In an earlier post, we told you about the fascinating traits of the Carolina Dog, an animal definitively classified by the University of Sydney as a distinct animal, Canis dingo, not Canis lupus as the wolf is. Three other dog breeds are thought to be cousins to the Carolina Dog –  the Korean Jindo Dog, the Australian Dingo, and the New Guinea Singing Dog. Very cool.

There are a couple of other breed attributes that are of interest. One is phenotypical (meaning that you can see it, as opposed to “genotypical,” which is a genetic makeup), and that is the  “Angel Wing.” This is a lighter colored patch of hair or a white stripe over the withers.  We don’t have permission to share the image that illustrates it, but you can see it here.

A “fishhook” tail is also a breed trait, though it may have a practical purpose. When a Carolina Dog is alert, the tail is held in a “fish hook” carriage, usually at about a 45-degree angle from the horizontal.  It can also be carried in various positions, depending upon the mood of the dog, but it’s never “lazy” or loose. This tail is very expressive, and telegraphs a dog’s emotions. It can also be “hoisted”and flashed back and forth like a white tail deer’s. Breed discoverer, Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin once said, “I saw them do it, and I saw the rest honor it.”

Image from the AKC shared with consent.