Aside from the lovely nature and exhausting heat, the continent is full of native wild animals. Among them are some of the oldest African dog breeds in history.
As you know, Africa is associated with Egyptian royalty, so it is only natural to be the home of their royal dogs. The African dog breeds are full of history; they are very energetic dogs with great hunting instincts.
Interestingly, all African dog breeds have adjusted to the continent’s climate. Hence, they all have short coats.
Here is our favorite 15 African dog breeds list!
1. Africanis
Let’s start our list of African dog breeds with one of the most primitive breeds globally. This South African dog breed is also known by the name African Hunting Dog, and it originates from South Africa. This ancient dog breed was first considered a mongrel until the 1990s.
However, the society put a lot of effort into its reputation, and it was established by DNA testing that the breed originates from the time of Egyptian dynasties, approximately 7000 BC.
The look of the Africanis is very similar to old Egyptian dogs. They look like a crossed breed between a greyhound and dingo, and their short coat can be black, black and tan, brown, or even white. Their coat requires weekly brushing.
The African Hunting Dog is energetic and very resilient by nature; hence it needs to be on a leash. Still, if it is socialized early, it can become a friendly family member.
Because of their nature, Africanis are a rare breed and can be found in rural communities across South Africa hunting and herding. The size of an average Africanis is from 20 to 24 inches in height and between 50 to 100 pounds, and they live from 10 to 12 years.
The AKC does not recognize this African dog breed.
2. Coton de Tulear
This fluffy, white furball has a Madagascar heritage. Coton de Tulear originates from the Madagascan port of Tulear and is one of the aristocratic African dog breeds. This breed was the lovely companion and preferred lapdog of the nobles of Madagascar. Because of their unconditional love, the African dog breed was isolated from the rest of the world until the 1960s. (*)
Their coat is white, fluffy, and soft as cotton, as the name implies. Although the Coton de Tulear is small and reaches a maximum of 11 inches in height, it is a very sturdy and energetic dog. These cute little dogs have lovely and very comical personalities. They are so friendly and empathetic that they can develop an almost human-like connection.
The Coton de Tulear is a happy and delightful dog preferred by many families. An additional advantage is that this dog breed is hypoallergenic.
The American Kennel Club recognized the African dog breed in 2014. They have one of the largest life expectancies; The Coton de Tulear can live from 15 to 19 years.
3. Basenji
The Basenji is one of the most famous African breeds. This agile and rapid dog is renowned as the “barkless” one, and it is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Its descendant is the Congo, so the Basenji is sometimes referred to as the Congo Terrier.
Same as the Africanis, this African dog breed goes way back to the Egyptians. They loved these dogs so much that they decorated their tombs with artifacts of the Basenji. Ancient Babylonian and Mesopotamian art features many paintings of the Basenji dog.
These African dogs are small-sized; they measure a maximum of 17 inches tall and weigh 24 pounds. Their coat is short and shimmery, and it is always half white, half brownish.
Instead of barking, the Basenji makes an interesting sound when it needs something, similar to yodeling. These dogs are meticulous, intelligent, and independent; they even groom themselves!
The Basenji is a happy and very playful dog. So, if you intend to own one, make some room for it to jump, sprint, and flee.
The American Kennel Club puts this African dog breed in the ‘Hound’ group. Their live 14 years at most.
4. Aidi (Atlas Mountain Dog)
The Atlas Mountain Dog originates from North Africa, Morocco. It was bred in the Atlas Mountains as a protector of the sheep. Since it comes from the mountains, its coat is different from the other African dogs. The Aidi dog is one of the rarest African dog breeds with thick, dense, and soft fur. Still, they don’t shed so much.
These dogs are very observant and careful. They have a strong protective instinct and would be perfect around kids. If they are socialized from a young age, they can become very friendly.
They are excellent watchdogs because of their hunting nature and weight of around 60 pounds.
