Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix: Info, Pictures & Facts

Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix biting a twig
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If you wish to find a loyal, intelligent, and reserved canine companion, a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix might be the one for you!

German Shepherds are loved by many due to their amazing characteristics, which include intelligence and loyalty. On the other hand, Carolina Dogs are known for their promise of gentleness and independence.

If these two breeds are mixed together, you get a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix that exhibits the best traits of its two parent breeds.

This article details everything you need to know about the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix: its appearance, temperament, health, puppy prices, and where to find one. Keep reading to learn more!

Breed Overview

Height:20 – 22 inches
Weight:40 – 70 pounds
Lifespan:12 – 15 years
Coat Colors:Brown, tan, sable, golden, black, gray
Temperament:Loyal, energetic, loving, intelligent
Suitable for:Active families; experienced owners; owners living in a house with a large fenced yard

What Is a Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix?

Dingo German Shepherd mix lying on a hill
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The Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix is an athletic dog that results from crossing the Carolina Dog and German Shepherd Dog (GSD). This hybrid also goes by Carolina Shepherd or Dingo Shepherd mix. Some of its noteworthy features are its robust build and loyal, loving, and protective personality. 

One interesting fact about mixed breeds is that their temperament can be hard to predict as they can inherit any of their parents’ traits. This is also the case for the Carolina Shepherd.

Nevertheless, the Dingo German Shepherd mix can inherit all the best characteristics of the Carolina Dog and the German Shepherd.

Due to the intelligence of both its parents, this crossbreed is undoubtedly a smart dog that is easy to train in all aspects.

Additionally, these dogs are loyal and affectionate towards their owners. They are also energetic but can be reserved at times.

With this, the Carolina Dog Shepherd mix is good for guard dogs and can make a great companion pet for your family.

Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix Origin and History

The origin of a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix is unknown as it’s not well-documented. Hence, it’s impossible to know when and where the first Carolina Shepherd came into existence.

Its parent breeds, however, both have clear records of their origin and history.

The Carolina Dog, popularly known as American Dingo, is believed to be a descendant of primitive dogs brought into North America from Asia.

This breed was discovered by Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr. in the 1970s by trapping a free-roaming dog in the Southeastern United States. He documented its behaviors and characteristics and eventually named it “Carolina Dog.”

Carolina Dogs earned their recognition from the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1996.

Meanwhile, the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in the 1800s. It was originally bred and developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz as a working dog to herd sheep and protect flocks.

Due to its intelligence, loyalty, and courage, this breed gained popularity throughout Germany and other parts of the world.

In 1908, the German Shepherd was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

These two breeds have a promising origin and history that widely contributed to their great qualities. It’s no wonder that a German Shepherd Carolina Dog mix exhibits the best characteristics of its ancestry.

Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix Appearance

Carolina Dog Shepherd mix exploring by the seaside looking sideways
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The appearance of a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix can vary greatly depending on which gene is inherited from its parents.

Generally, this dog is described as a scaled-down version of a German Shepherd. This is because most Dingo German Shepherd mixes have the dominant appearance of the GSD but with a smaller stature.

However, it can also exhibit some physical characteristics of a Carolina Dog, such as the golden coat color and dainty feet.

In addition, this crossbreed can have the long fur of a German Shepherd that sheds year-round. It also has large pointy ears, a black nose, and a proportionate body.

Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix Size and Weight

The Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix is a medium to large dog with an average height of 20 to 22 inches and an average weight of 40 to 70 pounds.

Similar to most breeds, the male German Shepherd Carolina Dog mix is bigger and bulkier in build compared to its female counterpart.

As a mixed breed, predicting its fully grown size can be quite tricky. It can be medium-sized like its parent Carolina Dog or large like the German Shepherd.

Nevertheless, these pups are smaller in stature compared to German Shepherds. So if you want to own a GSD but are a bit intimidated by its size, the Carolina Dog Shepherd mix might be a better choice for you.

Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix Temperament and Personality

Dingo Shepherd mix with red bandana smiling
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The Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix is a wonderful dog that offers the best traits of both its parents.

As an offspring of the American Dingo, this hybrid is pack-driven. Families that care for it are considered by this pup as a part of its pack, which results in a loving, loyal, and affectionate companion.

Meanwhile, as a descendant of a German Shepherd, the Dingo Shepherd mix is intelligent, easy to train, and protective, making it a fantastic guard dog.

Furthermore, these pups are good with children. Their gentle and energetic nature makes them ideal playmates, especially for older kids. They can also be reserved when needed, which makes them truly well-mannered.

They also get along well with other pets, given that they are socialized early. However, they have a high prey drive, so they tend to chase smaller animals like squirrels and rabbits.

If you own these types of pets, avoid letting them roam around the house when your pup is inside your home. All things considered, the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix can be a wonderful addition to your family.

Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

The Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix is a generally healthy dog with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years, given that the pup constantly receives the care it needs.

As you can see, this life expectancy is longer compared to purebred dogs like its German Shepherd parent. This is normal to mixed breeds as genetic health problems are bred out during the breeding process.

Despite this, there are still a few health issues associated with this hybrid.

The list below shows some of the health problems that a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix may encounter:

  • Hip dysplasia: This is a condition common to large dogs wherein the ball and socket of the hip joint rub against one another as they do not develop properly. Carolina Dog German Shepherd mixes with hip dysplasia may experience difficulty rising, running, climbing the stairs, lameness in the hind legs, and limping.
  • Epilepsy: This condition is a neurological disorder wherein Carolina Dog German Shepherd mixes may experience recurrent seizures with no known cause. Some symptoms of this include loss of voluntary control, such as collapsing, jerking, and muscle twitching.
  • Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Sometimes called bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition wherein the stomach of your Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix twists around itself, causing blockage to the entrance and exit of the organ. Signs of this include the inability to settle, decreased activity and appetite, and drooling.

Treating these conditions can be expensive, so it’s important to have pet insurance in case any of these happen. It’s also recommended to visit your vet regularly in order to prevent the occurrence of these diseases.

How to Take Care of Your German Shepherd Carolina Dog Mix

German Shepherd Carolina Dog mix all soaked up after taking a dip in the river
Image credit: emilyinthemountains / Instagram

Every dog has requirements in their food, grooming, training, and exercise. Knowing how to properly care for your Dingo Shepherd mix in all of these aspects is a must.

To learn more, read the following sections discussing the important things to note when caring for your Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix.

Food and Diet

To ensure that your German Shepherd Carolina Dog mix grows strong and healthy, give the pooch a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet with the amount of food ideal for its size, metabolism, and activity level.

Generally, this hybrid should be fed twice daily with a mix of dry food or kibble and wet or canned food.

If your Dingo Shepherd mix has a size close to a Carolina Dog, one cup of food daily is enough. However, if your pooch is larger, it may need two cups of food a day.

Make sure to feed your pet with high-quality food. There are many available dog food choices aside from dry and wet food, such as Biologically Approved Raw Food (BARF) and homemade food.

Check out this video of a vet-approved dog food recipe you can for a Carolina Dog German Shepherd:

Homemade Dog Food Recipe | Vet Approved | 100% Balanced #barfdiet #homemadedogfood

What you choose to feed your dog should be based on what your dog needs. It’s better to consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist regarding this matter to know the proper diet tailored for your Dingo Shepherd mix.

Cleaning and Grooming

Like its parent German Shepherd, the Dingo Shepherd mix sheds year-round. With this, your pet needs twice a week of brushing to minimize the matting and to remove dead hair.

Nail trimming is also important for your dog to avoid the risk of having nail injuries, such as nails separating from the quick. Likewise, brushing your dog’s teeth is also recommended to prevent dental diseases.

When it comes to dog bathing, it’s only advisable to wash your Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix if it’s already smelly. This is to avoid skin dryness.

Training and Exercise

Due to the energetic nature of the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix, it requires lots of activities with mental and physical stimulation. Two hours of exercise daily is needed to ensure that their activity requirement is met.

You can devise an activity plan for your pet, such as taking it on walks, hiking, going to the park, or playing with your kids. Make sure every activity is fun for you and your pet.

In terms of training, the Dingo Shepherd mix is a fairly intelligent dog; hence, it’s easy to train. This pooch should not have any problem with obedience training, puppy socialization, or housebreaking.

However, confidence in training is important for owners so that the pup will regard you as the pack leader. Otherwise, it will take over the role, and if this happens, the dog will be a bit harder to train.

Keep in mind that positive reinforcement works best for the German Shepherd Carolina Dog mix, so it will respond well to praises, affection, and treats.

How Much Does a German Shepherd Carolina Dog Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The cost of a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix ranges between $300 and $900. This price depends on a number of factors, such as the pup’s age, the breeder’s reputation, and location.

Aside from the purchase price, you also need to note the following expenses associated with owning a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix:

Type of ExpenseCost
Food and Treats$70 – $150
Bowls$10 – $40
Toys$30 – $100
Beds$40 – $300
Collars and Leashes$15 – $50
Crates and Carriers$50 – $500
Grooming Essentials$50 – $250
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $500
Initial Vaccine Shots$50 – $200
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$40 – $300
Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500
Microchipping$40 – $60
Dog License$10 – $20
Other Essentials$20 – $80
Total Initial Cost$620 – $3,150

Some of the items above are one-time purchases only, such as the food and water bowls, bed, and crate. Make sure to invest in high-quality ones to avoid buying a replacement if any of them breaks.

Places to Find Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Carolina Shepherd with harness ready for morning walk
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Finding a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix may be challenging as it is quite rare. However, with enough persistence and a little bit of luck, you can definitely find one to take home with you.

