Behavior Matters

   Behaviors matter. Carolina Dogs exhibit several subtle but distinct behavioral traits that make them different from most domestic breeds. Some such traits are a very strong pack mentality, strong prey drive, general shyness & a cat-like attitude much of the time. CDs are stealthy hunters of small prey such as moles, rabbits, squirrels, opossum, birds insects and even snakes. If a small pet is introduced as a member of the "pack" they will usually accept it and not try to kill that animal that you claim as yours. They are very aware of and sensitive to their surroundings, their pack member's emotions and changes in their environment, such as furniture being moved around. They can be leery of strangers and are generally good "alert' dogs, but are not guard-attack dogs. 

  

   CDs do not respond to heavy handed training tactics or force, you must figure out how to get through to them what you want & why this makes sense for them to do. They are very smart and like their wild cousins will rarely look to a human to help them figure out a task(such as getting a treat from underneath a overturned bowl) and many CD owners remark that the 'brain puzzle' toys are quickly figured out and thereafter ignored by their CDs. CDs do require physical exersize as well as stimulating mental exersize.  

CDs also like to den, whether it is digging dens outdoors or preferring to have their own small, enclosed, dark space to relax & 'hide'. CDs also dig snout pits, usually in the fall & spring, we call these holes "ankle breakers" & it is not conclusively proven if they are eating roots, dirt or insects from the holes they dig, so named because they rarely dig a hole much bigger than what their snout will fit into. 

They are usually habitually clean and spend much time grooming themselves. Their double layer coats are self cleaning with only minimal/seasonal shedding and do not generally have a strong dog odor, even when wet, although I have found this is greatly affected by the quality of the diet.  Carolina Dogs are quirky and independent and there are so many little things about them that are subtly different than 'regular' dogs.

I have frequently been told by CD owners that when they are taken to basic agility classes, they easily outshine even the border collies and other breeds that usually excel at such activities. CDs are capable of doing many other different activities such as lure coursing, herding, nose work and tracking, obedience, weight pull or even pet-assisted therapy.  CDs can excel at any task you ask of them and are usually want to please their pack leader.

What odd & quirky traits does your CD have? Join the conversation & leave us a comment or question!