Carolina Dog Breed Profile

Head: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, and bluntly wedge-shaped. Always in proportion to the rest of the body. The cranium and forehead are moderately broad. A distinct median furrow is evident, starting at the stop and running up the center of the topskull toward the occiput. In profile, the forehead is slightly arched, tapering toward the eyes. The muscle is strong and somewhat prominent in the temporalis and masseter areas. The occiput is prominent, as well. The head is clean-cut and dry, having no excess skin, looseness, or wrinkles.

Eyes: Moderate in size, almond shaped, obliquely set, with slightly upturned outer corners, and medium to dark brown colors being preferable, but amber also appear in the breed. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented black. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Moderate in size, triangular in shape (preference given to equilateral triangle shape), thick, and set neither high nor low on the skull. They may be firmly erect and pricked (preferred), semi-erect, or drop (least desirable), with rounded tips, and may be tilted slightly forward. When alert, they will be drawn up to the 11 and 1 o’clock position. They should be well-lined with fur. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. Correctly positioned and carried ears may not be achieved until as late as eight months of age. The ears are highly mobile and capable of being moved simultaneously or separately.

Muzzle: The muzzle is sufficiently full to prevent a snipey appearance, yet never bulky. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. The upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipey or weak. From the front, the muzzle appears conical, tapering smoothly toward the end of the nose.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. Black noses that fade to pink are permissible. The nostrils are well opened.

Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. The neck is strongly muscled with a slight arch. It tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Sufficiently broad and deep to allow for ample heart and lung capacity, but without adding bulk, and never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows or just before, especially in the Northern type. The forechest is fairly well developed.

Body: Sturdy and of good substance, but capable of long enduring travel over rugged terrain. The body lacks extremes in size and proportions, never being heavy and cloddy, nor racy or refined, but as close to a naturally produced body as possible, and capable of strength, speed, endurance, and surviving the elements. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Toes on the front paws may orient outward just slightly.

Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension to the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level; it is naturally relaxed in a characteristic “fish hook” manner. It is usually at a 45-degree angle. When moving or out when hunting, it is carried in a more pump-handle fashion. The tail may also be carried straight or sabred. The tail is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down.

Movement: The movement of the Carolina Dog breed is powerful, steady, confident, effortless, efficient, and energetic. The head lowers as speed increases during the hunt. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: Like the Australian Dingo, the Carolina Dog breed exists in a unique place in the world, being neither fully domesticated nor fully wild. Although easily tamed, these dogs remain reserved and aloof of people and animals outside of their family or pack unit despite extensive socialization efforts from early on. Those who do live as human companions are said to be sensitive, shy, aloof, and highly instinctual, which translates to stubbornness when it comes to obedience training. They can exhibit high bouts of prey drive and a high desire to chase and kill other animals. Any unprovoked aggression is incorrect for this breed.