The African continent is home to more than 50,000 known plant species, 1,000 mammal species, and 1,500 bird species. In fact, it makes up about a quarter of the entire planet’s biodiversity. So, it makes sense that at least some of our beloved canine companions would also find their origin stories on the Shining Content! Read on to learn more about 11 fascinating African dog breeds!
African Dog Breeds
Most dog breeds from Africa share similar characteristics, as you’ll see in a moment. Given the high temperature of most of the continent’s regions, it’s not surprising that the majority have short (or even no) hair and lean bodies. Some are built to hunt in the wild; others can survive extreme heat without water for many hours (but please, never test that theory).
Most African dog breeds are also high-energy working dogs requiring a lot of exercise. So they are perfect for a physically active household, but not so ideal for sedentary lifestyles. Ready to take a closer look at them? Let’s get started!
Abyssinian Sand Terrier
Also known as the African hairless dog and African elephant dog, these breeds were described as fast-moving with a short, sharp bark.
Their hairlessness is, obviously, their most notable feature, but they were said to have sandy-colored skin with a few patches of hair on their heads and a tuft on their tails.
Does this breed look familiar to you? No? Just wait a few moments and I think you’ll see the resemblance to another dog on this list.
| GROUP: | Non-AKC-recognized; most likely extinct |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | black, gray, bronze, sand; skin can have mottled markings |
| HEIGHT: | 15.5 to 20.5 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 21 to 39 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 12 to 15 years |
| CHARACTER: | Fearless, loyal, affectionate, kid-friendly |
Africanis
Africa’s indigenous dogs are believed to be descended from ancient Egyptian dogs found throughout the Nile Delta around 5,900 years ago. The Africanis is a medium-sized, lightly built dog with a long slender muzzle and, usually, a short coat arguably described as resembling a cross between a Greyhound and a Dingo. Their characteristics (which you can see below) make them good companion dogs!
| GROUP: | Non-AKC-recognized |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Black, black and tan, brown, white |
| HEIGHT: | 20 to 24 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 55 to 100 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 10 to 12 years |
| CHARACTER: | Polite, independent, patient, friendly |
Aidi
Aidis is one of few dog breeds from African countries with thick, dense, and soft coats. They are native to the Altas Mountains of North Africa. Traditionally, they were used as protectors and sheepdogs in the mountains. Though owners should manage their high energy levels to prevent unwelcome aggression, these dog breeds are affectionate.
| GROUP: | Guardian (UKC), Molossian (FCI), not AKC-recognized breed |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | colors vary and can include black, white, red, and tawny |
| HEIGHT: | 20 to 24 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 50 to 55 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 10 to 12 years |
| CHARACTER: | Protective, energetic, affectionate |
Azawakh
The Azawakh is a sighthound originating from the West African Sahara Desert. Their name comes from the Azawagh Valley, which lies in the desert between Mali and Niger, translating to “Land of the North.” The Azawakh has been prized for its loyalty and hunting skills by nomadic Tuareg herders for centuries. They are well adapted to living in harsh desert climates.
| GROUP: | Hound |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Sand, red, white, black, blue, gray, brown, brindle |
| HEIGHT: | 23.5 to 29 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 33 to 55 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 12 to 15 years |
| CHARACTER: | Protective, loyal, independent, energetic |
Basenji
The Basenji is a member of the Spitz and primitive types, according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. The breed produces an unusual yodel-like sound due to its unusually shaped larynx. They also have enormous stamina that needs much exercise to prevent aggression and boredom.
One fun fact about them is they were depicted in ancient Egyptian artifacts and can also be found in ancient Babylonian and Mesopotamian art. They like to chase, watch, and fetch.
| GROUP: | Hound (AKC) |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Sand, red, white, black, blue, gray, brown, brindle |
| HEIGHT: | 16 to 17 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 22 to 24 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 13 to 14 years |
| CHARACTER: | Curious, Intelligent, Quiet, Playful, Energetic, Affectionate, Alert, Confident |
Boerboel
Next on our list are the gentle giant dog breeds of African descent. Boerboels are excellent guard dogs, often mistaken as Corso or mastiff-type due to their large and muscular appearance. They may look intimidating, but they love to please their owners. Boerboel is translated as “farmer’s dog” because they were once kept by farmers due to their fearless and protective intuition.
| GROUP: | Working (AKC) |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Fawn, red, black, brown, brindle |
| HEIGHT: | 22 to 28 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 110 to 200 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 10 to 12 years |
| CHARACTER: | Obedient, Territorial, Intelligent, Loyal, Confident, Playful |
Chinese Crested Dog
Despite their name, these dogs were actually of African origin. In fact, the initial name of Chinese Crested is African Hairless Terrier. According to the experts, their appearance today was a product of cross-breeding with smaller dog species, and as of today, there are three varieties: with hair, without hair, and a combination of the two.