Aside from being very protective, the Aidi dog is an intelligent and loyal breed. The AKC does not recognize the Aidi dog that usually lives up to 13 years.
5. Saluki
The Saluki, otherwise renowned as ‘Arabian Greyhound,’ is one of the most famous African dog breeds. They possess the ultimate poise and graceful posture. The Saluki is another African breed that has been around for a long time. These dogs were favorite to the Egyptian pharaohs, mainly for their graceful look.
The Salukis are very unapproachable; they are primarily suspicious of strangers. Still, if it gets to know you, it will transform into a quiet and lovable creature. They are very fast and athletic but require minimal exercise throughout the day. They have a smooth and feathered coat that does not often require brushing and grooming appointments.
This African breed can grow up to 29 inches tall and weigh 40 to 70 pounds. The Saluki lives from 10 to 16 years.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The fearless Rhodesian Ridgeback is 6th on our top African dog breeds list. The name comes from their native country Rhodesia, nowadays known as Zimbabwe. Its descendant is the extinct South African dog – Khoikhoi.
These dogs are fearless; they were initially bred to fight with lions! Hence, the African Lion Dog is an expert in battling wild animals like lions, leopards, giant monkeys, etc.
Although they can be stubborn and adventurous, they can make an ideal family companion because they will protect you with their life. The coat of the Rhodesian Ridgeback has different shades of brown.
The Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very large; they are 27 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 85 pounds. This cute but fierce African dog has a very serious-looking appearance.
The dog breed is classified in the Hound category and can live up to 13 years.
7. African Hairless Dog (Abyssinian Sand Terrier)
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is a rare breed of African hairless dog. These dogs are very calm, which makes them great for an apartment-living. However, although they seem very peaceful, they are fearless and loyal. (*)
The African hairless dogs are another African dog breeds that do not bark. Instead, they make some stir. They have charming personalities and socialize well with children and other animals.
Interestingly, the hairless dogs sweat through glands just like people. So, the Abyssinian Sand Terrier requires frequent cleaning.
The African hairless dog can reach up to 20 inches in height and 39 pounds in weight. The AKC does not recognize this breed, and this African dog may be extinct.
8. Chinese Crested Dog
Don’t get tricked by the name; The Chinese Crested Dog does not originate from China! This African dog breed is a cousin of the Abyssinian Sand Terrier and has hairless skin. They have hair only on the crown of their head, neck, legs, and tail.
These dogs are tiny; they reach at most 13 inches in height. Because of the resemblance to famous characters, this dog breed is renowned by Dr. Seuss Dog.
The Chinese Crested Dog is full of life and will bring joy and amusement to your home. This pup is affectionate and loves to snuggle with its family members. Because this breed is hypoallergenic, it is an excellent choice for people who suffer from dog allergies.
The AKC recognized the Chinese Crested Dog and placed the tiny, energetic dog breed in the ‘Toy’ group. This toy dog breed has a life expectancy of 13 to 18 years.
9. Boerboel
This cane Corso and a mastiff-looking dog are among the most popular South African dog breeds. The Boerboel is huge and muscular, so it looks mighty and intimidating. However, they are lovable giants that are both intelligent and charming companions.
The Boerboel was initially bred to protect farms from wild animals. The name means ‘farmers dog.’ Hence, they tend to become aggressive with strangers and other animals. So, it is better to integrate the Boerboel into the family from an early age. Their short coat can be brown, red, or fawn.
These large but lovely dogs weigh between 150 and 200 pounds! The AKC recognized this dog breed and placed it in the ‘working’ group. The Boerboel lives between 9 and 11 years.
10. Sloughi
The ancient African dog breed is one of the African breeds from North Africa. The Sloughi was admired hunting dog of the Egyptian royalty. The Sloughi is still a hunting dog in Morocco.
Although they have a fascinating and unique look, they can be pretty stubborn and challenging, especially for new dog owners. Still, they complement stubbornness with other qualities such as love and protectiveness. In addition, they can be rather affectionate and become the perfect family pet.
