral canine, but the Carolina Dog is truly an excellent playmate for children, doesn’t matter how old they are. Ok, toddlers should be supervised in the company of every dog, this one included, but at least you won’t have to worry he will intentionally hurt them. Naturally, it will require some time for this dog to get used to your kid(s), which is why it’s very important for him to grow up with them. However, when that finally happens, your children will get a great companion ready to play with them at any given time. Indeed, the American Dingo is a very cheerful, playful and lively dog by nature, who will often wholeheartedly join your kids in their games and activities. He is quite social pet that needs a lot of attention, which is something he will have in abundance surrounded by children. To make things even better, this dog can be quite gentle and cuddly at times, like a cat – so young’uns will have an ideal pet to share quite moments with. Though the Carolina Dog is usually very tolerant and can withstand any kind of children’s handling, it would be necessary that you teach your kids how to treat a dog nicely, with respect and understanding. Also, an early socialization is certainly required for every Native Dog to get used to all kids, not just those in the family.
The Carolina Dog is naturally not warm and/or outgoing to people that do not belong to his “human pack”. In fact, he is downright shy, reserved and suspicious with strangers, especially in the puppyhood. Usually, the Native Dog will warn you with loud bark whenever somebody comes near or at your property. So, we can assume that he can be a reliable watchdog – not the best but still good. However, he is definitely not a guard dog in any way. Naturally, the Dixie Dingo is not at all aggressive with humans, neither is he eager to oppose them, even if they enter the owner’s property. In fact, he will rather stay at distance and bark until his owner arrives. Fortunately, this is rather quiet breed, which is not prone to obsessive barking if treated the right way – never ignore your dog, dedicate as much time as possible to him! The bad thing about the Carolina Dog is that he can easily become too shy or timid with unknown people, or too agitated by strange things, which is something you should definitely prevent as soon as possible. That’s why the early socialization with people of all ages, as well as with all kinds of sounds, surroundings and situations, is a mandatory thing for this breed. The social activity will help your dog easily get accustomed to all things that might annoy him, which will be of great benefit to his mental health.
As a result of “clean” natural selection, the Carolina Dog is more a wild canine species than just another domestic breed. This dog definitely knows how to survive in nature on his own, and is always eager to hunt down some nice prey. In other words, he is a natural born predator with strong hunting instincts, which does not bode well for small non-canine pets. Indeed, cats, rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs will all be in a grave danger close to this dog. He will chase them at sight and will gladly kill them if possible. However, once an American Dingo is properly introduced to other pets at an early age, he can easily get used to them. That’s why it’s very important that you raise your dog with other pets, as well as to train him to ignore them. But keep in mind that even this approach won’t work for some dogs when it comes to hamsters or rabbits. So, it would be best that you keep them out of a dog’s reach. Fortunately, the situation is much better in the case of other dogs. The American Dingo tends to get along with them quite nicely, especially if they are raised together. This dog usually won’t be dominant or aggressive with them. In fact, he will be quite submissive in the company of older or bigger dogs. However, some toy breeds might trigger his hunting instincts, which is definitely something that should be corrected with an early socialization program.
Like every semi-domesticated canine, the Carolina Dog is rather challenging to train. This is a primitive dog in every sense, which means that he is rather independent and stubborn by nature. So, it’s perfectly clear that the American Pariah is not recommended for novice owners, with little or no experience in working with dogs. However, that is not to say that this is some breed with low IQ. Far from it! It is quite intelligent, resourceful and thoughtful, capable to easily solve all kinds of problems on its own. After all, life in the wilderness has taught the Carolina Dog to be self-sufficient. So, the only real problem would actually be to find a way to get your dog motivated for the training so that he understands that all of it is for his own good. To overcome this, you will have to respect a few important rules. Start with the training as soon as you bring your dog home. It is necessary for you to be a pack leader with gentle hand. You will have to be consistent, firm and thorough, but extremely patient, calm and respectful. You should always avoid harsh or cruel methods (shouting, bullying, etc.) while working with this dog. These can have serious consequences to your dog’s mental health. Recommended are the positive reinforcement techniques with lots of praise and treats. Lessons should be short (30 min) and interesting, but never repetitive.
Main Carolina Dog characteristics are intelligence, agility, strength, high stamina, athleticism, resourcefulness, independence, stubbornness, timidity, alertness, loyalty, calmness, boldness, tenacity, and playfulness. This is a very hardy and agile dog that can be literally active all day long. So, it is perfectly clear that he will require a good amount of daily exercise to stay healthy in every way. That’s why this breed is in the first place recommended for active people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors. It would be desirable to take your Carolina Dog for a long walk, hike or jog once a day at least. However, that usually won’t be enough. You should also play some games with him whenever you can, such as play with toys, fetch game or find the treat. It is always a good thing that you stimulate your dog mentally with toys. This way he will get a much needed attention and you will definitely have some fun too. On top of that, it would be nice that you have some large, securely fenced area at hand to let your dog out to play and run around. The American Dingo is a type of dog that likes to do things on his own, and this way he’ll get plenty of space and freedom for that. Remember, it is mandatory that you exercise your Carolina Dog as much as possible because if bored, he can develop some serious behavior issues, such as the separation anxiety, chewing, digging, etc.