Accordingly termed as the Powderpuff, the Hairless, and the Hairy-Hairless. These breeds are known to be loyal, playful, and affectionate but also stubborn and sensitive. Their tiny bodies also require little exercise, but their sassy attitude covers it all up.
| GROUP: | Toy (AKC) |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Can be hairless except for the head, tail, and feet or fully coated; spotted pink skin with white, feathery hair; Mahogany, blue, lavender, copper |
| HEIGHT: | 11 to 13 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 8 to 12 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 13 to 18 years |
| CHARACTER: | Playful, affectionate, sensitive |
Coton de Tulear
If you look at the photo above, you might mistake it for a Maltese or a Havanese. The Cotons are the dog breeds that are least likely to be known to have originated in Africa because of their white, long fluffy coat. These small companion dogs were named after the city of Tuléar (also known as Toliara) in Madagascar.
Cotons love being around their owners and are known to be preferred in the old times to be domesticated lapdogs of the nobles in Madagascar; hence, being isolated and wasn’t discovered much until the 1960s, when a French tourist found the breed and brought them to Europe. Their love of human attention made them a sensation during those times and up until now.
| GROUP: | Non-sporting (AKC) |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Long, white coat |
| HEIGHT: | 8 to 12 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 8 to 15 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 14 to 17 years |
| CHARACTER: | Playful, gentle, friendly, affectionate |
Sloughi
Nicknamed as ‘Arabian Greyhound,’ these hunting companions are commonly found in Morocco as hunting companions. Sloughi’s lean body is well adapted to the wild of North Africa. They have a reputation for being speedy and strong prey drive; they also are perfect guard dogs due to their aloofness to new encounters. But these giants are also affectionate when it comes to their owners.
| GROUP: | Hound (AKC) |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Short, smooth coat; Light sand, red sand; few markings around the eyes, ears, or tails |
| HEIGHT: | 24 to 29 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 30 to 50 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 10 to 15 years |
| CHARACTER: | Protective, intelligent, energetic |
Saluki
The Saluki currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest dog bloodline in the world, possibly dating back to 7000 B.C., and were the common pet dogs for Egyptian Pharaohs and kings throughout history because of their slender, elegant appearance.
Their athletic body also can run at a speed of 40 miles per hour. In 1927, the Saluki breeds were acknowledged by the American Kennel Club.
| GROUP: | Hound (AKC) |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Short, smooth coat; white, cream, fawn, golden, tricolor, and black and tan |
| HEIGHT: | 23 to 28 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 40 to 65 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 10 to 17 years |
| CHARACTER: | Intelligent, energetic, devoted |
Rhodesian Ridgeback
These fast and powerful athlete dogs were large sighthound dogs bred in the Southern African region. They were used by the natives for hunting lions and protecting hunters for possible predators in the wild. It was believed that the Rhod Ridgeback is a product of cross-breeding native ridged Khoikhoi dogs with other European breeds.
Nonetheless, their intimidating appearance and protective nature require the owners to train their dogs from puppyhood to avoid aggression. Proper training is needed for these dogs to be social and would be an excellent fit for a household.
| GROUP: | Hound (AKC) |
|---|---|
| COAT/COLOR: | Short, smooth coat; white, cream, fawn, golden, tricolor, and black and tan |
| HEIGHT: | 24 to 27 inches |
| WEIGHT: | 70 to 85 pounds |
| LIFESPAN: | 10 to 12 years |
| CHARACTER: | Intelligent, vigilant, stubborn, loyal |
CONCLUSION:
When you adopt a dog, you commit to more than ten years of responsibility and care. There are many different breeds to choose from and many things to consider before making this life-altering decision. Before getting one, you should research their diet, personality, level of training needed, and of course, even the most minor details about them. This list of African dog breeds should provide insight into the available types and help narrow down your choices.