The Sloughi is a very smart dog but often fights to stay in control. But once you show him who the master is, it will follow your lead. The Sloughi needs a lot of physical exercise to keep out of trouble. So it would be beneficial if you ensured that it is a really active lifestyle because else, it will spiral out of control and become destructive.
According to the AKC, they belong to the Hound group. They have a very smooth coat and can reach a height of 29 inches. The Sloughi weighs between 35 and 50 pounds and have a life expectancy between 10 and 15 years.
11. Azawakh
Even rarer than the Sloughi, the Azawakh dog is one of the most unusual African dog breeds. This dog that has been chasing gazelles across the desert is quite unpopular in America. Still, if you are lucky enough to have one, keep it on the leash.
The Azawakh dog origin is from the Azawakh Valley, located between the states of Mali and Niger. This dog is adapted to living in harsh desert climates. Thus, its body is covered in lean muscle and fine shiny fur.
The Azawakh is a very independent and loyal dog. It can take a lot to win their trust, but they will be your companion for life once you have it. They thrive on attention and can become very affectionate and playful.
Because of their figure, these dogs are incredibly fast. However, their looks are similar to the Sloughi; tall and super skinny.
12. African Wild Dog
The African Wild Dog is famous by the name Painted Wolf. It is one of the pack African dog breeds, so you can often find this wild dog with its family. These dogs originate from the woodlands of the Sahara.
The African wild dogs are like the wolves; they hunt other animals and are considered a threat by farmers and local people. They are fascinating creatures with many patterns across their body and huge, rounded ears. The African Wild Dog lives within its community, far from humans. They are very recognizable because they are constantly growling or whining.
If you were, by any chance, hoping to get an African wild dog as a pet, don’t even think about it. They are running wild with zero success at domestication.
The African Wild dog is 30 inches tall, 40 to 70 pounds heavy, and can live up to 12 years.
13. Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hound is another one of the Egyptian-Royalty African dog breeds. This rare breed is a bit more popular than the Sloughi. This dog is one of the oldest domesticated dogs in the world.
The Pharaoh Hound is between 21 and 25 inches tall and weighs around 55 pounds. It has a very elegant and short coat with red or golden spots. Its larger ears complement the noble look.
However, don’t get fooled by the elegant look; this dog was bred to chase prey and is not used to giving up. Still, they are pretty friendly and loving dogs that enjoy some family time.
The Pharaoh Hound is a loner; it likes to be left alone for more extended periods. Hence, it does not make an excellent guard dog.
14. Greyhound
The Greyhound is one of the oldest African dog breeds. Ancient Egyptians looked at Greyhounds as gods. Also, this is the only dog breed mentioned in the Bible! Pretty impressive, right?
This dog breed is confident and reserved, just like absolute royalty. They have been an object of fascination between many poets and artists. Also, they are very fast runners, so that they would require a daily dosage of exercise. They should be socialized to become more friendly and affectionate from a young age.
The Greyhound can reach a height of 30 inches and weighs around 70 pounds. Their life expectancy is from 10 to 13 years.
15. Armant
The Armant is Africa’s herding dog of choice. It is one of the younger African dog breeds originating from the 20th century. This pup is very active and needs to work hard for at least an hour to burn off its energy.
The Armant is very caring, fond of children, protective, and loyal. His coat is medium-length and requires constant brushing at least two times a week.
Theteddy-bear dog of Africa measured 23 inches tall and could weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.
FAQ
Conclusion
Africa is a continent that amazes us with its flora and fauna. But, when it comes to dogs, offer the world many different kinds, hairless dogs, barkless dogs, and even wild, wolf-like dogs!
We recommend choosing a Coton de Tulear, Basenji, or Rhodesian Ridgeback if you want to own an African dog breed. These three are the most family-friendly companions on the list.
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*photo by Wirestock – depositphotos