The Most Important African Dog Breeds

Think, for a moment, of the myriad of animals that populate fascinating  Africa. You will come to mind specimens of all kinds and sizes, mammals, birds, reptiles, curious insects and infallible predators. Although it may seem strange, however, in this still partly wild and genuine territory, there is also room for a large number of African dog breeds .

That’s right: alongside hyenas, lions, elephants, wildebeest, antelopes, rhinos and gorillas, other splendid animals are rightly included in the rich fauna of the black continent . Of course, in this case we are still talking about domestic specimens , used to living next to humans.

In this article we have therefore decided to present and tell you about some of the main dog breeds  from Africa, bred and selected for a very long time.

The most famous African dog breeds

When we talk about African dog breeds, it is interesting to note how these animals  come from very different parts of the continent. A four-legged friend born in  Mother Africa  may in fact be a native of the desert of Egypt, of the Rif of Morocco or even come from the far south. There are also examples typical of the Central African part, still widely present in everyday life today. You are ready? Let’s start our journey into the world of the  most beautiful and interesting African dogs :

1. Basenji

Its country of origin is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, west of Africa. It was used for hunting and retrieving. One of its main characteristics is that it does not bark, but emits a very curious sound (similar to Tyrolean singing).

The Basenji is an ideal dog for homes in which adult people live, usually maintaining a sociable and playful character even in old age, as a kind of grown up but very obedient puppy. It doesn’t like water and cleans itself like cats. It never sheds hair but requires constant physical activity. It has three basic colors: black, brown and brindle, combined with white.

2. Saluki

Known as the true dog of Egypt it is probably one of the oldest dog breeds ever domesticated by man. He is also the direct descendant of the wolves of the Ara desert. It is the true genetic ancestor of the greyhound and was historically bred in a fertile valley near the Nile, thousands of years ago, where agriculture originated.

He is highly regarded by the Bedouins for his ability to hunt gazelles. The Saluki is an independent animal that requires constant training from the first months. He is tall, with a long, curved tail, an elegant coat that can be white, beige, red, brown or black.

3. Coton de Tuléar

This African dog breed owes its name to the coat that is very reminiscent of the texture of cotton. The Coton de Tuléar dog comes from the province of Toliara, south of the island of Madagascar. It has a very soft and white coat (although there are black and copper colored specimens), large eyes, short legs and a curled tail. It weighs up to 6 kg and measures a maximum of 30 cm at the withers.

4. Azawakh

The Mali is the country of origin of this wonderful pet, but today we can find it also in other regions, such as Niger and Burkina Faso. It is of the greyhound type and was traditionally used in the Sahara by nomadic populations as a gazelle hunter and guard dog. It is about 74 cm tall at the withers and thin (its weight is close to 25 kg). It has an elongated head, straight muzzle, large dark eyes, triangular ears and a not very broad tail. He can be reserved towards strangers but is very affectionate with his family. Very sociable, gets along well with other dogs.

5. Atlas Dog (Aidi)

We continue in the discovery of African dog breeds, moving now to the picturesque Morocco. This is the land of the Aidi , a beautiful specimen that has always been used by Berber shepherds in the area of the Atlas Mountains. It is of medium size, with short hair, light color, medium ears and long tail.

6. Arabian Greyhound (Sloughi)

Another African dog breed that originated in Morocco. It is known as the “Arab hound” or Berber dog. Usually its presence affects the whole north of the African continent, being a remarkably widespread dog between Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. It is somewhat related to Azawakh, but has no relationship with the Saluki. The Sloughi has short-haired, drooping ears, a “melancholy” expression, dark brown eyes and a black or beige coat. It is sensitive, intelligent and very alert, as well as loyal to its owner and endowed with a lively energy.

7. Africanis

This dog comes from South Africa, has a short, medium-sized but muscular coat with different colors and often has a small crest on the back. It is agile, lean and very fast. As for their temperament, Africanis are friendly, but more independent than other companion animals and very territorial. Either way, his training is fairly straightforward.

8. Boerboel

Another breed of African dogs born in the south of the continent. It is of the bulldog type and is the result of the crossing between three Germanic breeds: the Great Dane, the Bullmastiff and the Bullenbeisser (now extinct). It is an excellent watchdog, but also for hard work and self defense. The first specimens appeared in the year 1600. It can weigh up to 90 kg and measure 75 cm at the withers. It can be fawn, reddish brown or even gray in color. Obedient, reliable, sociable and affectionate with the owners.

9. Rhodesian ridgeback

We close our interesting review dedicated to the dogs of Africa by talking about a specimen born and raised in Zimbabwe. An excellent companion animal, also used for hunting and as a guard dog. Muscular, agile and fast, he has a short, dense and bright coat. It has a crest formed by hairs on its spine (hence the name ‘ridgeback’). Loyal, intelligent, however, he is wary of strangers and must be trained and used to socialize since he is a puppy.

Africa is a land of elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, crocodiles. .. Well, now that you have learned about these beautiful and interesting African dog breeds, your point of view on African fauna will certainly change a little, you are d ‘ agreement ? Did you expect to find so many beautiful and interesting dogs from the  Black Continent ?