Meet 7 Amazing African Dog Breeds
In today’s article, we will talk about some of the most impressive African dog breeds. We will also discuss their personality traits and facts. This article will also give detailed information about which dog breed will be the most preferable and which one is the best for hunting. So let’s start a discussion about these African dog breeds.
Africa is known for its unique animals like elephants, zebras, and giraffes. But do you know there are distinct African dog breeds, and many are becoming increasingly popular pets worldwide?
African Dog Breeds
Look at some of the most popular dog breeds native to Africa. The continent is large and home to many exotic, extraordinary animals, so it’s no surprise that these dogs range significantly in appearance and temperament. In short, One thing is sure, African dog breeds are unique and beautiful, each in their excellent way.
1. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The most popular of the African dog breeds on this list, the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranked 42nd on the AKC’s list of top dog breeds in 2018. The species becomes popular year over year.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback hailed from South Africa and was created when the ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi were mixed with European dogs in the late 19th century. This cross made a ferocious and fearless dog to fend off dangerous animals like lions, leopards, and baboons while also obeying its owner’s commands and serving as an obedient companion.
2. Boerboel African Dog Breed
The Boerboel is another breed with origins in South Africa. One of the most powerful dogs, the Boerboel, was bred to guard the homestead. This African dog breed is 22-27 inches tall and 150-200 pounds in weight. That’s a dog you don’t want to mess with.
Fortunately, with proper training and the right owner, the Boerboel is a confident and calm dog that serves his companions with the utmost faithfulness.
- Temperament: Obedient, Intelligent, Loyal, Confident, Territorial, Dominant
- Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- Weight: Male: 60–79 kg, Female: 55–73 kg
- Height: Male: 64–70 cm, Female: 59–65 cm
- Colors: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Piebald, Mahogany, Cream, Brown, Red
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Origin: South Africa
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3. Sloughi
The Sloughi is another African dog breed, and these kinds of dog breeds are known for their hunting skills, speed, and endurance over long distances. These African dogs are Found in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. The breed is mainly unchanged from ancient times. It has the nickname the “Arabian Greyhound.”
The height of Sloughi is 24-29 inches, and its weight is 35-50 pounds. Also, Sloughi is a long and lean dog with a graceful gait. As for personality, it is intelligent and loyal, albeit somewhat aloof.
Sloughis have high energy levels and need lots of exercises to stay happy and healthy. Couch potatoes, drag on to a breed that pushes at your speed because this dog will leave you in the dust if you can’t handle physical activity. But this dog will be a loving, lifelong companion for a pet parent who can keep up.
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See below for a complete list of dog breed traits and facts about Sloughis!
- Temperament: Sensitive, Intelligent, Alert, Faithful
- Origin: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, North Africa, Libya
- Weight: Female: 18–23 kg, Male: 22–28 kg
- Colors: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Sandy
- Height: Female: 61–68 cm, Male: 66–72 cm
- Life span: 12 – 16 years
- Other names: Uskay (Oska), Berber Greyhound; Arabian Greyhound; Sloughi Mughrabi
4. Africanis
Africanis is essentially a general term for the locally adapted dogs of South Africa. Because of this, there are no formal breed standards for the dog.
The Africanis, an indigenous South African dog breed, is one of the few primal breeds that exited globally and was earlier dismissed as crossbreeds. DNA testing confirms that the Africanis is a distinct breed, dating back to the Egyptian dynasties, from approximately 7000 BC.
Today, the Africanis live in rural tribal societies in South Africa, where they continue their normal lifestyle of hunting, herding, and guarding dogs.
It is believed that the Africanis are of ancient origin and descended directly from hounds and pariah dogs of ancient Africa. Likewise, medium in size, they boast a short coat, muscular build, and longer than the average tail.
Also, Africanis is a covering term for dogs native to Southern Africa and are one of only a handful of wild dog breeds today. They evolved naturally over thousands of years, adapting to the rapid climates and terrains they settled.
- Temperament: Territorial, Friendly, Independent, Trainable, Watchful
- Origin: South Africa
- Colors: Black, White, Tan, Brown
- Scientific name: Canis lupus familiarise
- Higher classification: Dog
- Rank: Animal breed
- Coat: Short and compact
5. Basenji
Originating in central Africa, the Basenji is a type of small hunting dog with an alert, energetic, and curious personality. The breed stands about 16-17 inches tall and weighs 21-24 pounds on average. As for appearance, the species is distinguished by its pointy ears, tightly curled tail, and square, athletic body.
The Basenji is a barkless dog because of the strange yodel-like sound it makes. Its unusually shaped larynx causes this.
For thousands of years, Basenji-like dogs have lived with humans in Africa. Not surprisingly, the Basenji has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of modern dog breeds in the 19th century.
- Temperament: Curious, Quiet, Intelligent, Affectionate, Energetic, Alert, Confident, Playful
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Height: Male: 41–43 cm, Female: 38–41 cm
- Colors: Black, Brindle, Tri-color, Tan, Black & They’reRed
- Weight: Male: 10–12 kg, Female: 9–11 kg
- Origin: the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years
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6. Azawakh
Conceiving in West Africa, the Azawakh is also an African dog breed. Among all African dog breeds, this tall dog was initially bred to guard and for hunting. It can be found in parts of Don’tali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The Azawakh is a fantastic dog breed from West Africa. But, With ancient origins, it is grown throughout the Sahelian area of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This region has the Azawagh Valley, for which the breed is named.
A dog breed called for the Azawakh Valley in the Sahara desert, where they created this, is a lean and fast hunter with a royal. They’re proud but trustworthy and protective of their home and family.
Its thin ‘body ‘structure sets the Azawakh apart from other African dog breeds. The dog is lean, and its bones can be seen far away. But despite its appearance, this dog breed is quite a healthy breed.
Although these are rare, purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of protection or rescue groups. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop if you want to get one of these dogs home.
- Temperament: Aloof, Attentive, Affectionate, Fierce, Rugged, Refined
- Speed: 64 km/h (Maximum)
- Height: 61 – 74 cm (Adult)
- Colors: Black, Brindle, Blue Fawn, Clear Sand, Dark Fawn, Grizzle
- Mass: 15 – 25 kg (Adult)
- Life span: 10 – 12 years
- Origin: Mali, Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso
7. Aidi
Moving on to other African dog breeds, let’s look at the Aidi, a dog indigenous to North Africa. With a fearless personality, the ‘Aidi’ lived and worked in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and served as a loyal protector over its owner and property.
At 20–24 inches in height and around 55 pounds in weight, the Aidi is a medium-sized dog with a lean, muscular frame. It is distinguished by its thick, weather-resistant coat and plumed tail.
Here are some of the African dog breeds. Usually, people do not have any idea about African dog breeds. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to get more details about other pets.
- Origin: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya
- Mass: 25 kg (Adult)
- Height: 51 – 64 cm (Adult)
- Colors: Black, White, Tawny, Black & White, Red
- Scientific name: Canis lupus familiarise
- Temperament: Powerful, Agile, Energetic, Alert, Protective, Sensitive
- Higher classification: Dog