When it comes to the ideal living conditions for the Carolina Dog, we always have to remember that this is still a semi-feral breed, which shares a lot of traits with other wild canines. Among them is the need for freedom, or better to say the need for open space. That’s why this dog is certainly not recommended for owners who live in apartments or urban homes without a yard. Of course, it would be possible to keep this dog in such living place, but it will require a great deal of daily exercise, a lot more than usual, which I’m sure would be too much for some people. Being so independent and active, the American Dingo will always be happier with some open space to run and play. In other words, he is best suited for a farm or a suburban house with huge, fenced courtyard with lots of green. Also, it would be a great thing if there is some natural environment close by your home, especially the river. In case you didn’t know, these dogs love to swim very much, like all other swamp animals. So, it would definitely suit your dog well. However, it should be said that, with proper training and good exercise, the Carolina Dog can be an outstanding house pet too. In fact, it would be recommended that you keep your dog indoors during the night, to stay with his family. He is naturally very clean, he likes to take care of himself, has no doggy odour, and is relatively easy to housebreak with good crate training. And even when your dog do the do outside, he will cover his droppings with soil, which says a lot how clean and careful these dogs actually are.
The Carolina Dog should be also kept indoors during the winter months as much as possible, especially if you live in the northern hemisphere. This breed originates from the American far south, which has a humid subtropical climate. So, it is understandable that these dogs are not used to cold weather. Another reason why you should sometimes keep your American Pariah indoors and close to his family is that he is an incredible escape artist. Indeed, if bored or neglected, he will probably try to break free. If there is any weakness in your fence, be sure he will use it. This dog is a skilled digger, a good climber, and a high jumper. So, it would be necessary that you have at least 6-feet high fence (wall) around your yard, that is stuck deep into the ground. Fortunately, unlike some other primitive (pariah) breeds, the Carolina Dog is usually not in the mood to break free at any cost, especially if he is treated and exercised properly. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t escape if he smells or senses something interesting outside the courtyard. You can never know what can draw his attention. That’s why it is mandatory that you never leave your Carolina Dog unsupervised for long! Also, if you have some garden in your yard, it would be wise that you enclose it with a strong and high fence. This dog is a passionate digger, who will probably exercise his skills through those “ugly” flowers and vegetables 🙂
The life expectancy of a Carolina Dog is around 12-15 years. Judging by its lifespan, it is perfectly clear that this is generally a healthy breed with no inherited or congenital diseases evidenced so far. In fact, these dogs are not even prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, as well as eye, ear and skin problems, which are more or less common in almost all other domesticated breeds. Of course, this doesn’t mean that American Dingoes are completely immune to all possible health issues. Like all other dog breeds, they should be extensively vaccinated against distemper and treated against all sorts of parasites, both internal (worms, tapeworms, heartworms) and external (fleas, ticks, fleas, mites). That’s why it is mandatory that you buy a Carolina Dog puppy from a reputable breeder, one who can provide you with necessary health clearances for both of a puppy’s parents. The breeder should also provide you with all certificates that a puppy was properly vaccinated and treated against parasites. Though there are no major health concerns in this breed, these dogs are still living beings of flesh and bone, which means that they could suffer from certain unwanted conditions. Doesn’t matter which dog you have, you should always supervise him and look for any unusual signs in his behavior, motion, etc. If there is something suspicious, take your dog to Vet immediately.
Do dogs like KISSES? – Understanding Canine Affection
The Carolina Dog (Swamp Dog, Native Dog, Old Yeller Dog, Ol’ Yaller, Yellow Dog, Native American Dog, Southern Aboriginal Dog) or American Dingo (American Pariah, American Pariah Dog, Dixie Dingo, Southern Dingo) is an ancient landrace dog or a pariah dog that originated more than 10.000 years ago in East Asia. According to some DNA studies, this breed is actually a direct descendant of the original Asian Pariah Dogs, whose ancestors were the Asian wolves. So, this is definitely one of the oldest and most primitive dogs in the world. Based on its appearance, many experts believed that the American Pariah is the close relative of the Australian Dingo and the New Guinea Singing Dog, but a new study of this breed’s mDNA haplotypes confirmed that there is no direct genetic relationship between them. However, another, more recent genetic study confirmed that the breed definitely originated in East Asia, so there’s still a possibility that these three landraces are somehow related. With all that being said, you probably wonder, how this breed ended up in the North America then? Well, this happened some 8.000 years ago when the primitive Paleolithic men reached America through the Bearing Strait crossing. Their pariah dogs accompanied them at this long and perilous journey that led them through West America all the way down to the Southeast of the continent. The American Dingo is actually the direct descendant of these dogs, together with the Basketmaker Dog and the Kentucky Shell Heap Dog, which are now extinct unfortunately.
That’s why the Carolina Dog is considered the oldest breed in the North America today. Also, this is the first domesticated dog in this part of the world, which was evidenced by the mummified remains of dogs with similar bone structure from the period of the Indian Basket Maker culture. So, there is no doubt that the American Native Dogs inhabited this continent long before the arrival of the first Europeans. The Indians bred them for herding, guarding and hunting, however, some of these dogs ended up strayed in the wild. Since they were always living on the edge of the wild, capable to take care of themselves, they easily adapted to this feral way of life and have survived on their own to this very day. In the 1970s, Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, a biology professor at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Lab, discovered these dogs in the most isolated, remote parts in South Carolina and Georgia. There they lived for centuries in isolation, which actually saved them from interbreeding with domestic dogs. That’s why their genetic purity remained almost intact after all this time. Today, they are precious for the better understanding of the entire canine strain (an ongoing scientific hypothesis). Until now, the Carolina Dog is not recognized by the FCI, not even by the AKC, though there is a pending application for inclusion into the FSS (Foundation Stock Service) program, which suggests that it might be accepted soon. The breed is, on the other hand, recognized by the UKC and ARBA.