MEET THE CAROLINA DOG
“The tail serves to allow the pack to know where everyone is. Most, but not all, Carolina Dogs have a white tip on their tail, to enable the location of pack members.”
Photo: Raluca Williams
FISHHOOK TAIL The Carolina Dog shown above is exhibiting a nice example of a fish- hook tail. When down and relaxed, such as trotting, it should resemble a pump handle. As you can see in the photo, the tail at the base is a tiny bit straight as it leaves the body, and is set high enough so that when the tail is down, combined with the “hook,” it will resemble a pump handle. The tail serves to allow the pack to know where everyone is. Most, but not all, Carolina Dogs have a white tip on their tail, to enable the loca- tion of pack members. It also serves as a silent “flag” to indicate that game has been located. PRICK EARS This same dog above is exhibiting rotating ears. The ears, which are slightly rounded at the tip, taper elegantly down to a wide base. Ears are also set pointing slightly outward from the head to the side. (Not straight up-and-down as in the German Shepherd Dog.) This type of ear serves as a temperature gauge to regulate body temperature. Its ability to rotate, forwards, backwards, and side-to-side, allows for directional hearing of both ears simultaneously and independently; enabling the need to listen to (or for) the pack—or danger—while also listening intently for game. You may also see an example of the “angel wings” in the ginger-col- ored dogs, though this is not a mandatory requirement, as black and piebald dogs do not have them. This is often seen in other breeds of dogs as well. There is no theory as to whether this serves a purpose.
Photo: D. B. Brisbin
TEMPERAMENT “A generally shy and suspicious nature is often charac- teristic of this breed, but excessive fear and aggression or resistance to examination is not desirable. No individual should be expected to be friendly and outgoing, or to enjoy physical contact with strangers.” COAT “The length of the close-lying coat may be affected by the seasons. The winter coat and those of dogs living in colder climates may be distinctly heavier than the sum- mer coat. On the head, the ears, and front legs, the hair is usually short and smooth. Coarse, longer guard hairs (longer than the undercoat) may extend over the neck, withers and back. When aroused, parts of this hair may stand erect. Guard hairs may be slightly darker giving the appearance of a ridge. The coat behind the shoulder blades is often lighter in color (angel wings) in ginger-col- ored and in some of the black and tan dogs.”
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2022 | 271
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