Spotlight Breed: The Yellow Dog
by Roy and Carol
The Carolina Yellow Dog 

The Carolina Yellow Dog, a familiar-looking animal throughout the rural South, bears a strong resemblance to the Australian dingo.  Although these dogs have been described as “mutts” and “pariahs,” the Smithsonian Magazine and National Geographic Magazine recently recognized that these animals may be America’s most primitive dogs, remnants of the first animals to accompany humans across the Bering land bridge to North America. 

 

If you were to see a pack of Carolina Yellow Dogs roaming in the Carolina backwoods or countryside, you would observe medium-sized, well-proportioned, shortish haired animals with thick, yellowish coats, upright ears, and full whiplash tails curling over their backs.  Although this type of dog is often described by shelters as a shepherd/yellow lab mix, it is a registered breed recognized by the United States Kennel Club and the American Rare Breed Association. 

 

So, with that background, here’s our tale.  We are the owners of two Carolina Yellow dogs -- Rick, an 8-year-old we have had for about seven years, and Annie, a 2-year-old we have had for about one year.  Both are classic Yellow Dogs in appearance, and both are wonderful companions.

 




When we got Rick, we were hoping he would have the qualities anyone would like in a dog -- that is, be healthy, loving, loyal, intelligent, playful, protective, and athletic.  What is amazing is that he has all these qualities in abundance despite a rugged early life.  Susan and Michael found Rick on their property about eight years ago.  Less than six months old, Rick had been abandoned in mid-winter.  Susan and Michael found him in a deer carcass left by hunters -- he was nearly frozen, he was emaciated, and his back leg was gushing blood because his foot had been severed by a trap.  Susan and Michael nursed him to health, and we brought him to our house five months later, where he quickly insinuated himself into our hearts.  He is happy to be with us from the moment we awake until we go to bed, at which time he curls up by the bed.  When we leave the house, he waits by the door until we return.  When we mow the fields at the farm (a five-hour project), he will trot along side the tractor the entire time.  When we go canoeing, he will run along the shore or swim beside the boat.  For us, he is the Gold Standard for dogs.   

 

Our younger Yellow Dog, Annie, also had a rugged young life.  Having been abandoned as a young mother, she found herself in a North Carolina shelter last year in very bad shape due to exposure, malnutrition, and having being hit by a car.  Her sweet nature impressed the shelter workers, who contacted Hedgesville Hounds.  She is now part of our home, and she is a very dear animal.  At first we were worried whether Rick would accept Annie, because he is quite protective of his home; however, they get along famously.  Although Annie is shy, she is a glorious licker -- and if Rick shows any displeasure with her behavior, she zooms in, covers him with a thousand kisses, and the problem immediately ends.  She runs like the wind, is indefatigable, and is very smart. She is a good friend to Rick, and a source of joy to us.

 

      As the photos show, both Rick and Annie have the classic yellow dog appearance.  Based on our experience, we wholeheartedly recommend this breed as a wonderful addition to any household.   


A yellow dog may be a good match for you:
 A yellow dog might not be for you:




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