12 African Dog Breeds And Their Amazing Stories

Do you recognize any of these unique breeds?

Reviewed by Bartley Harrison

As the world’s second-largest continent, Africa is home to many exotic animal species, but there are also many African dog breeds that make lovely companion animals. Some breeds are widespread across the globe, while others only exist in Africa.

Tourists flock to Africa to go on safaris, where they have a chance to spot the continent’s amazing elephants, giraffes, and lions on wildlife preserves. Typically overlooked are their dogs, who vary enormously and have unique appearances, temperaments, and history.

Here are 12 unique African dog breeds that dog lovers enjoy.

Tip

If considering a first-time pet, before considering their appearance, instead search for a dog that matches your lifestyle. High-energy working dogs, like most African dog breeds, require a lot of exercise, wouldn't mind going on runs with their people, and could be a good choice for guarding the home if that's what you want in a dog.

Saluki

Looking at a saluki, the first thing you’ll notice is how tall and slender they appear. While they are slim, salukis are very strong, balanced, and athletic. Historians believe this African dog breed is one of the oldest globally, possibly dating back to 7000 B.C.

Salukis were favorites of Egyptian pharaohs and kings throughout history, and their elegant appearance is likely why they are still popular pets in current times. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the saluki in 1927, which marked their rise in popularity in the U.S.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)

Height: 23 to 28 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, quiet, aloof

Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Smooth or feathered; colors include white, cream, fawn, golden, tricolor, and black and tan

Life Span: 10 to 17 years

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The unique Rhodesian ridgeback was created when breeders crossed the native ridged Khoikhoi dog with European breeds like various terriers brought to southern Africa by Dutch colonists. Hunters found these ridged dogs excellent at confronting lions, which made them extremely valuable hunting dogs.

They were also proven experts at fending off dangerous animals like leopards and monkeys and could hunt prey, like antelope, for food. The active and loyal breed increases in popularity each year, especially in the U.S.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)

Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 70 to 85 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Independent, courageous, protective

Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Ridge on the back; short and dense coat; colors range from light to red wheaten with small white markings on chest and toes; may have a black mask

Life Span: 10 to 12 years

African Wild Dog

Also known as the painted dog or painted wolf, the African wild dog is a unique canine species Lycaon pictus that typically roams the plains and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa in packs.

These wild dogs are not domesticated and are like the wolves of the African continent. They hunt antelope, rodents, birds, and sometimes, even large wildebeests. Hunters and farmers often kill African wild dogs due to their threatening behavior. These wild dogs are endangered animals.

Breed Overview

Group: Wild animal; not an AKC-recognized breed

Height: 30 inches
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Wild, courageous, vocal

Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short; spotted markings with patches of red, black, brown, white, and yellow fur

Life Span: 10 to 12 years

Aidi (Atlas Mountain Dog)

Even though this breed hails from the hot African continent, the Aidi’s coat is actually thick, dense, and soft to the touch. Their plush coat is one of the reasons why the Aidi reminds people so much of traditional sheepdogs. The breed was originally developed in Morocco to protect their family from predators in the mountains where they worked.

Because Aidis are smart, protective, and loyal, they became popular pets. The American Kennel Club does not currently recognize the breed, but it is recognized by several other canine organizations and continues to prove its excellence in North Africa.

Breed Overview

Group: Guardian (UKC), Molossian (FCI), not an AKC-recognized breed

Height: 20 to 24 inches
Weight: 50 to 55 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, protective

Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Thick, coarse, medium-length coat; colors include black, white, red, and tawny

Life Span: 10 to 12 years

Boerboel

Boerboels are often mistaken for cane corsos or a mastiff-type due to their large, muscular appearance and blocky head. Their looks are powerful and intimidating, but boerboels are gentle giants who are intelligent and loyal companions and are exceptionally great with kids.

This African dog breed came to fruition after interbreeding between European guard dogs, including bull and mastiff types and African bloodlines. The boerboel, translated as the “farmer's dog,” was kept by farmers due to a fearless attitude and protective nature.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 22 to 27 inches
Weight: 150 to 200 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Protective, alert, fearless

Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and dense; shades of brown, red, and fawn; may have brindle or piebald markings

Life Span: 9 to 11 years

Sloughi

The history of the Sloughi breed remains largely a mystery, but experts can confirm that hunters especially loved hounds like the Sloughi, and they were popular hunting companions among Egyptian royalty as well as nomads. They are commonly found in Morocco, where they are still used for hunting.

Sloughis are also used as guard dogs because of their aloofness towards strangers. But don’t be fooled—Sloughis are often affectionate with those they know, and they make lovely pets.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)

Height: 24 to 29 inches
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Attentive, loyal, intelligent

Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; all shades of cream to red; may have brindle or black markings around the eyes or ears

Life Span: 10 to 15 years

Basenji

The basenji is depicted in ancient Egyptian artifacts, and can also be found in ancient Babylonian and Mesopotamian art. They may have a small and compact body, but that does not mean they aren’t athletic. Basenjis have an incredible amount of stamina and, thus, they have high exercise needs to prevent boredom. If you can meet their exercise needs, they are lovely, affectionate pets.

