Africanis Dog Breed: The Ultimate Guide
Africanis is a purebred medium-sized dog breed of the hound group. The Africanis, an indigenous South African dog breed, is one of the few primitive breeds left globally and was previously dismissed as mongrels. DNA testing confirms that the Africanis is a distinct breed, and it dates back further than the Egyptian dynasties, from approximately 7000 BC.
Africanis looks like a cross between a greyhound and a dingo. Today, the Africanis exist in rural tribal communities in South Africa, where they continue their traditional lifestyle as their hunting, herding, and guard dogs.
The Africanis is a blanket term for dogs native to Southern Africa and are one of only a handful of natural indigenous dog breeds today. They evolved naturally over thousands of years, adapting to the immediate climates and terrains they inhabited.
The Africanis breed is known as a ‘land race’ in that they evolved naturally without any human intervention or artificial breeding. Nature, not people, sculpted them to suit the environmental conditions of Africa.
Africanis is found all over the Southern African subcontinent. It is known by various names, in different languages, typically based on the part of the country and the indigenous tribal origins. That is why we use a universal term, canis (dog) of Africa — Africanis. The other names for Africanis include African Dog, Bantu Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Zulu Dog, Khoikhoi Dog.
View Table of Contents
- What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Africanis?
- What are the Physical Traits of the Africanis Dog?
- What are the Social Traits of the Africanis?
- What are the Personality Traits of Africanis Breed?
- What are the Different Types of Africanis Dog?
- What is the Average Lifespan of the Africanis Dog?
- What is the Average Maintenance Cost for Africanis Dog?
- What is the best diet for Africanis?
- How to train an Africanis Dog?
- Where to Buy or Adopt an Africanis?
- How to Name an Africanis?
- What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Africanis?
What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Africanis?
The Africanis dog is well-disposed but never intrusive, but always watchful and protective. Their canine behavior is unspoiled, and they communicate with their owners using body language, facial expressions, and different ear movements. Their natural survival instinct and high intelligence enable them to deal with various circumstances calmly.
Africanis dogs are typically extremely friendly and loyal and become very attached to their human owners. They can be territorial and are very watchful and protective of their loved ones, but they are also affectionate and playful. Due to their traditional use as farm and hunting dogs, they have also developed a tendency to guard and protect livestock and are excellent trackers. Africanis are working dogs, with a popularity rank of 511. The lifespan of Africanis in domestic setups is 10 to 12 years.
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Africanis |
Characteristics |
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Temperament |
Africanis are very loyal and courageous with tremendous stamina. It is very playful and intelligent. Good with kids and very social. |
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Adaptability Level |
Their exposure to harsh conditions and treatment over the centuries means they have evolved into a tough, rugged breed with a highly attuned survival instinct. However, Africanis do not adapt well to cold climates, and restricted spaces like apartments are not for this breed. |
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Sensitivity Level |
Africanis have an average emotional level. Sometimes it’s okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music. Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by mild punishment. |
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Affection Level |
They love their personal space and may not always be open to hugs and cuddles. |
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Overall Friendliness |
Africanis are friendly, lovable, eager to please, and submissive. They are equally patient with people and get along with everyone in the family, adults and kids. Africanis dogs are typically extremely friendly and loyal and become very attached to their human owners. They can be territorial and are very watchful and protective of their loved ones, but are also affectionate and playful. |
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Kid-Friendly |
Although parents should supervise all interactions between canines and children, the Africanis dogs are exceptionally patient and playful with children and can typically be trusted to be gentle. |
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Pet-Friendly |
Africanis are not generally aggressive toward other canines unless their family is directly threatened, |
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Playfulness Level |
Africanis displays unspoiled social canine behavior with a high level of facial expressions and body language. |
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Energy Levels |
Africanis has a great deal of stamina and energy. |
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Trainability Level |
Africanis can be trained with perfect ease. They are generally submissive dogs and react well to the directions of their master. They are friendly in nature and can be easily taught.. |
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Intelligence Level |
Africanis are highly intelligent, extremely active, and agile. |
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Barking Tendency |
Top reasons for barking include protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking. |
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Shedding Level |
The Africanis don’t shed much; thus, they have low maintenance needs. |
What are the Physical Traits of the Africanis Dog?
The Africanis is a plain-looking, short-haired, medium-sized dog that comes in an extensive range of colors, with or without markings. Africanis has long, thin, curving tails. Their ears are typically indicators of how they experience their surroundings with droopy, semi-erect or erect ears. Africanis appear slim, but their lean bodies are well-muscled, supple, and agile, perfect for supporting long-distance, high-speed running on rough terrain.
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Africanis Physical Trait |
Description |
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Size |
Medium |
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Weight Range |
Males and females 55 and 100 pounds |
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Height at the withers |
Males and females 20 and 24 inches |
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Coat Type |
Compact short-coated, harsh and thick, very short on head and limbs. The length and density of the undercoat vary with the seasons. Wire-haired dogs are possible. A ridge on the back: (symmetric or non-symmetric of indefinite length can occur). |
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Coat Color |
A variety of colors, most prevalent are white, black, brown, and tan. Any color or combinations are permissible. |
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Coat Markings |
Like the coat colors, any markings can occur. |
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Strength and Agility |
The Africanis are slenderly built and well-muscled. It is agile and supple, moves naturally and easily, and can run at great speed. |
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Muscle Structure |
The Africanis is muscular with a medium-sized elongated body. |
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Leg Structure |
Long, lean with well-developed muscles |
What are the Social Traits of the Africanis?
