INTRODUCTION

Grooming is essential. Only those who really enjoy grooming, or are willing to pay a professional groomer to do it, should consider an Afghan Hound. The Afghan’s natural hunting instinct leads it to chase prey (the neighbor’s cat, your child’s rabbit, the hamster in the third grade class, etc.). The Afghan Hound can be difficult to train due to its independent nature. Training can be time consuming and requires patience. House training can be difficult. This breed can continue to have accidents in the house until about six months of age. The Afghan Hound has a low tolerance for pain. A small injury is more upsetting to this breed than others, and this dog can sometimes appear whiny or infantile. Afghan Hounds are sensitive and high-spirited, and do not respond well to rough handling, so be gentle. While this particular breed is often good and even affectionate with children, it is best that the puppy grows up with the children it will be living with and that they are mature enough to understand the importance of being considerate of this dog’s sensitive nature. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to make sure they are free of genetic diseases that can be passed on to puppies and that they have a sound temperament.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Carolina Dog’s coat usually comes in a variety of colors including cream, tan, black, brown and red. They are usually a combination of two or more of these colors. They usually have a short, dense coat, and while they are not a great choice for allergy sufferers, they are very clean and groom themselves, just like cats. The Carolina Dog should get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day to help keep them in shape. Recent studies have shown that the Carolina Dog breed may be sensitive to ivermectin, an ingredient found in mite and heartworm medications. Consult your veterinarian before using these medications. The Carolina Dog is a pack dog and should not be left alone. Isolation does not suit this puppy at all. The Carolina Dog is a robust dog and will interact and play well with children, especially those he considers part of his family. Always supervise playtime. Although they adore other dogs, be wary of other small animals, as this breed has a prey drive ingrained in their DNA.

HISTORY

The Carolina dog is believed to have originated in Asia and closely resembles the Asian pariah dog. They arrived in North America with traders across the Bering Strait 9,000 years ago and slowly migrated to the southern United States. They have lived in the wild in the southern United States for several hundred years and are still seen in parts of Georgia and South Carolina. Over time, the Carolina dog was rediscovered and domesticated. They are also known as the Dixie Dingo, the American Dingo, the Yaller and the Yellow Dog. Bones similar to the Carolina Dog have been found in ancient Native American burial grounds, meaning they were probably kept as pets by Native Americans. The Carolina Dog was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in the 1970s. The Carolina Dog is also recognized by:ACA – American Canine Association Inc.ACR – American Canine RegistryAPRI – American Pet Registry, Inc.ARBA -American Rare Breed AssociationCDA – Carolina Dog AssociationCKC – Continental Kennel ClubDRA – Dog Registry of America, Inc.NKC – National Kennel ClubUKC – United Kennel Club