A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ian Oldaker is an accomplished executive with over 10 years of experience in leadership positions at museums and other attractions. An avid trail hiker and dog enthusiast, Ian Oldaker owns a 4-year-old mixed Carolina dog that he adopted from a Texas shelter.
An ancient breed that was discovered in the 1970s, the Carolina dog has a history that dates back centuries. The Carolina dog is North America’s only native wild dog, and packs of these animals still roam pine forests in Georgia and South Carolina in small numbers. They resemble Australian dingoes in appearance, with a lithe build, pointed ears, and a thin fishhook-shaped tail. Their typical coloration includes variations of pale yellow, tan, fawn, and ginger, although some have black or piebald-spotted coats.
Ecologist Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin conducted the first studies on the Carolina dog, and his investigations into their mitochondrial DNA confirmed their wild origins. While long-feral and domesticated breeds have diverse DNA patterns dispersed throughout the canine family tree, the Carolina dog sits at the base alongside primitive ones. Most canine experts and researchers believe that the Carolina dog descends from ancient breeds in Asia who accompanied nomadic tribes to North America via the Bering Strait.
Despite their indigenous roots, the domestication of this breed is relatively recent. However, their shy nature and wild qualities can be tempered through proper socialization and training by experienced dog owners. Loyal and family-oriented, Carolina dogs develop close bonds with their families and play well with children due to their non-aggressive and cooperative temperament. They are also intelligent, playful, and alert, although they are often reserved and suspicious with unfamiliar people. As pack animals, they cannot tolerate isolation and do not like to be separated from their families.
The Carolina dog received official recognition from the United Kennel Club in 1995, and the American Kennel Club added the breed to its Foundation Stock Service group in 2017.