Listed below are websites where you can find a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix for sale:

  • AKC Marketplace – This website is owned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They list puppies from litters registered in them, so you can ensure that the puppy you get is of high quality. You can ask Carolina Dog and German Shepherd breeders in this marketplace if they have a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix in their listing.
  • Greenfield Puppies – This is a dog advertising website that intends to connect healthy puppies with caring families. Greenfield Puppies request their breeders to keep the pups up to date on all vaccinations and dewormer. This website offers a variety of puppy selections, including a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix.
  • Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is an advertising source for many reputable breeders that offers a variety of puppies like the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix. They guarantee to only cater to good dog breeders by doing semi-annual surprise inspections to ensure that breeders are raising their pups according to standards.

A Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix may not be available in their listing right away, so keep checking their websites.

If you wish to adopt instead, the list below shows some websites and rescue organizations where you can find a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix for adoption:

  • Adopt-a-Pet – This is an advertising website for pet rescue groups, humane societies, animal shelters, pet adoption agencies, and private owners. Adopt-a-Pet aspires to help homeless pets find their forever home. You can browse their listing to check if they have an available Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix looking for a home.
  • Saving Carolina Dogs – Founded in 2011, this non-profit rescue organization is dedicated to saving Carolina Dogs and Carolina Dog mixes like the Dingo Shepherd mix. They post real-time rescue updates on their Facebook group, including photos and videos of dogs under their care.
  • Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue (MAGSR) – This organization has been rescuing and rehoming German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes since 1999. They have foster homes for their rescued dogs, like the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix, where the dogs receive proper love and care while waiting for their forever home.

Before adopting, make sure you are already familiar with the process of adoption, including what to ask the organization and things to ensure on your end in order to get approved. Moreover, make sure you are financially and emotionally prepared for dog ownership.

Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Carolina Dog Mix

Owning a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix has a few advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide if this dog is for you, make sure you weigh these pros and cons to avoid a mismatch.

Here’s a list of advantages of owning a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix:

  • Highly intelligent and easy to train: Dingo Shepherd mixes are the offspring of two intelligent breeds. Hence, it’s not surprising that this hybrid is highly intelligent and trainable too.
  • Well-mannered: The Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix can be reserved and well-behaved when needed. They are energetic yet gentle when playing with kids. Aside from this, these pups are loving, loyal, and affectionate when it comes to their owners.
  • Generally healthy and has a long lifespan: As mixed breeds, Dingo Shepherd mixes have very few health issues. With this, they have a long lifespan, provided that they are well taken care of.

Meanwhile, here are some of the disadvantages of owning a Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix:

  • Sheds all year round: As they inherit the coat of a German Shepherd, these dogs shed throughout the year. They may need frequent grooming with twice a week of brushing for overall coat care.
  • Requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation: To make up for their energy, Dingo Shepherd mixes need at least two hours of daily activities. Otherwise, the dog might develop unwanted behaviors.
  • Not suitable for apartment living: The Carolina Dog German Shepherd is a medium- to large-sized dog breed that needs a huge space where it can run around. Hence, this hybrid is only recommended for owners who live in a large fenced yard.

Consider these pros and cons to evaluate if the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix is the right dog for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carolina Dog mixed with German Shepherd resting in the hiking spot
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Is Carolina Dog a Mixed Breed?

A Carolina Dog is not a mixed breed but a purebred dog. In fact, it’s one of the purebred dogs with primitive origins.

It’s an ancient dog breed that is believed to be a descendant of the primitive dogs that traveled with Paleo-Indians from Asia to Northern America around 8,000 years ago.

Do Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mixes Shed?

As they may inherit the shedding gene of their parent German Shepherd, Carolina Dog German Shepherd mixes shed. With this, they need regular brushing twice weekly to minimize their shedding and remove dead hair.

Are Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?

Since they shed, Carolina Dog German Shepherd mixes are not hypoallergenic. Because of this, they may not be an ideal match for owners with allergies to dog dander.

Do Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mixes Bark a Lot?

Carolina Dog German Shepherd mixes don’t bark a lot. Although they are affectionate dogs, they can be independent when needed, so barking is not a problem for these mixed breeds.

Final Thoughts

The Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix is a wonderful hybrid that inherits the best characteristics of both its parents. It’s intelligent, loyal, and protective like the German Shepherd and reserved like the Carolina Dog.

This crossbreed makes a wonderful family companion and guard dog with its promising traits. If provided enough love and care, this pet will give you a lot of affection and protection in return.

Moreover, the Carolina Shepherd has some advantages and disadvantages for you to consider. Make sure you weigh these as part of your evaluation if this dog’s temperament fits your lifestyle.

Hopefully, you learned a thing or two in this Dingo Shepherd mix guide. Have you decided if this wonderful pup is for you? Let us know your thoughts about the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix in the comments!

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