American Dingo

The American Dingo (also known as Carolina Dog, Dixie Dingo, Indian's Dog, North American Native Dog or Yellow Dog) is a wild dog discovered in the 1970s in isolated areas of the Southeastern United States. These feral dogs have a long history that is proved by ancient paintings and rock art of Native Americans. Similar-looking dogs inhabited the territory of the present-day USA about 2,000 years ago.

DNA testing proves that the American Dingo is not the ancestor of the present-time domestic dogs, but the descendant of their common ancestor. These dogs have much in common with other primitive breeds, such as Australian Dingo, Canaan Dog, and Jindo, the native dog of Korea. Like other primitive dogs, the American Dingo is medium in size, with a lean body and long legs. They have a long muzzle, pointed ears, round-shaped eyes, and black nose. The coat of these dogs is dense to protect them from cold and rough brush. The typical coat colors of these dogs are tan, ginger, yellow, sandy, white, and black.

The American Dingo can be kept as a pet, if raised in captivity, or taken from the wild at the young age. Adult dogs taken from the wild tend to return back. The American Dingo can be registered by the UKC (United Kennel Club) as a pariah dog and ARBA (American Rare Breed Association) in the Spitz and Primitive Group.

Native Americans kept these dogs as hunting companions and guards. Some feral American Dingoes lived close to humans; others preferred isolated areas and lived as wild animals. Most American Dingoes lived in swampy lands. These creatures are opportunistic feeders. They take advantage on everything they can find from insects, birds, and fish to buffalos. For hunting snakes, these dogs use whip-like motion. Like all primitive dogs, American Dingoes live in small packs. They are often seen alone, but unite for hunting big game or for mating. Only dominant Dingoes can reproduce. Subordinate pack members assist in rearing the young. The American Dingo is common throughout its range; it has no predators in the wild and has a high reproductive rate.