A plus—basenjis don’t bark. Instead, they make yodeling noises that are less disruptive. If that’s not enough for you, the basenji has a long history of domestication, proving that they make top-notch pets. And they have a low-maintenance grooming routine, requiring only weekly brushing to reduce shedding.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)

Height: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: 22 to 24 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Quiet, intelligent, independent

Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, fine; colors include red, black, tricolor, or brindle with white markings on feet, chest, and tail

Life Span: 13 to 14 years

Abyssinian Sand Terrier (Hairless African Dog)

This extremely rare African dog breed features long bodies and varying skin tones. The most striking feature of this breed is their hairlessness. They may have hair on their heads and the ends of their tails.

Though preserved taxidermy examples exist in museums, the breed is thought to be extinct. It may be the source of other hairless breeds like the Chinese crested, but its history has been lost to time.

Breed Overview

Group: Not an AKC-recognized breed; possibly extinct

Height: 15.5 to 20.5 inches
Weight: 21 to 39 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Hardy, independent, active

Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Colors include black, gray, bronze, sand; skin can have mottled markings; hairless except for some tufts of hair on head and tail

Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Chinese Crested

The exact origin of the Chinese crested is unknown, but experts believe they evolved from other African hairless dogs that were crossed with smaller Chinese breeds. You may be familiar with the adorable Chinese crested dog if you are an avid dog show viewer. While these dogs are tiny, Chinese cresteds are very energetic and love to spend time running and walking with their humans.

Chinese crested dogs stand out among other breeds because of their unique look. The breed is primarily hairless with pink-ish skin. Tufts of hair typically top their heads, giving them a fun, furry hairdo. Because of the complex genetics of hairlessness, there is a recognized "powderpuff" variety of Chinese crested dogs that has a full, soft coat.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)

Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Playful, social, intelligent

Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Can be hairless except for the head, tail, and feet or fully coated; spotted pink skin with white, feathery hair

Life Span: 13 to 18 years

Coton de Tulear

Upon hearing the words "African dog breed,” the white, fluffy coton de Tulear is likely the last kind of dog that comes to mind. This short, squat cotton puff is a happy companion dog who loves being around their family and amusing them with silly antics or fun tricks.

The breed was once the preferred lapdog of the nobles of Madagascar, an island nation off the coast of Africa. These nobles wanted to keep the adorable breed for themselves, and thus the coton de Tulear was isolated from the rest of the world for centuries. In the 1960s, French tourists discovered the breed and brought the dogs to Europe, making them an instant hit. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in 2014.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)

Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Playful, companionable, affectionate

Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, fluffy; white

Life Span: 15 to 19 years

Africanis

Africanis a name given to the native dogs of southern Africa. This is one of the few primitive breeds left globally and is an indigenous South African dog breed. Previously dismissed as mongrels, DNA testing confirms that the Africanis is a distinct breed. It dates back further than the Egyptian dynasties, with origins from approximately 5000 B.C.

This dog looks like a cross between a greyhound and a dingo. Today, the Africanis exists in rural tribal communities in South Africa, where they continue their traditional lifestyle as their hunting, herding, and guard dogs.

Breed Overview

Group: Not an AKC-recognized breed

Height: 20 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 100 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Protective, friendly, independent

Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short; black, black and tan, brown, white

Life Span: 10 to 12 years

Azawakh

The ancient and elegant Azawakh originates from the West African Sahara Desert. Their name comes from the Azawakh Valley, which lies in the desert between Mali and Niger, translating to "Land of the North."

They are loyal to their families but can act wary around strangers. This high prey drive sighthound also guards the livestock of their nomadic Tuareg herders. They are highly regarded for their companionship and hunting skills. They are well-adapted to living in harsh desert climes.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)

Height: 23 to 29 inches

Weight: 33 to 55 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Attentive, playful, gentle

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Short, fine; stomach may be hairless; colors include sand to dark red, white, black, blue, gray, brindle, grizzle, and all shades of brown, including chocolate

Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Breed Characteristics

The diverse landscape of Africa varies from deserts to tropical rainforests and mountains to grassy savannas. African dog breeds have several common qualities. They've adapted to the continent's hot climate with short coats and lean bodies.

They're energetic working dogs that have developed intense hunting and guarding instincts. They also tend to bond well with their people and have established a reliance on each other.

Breeds to Avoid

If you have your heart set on getting an African dog breed, the worst choice would be taking in an African wild dog puppy. They are tough to come by in the U.S., and in most cases, are illegal to keep in a majority of the states (like other wild canines, such as wolves and foxes). These exotic wild dogs are also hypercarnivores, requiring meat for 70% of their diet. On the other hand, the easiest to find would likely be the Rhodesian ridgeback, coton de Tulear, or basenji.

Read Next: 6 Egyptian Dog Breeds

Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.