The Native American Indian Dog, also known as the Carolina Dog, the North American Native Dog, the Dingo Dog, the Dixie Dingo, the Native American Dog, the Southern Aboriginal Dog, the NAID and “Old Yaller,” is an ancient, almost feral breed that developed in the deep south and now is extremely rare in the wild. When domestically raised from birth and well socialized, the Native American Dog can make a loyal, protective and devoted companion. They are intelligent, long-lived, versatile and considered hypoallergenic. They also are naturally shy around strangers and do not thrive when kept primarily indoors and/or in a crate. Owners must understand this breed’s history and true nature to make a companion relationship successful.
The Native American Dog varies widely in size. The smaller variety (most commonly called the Carolina Dog) typically stands 18 to 26 inches at the withers and weighs between 40 and 60 pounds; the larger, more wolf-like variety, more common in the North, stands 26 to 32 inches and can weigh upwards of 100 pounds, with the proportionate increase in height. It comes in two distinct hair coat lengths and several coat color combinations. They can range in color from yellowish-gold to silver to black, and can be a tortoise shell color or the sacred blue or red color of the Native American "Spirit Dog". Their coat can be short and dense, two layers thick, of which the undercoat is wind and water proof. They also can have a long overcoat with a dense undercoat. Their undercoat sheds once a year, typically in the spring; regular brushing during that period will help control the accumulation of loose hair about the house. Their ears are upright, their head broad and wide between the eyes with an angular shaped head tapering down to a slender muzzle.
Resembling a smaller version of the Australian Dingo, the Native American Dog is among the last of the native North American dogs that were companions of the original American people. Their ancestors are thousands of years old; some stayed close to human settlements, while others stayed wild and preferred to fend for themselves. Before the Spaniards introduced horses to this country in the 1500s, dogs were the Native Americans’ only “beasts of burden.” They pulled
Native American Indian Dogs are extremely loyal dogs who attach themselves deeply to their families. They are excellent watchdogs, keeping vigil over his people and property, but they are not aggressive attack dogs. Their appearance is often deterrent enough to keep intruders at bay. Native American Indian dogs get along great with children and other pets, as they are social dogs who enjoy interaction and they are also patient and kind. For active families who
There is a great deal of controversy over what makes a true Native American Indian Dog. Some believe they are a wolf hybrid, while others maintain that Native Americans were selective breeders who stayed away from breeding domestic dogs with wolves, and instead interbred their dogs with European dogs. They do have a wolf-like appearance, with a long, slender muzzle, upright, prick ears, piercing eyes, a compact, athletic build and often wolf-like colorings. But this
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