Africanis dogs are typically extremely friendly and loyal, and they become very attached to their human owners. They can be territorial and are very watchful and protective of their loved ones, but are also affectionate and playful. Due to their traditional use as farm and hunting dogs, they have also developed a tendency to guard and protect livestock, and they are also excellent trackers. More of the Africanis breed’s social traits are listed below.
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Africanis Breed |
Social Traits |
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Relationship with Family |
The Africanis are kid-friendly, comfortable with other pets, and happy with any family that will see that they get enough exercise. They can adapt to different environments, except frigid climates. Their submissive nature makes it easy to train them, and it doesn’t take long to turn them into well-mannered dogs. Africanis are suitable for all families, even those new to sharing their homes with canine companions. |
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Relationship with Strangers |
Exposure to harsh conditions and treatment over the centuries helped Africanis evolve into a resilient, rugged breed with a strong survival instinct. It also made them jumpy, nervous, or aggressive in threatening situations or encountering strangers. |
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Relationship with Other Dogs |
Africanis never moved in packs over the years before their domestication. They are loyal, defensive, and highly protective of their human families. Their mistrust of other dogs is not for fear of losing their alpha status but purely to protect their families. They live in peace with other pets but do not trust other dogs. Socializing or simultaneously raising more than one pup can help them get along. Africanis are also highly territorial, and they mistrust any other canines they deem threatening. |
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Relationship with Older People |
For centuries, Africanis lived with various tribes in rural settlements. They served as hunters, herders, and guardians. Their instinct to guard and protect, their friendly nature, and their willingness to please make them excellent companion dogs. Whenever the younger tribe members took their working dogs out hunting or scavaging herbs and other fresh food from nature, the elderly family members remained behind under the protection of the Africanis that served as guard dogs. Trusting relationships led to many special bonds between older people and their canine guardians. However, they are not apartment dogs. |
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Relationship with Children |
Africanis are gentle, loving, and patient when interacting with children. Play biting and nipping are not typical Africanis’ behavior, and the dogs can generally be trusted around children. These gentle dogs might even allow some tail or ear pulling without snapping at a child. However, parents would be wise to teach their children to respect all dogs, their own and dogs they encounter elsewhere. |
What are the Personality Traits of Africanis Breed?
Africanis are independent but polite and obedient to their owners. The Africanis is a friendly and playful dog breed, making it a popular pet and a great furry companion for kids. Africanis ancestors spent centuries in nature, and their descendants use that innate alert watchfulness when they spend time in nature.
Aging Africanis tend to become temperamental and moody as they grow older. However, life-stage appropriate nutrition and moderate daily activity can ensure healthy aging. Younger Africanis need more daily activity, like a blend of long, brisk walks and playtime in the backyard. Active families can let their Africanis companion run along when they go jogging, cycling, or even skateboarding on a strong leash.
Africanis live to please their owners, and training them is never a problem. This breed is submissive and reacts positively to its owners’ directions. Their friendly disposition makes them easy to teach.
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Africanis |
Personality Traits |
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Trainability Level |
Africanis is bound to its human family and territory, making it a breed of admirable loyalty and likely also the easiest breed to train. They will obediently follow their owners on a walk for many hours without being on a leash, willing to please. Their high levels of intelligence make the training process a rewarding and bonding one. |
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Barking Level |
Barking is the way dogs communicate. They bark in response to the barking of other dogs, even those in the distance. They bark to deter perpetrators or intruders and warn their owners. So barking is dogs’ natural way to communicate. Africanis dogs do not bark unnecessarily. |
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Energy Level |
The Africanis have a high drive to survive, and a very potentially energetic demeanor comes with it. However, Africanis understand the need to conserve this energy, so they are not needlessly hyper. They demand to stretch their legs frequently enough, and they do need long daily walks or a significant run. |
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Mental Stimulation Needs |
Africanis can only maintain high intelligence levels through frequent mental stimulation to exercise their brains; likewise, dogs who spend their days running need physical exercise to keep their bodies in optimal health. If Africanis do not get the necessary mental stimulation, they’ll find ways to stay busy, usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. |
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Temperament |
Africanis are friendly, eager to please, lovable, and submissive. They are equally patient with people and get along with everyone in the family, adults, and kids. They love their personal space and may not always be ready for hugs and cuddles, and it’s best to leave it until they show a need for affection. Try not to push them during these moments, or they may react in a way quite unlike their gentle nature. As they grow older, they tend to get grumpy. |
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Adaptability Level |
The Africanis is described as a somewhat domesticated dog but also a bit feral. They have hunted and lived in hot and mild climates all over Africa, with frequent changes in circumstances. Africanis are becoming sought-after companion dogs worldwide, and prospective owners of Africanis should note that they can adapt to all but two conditions. Apartment living is not for them unless the Africanis have enough space to use their energy outside. Secondly, although they have a double coat, it is not thick enough to protect them from the cold. They may struggle to live with families in areas where winters are long and very cold. |
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Playfulness level |
Africanis dogs are exceptionally patient and playful with children and can typically be trusted to be gentle. Parents should supervise playtimes to respond if the Africanis indicates that he is no longer comfortable. Be sure, this intelligent, loveable dog will not harm a child but raise the alarm to ask the parent to step in instead. |
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Protectiveness level |
Although Africanis are very attached to humans, they need space. They show care and loyalty not by coming to their owners for cuddles. Instead, the Africanis will find a position from where they can watch over their families and warn them of anything they deem threatening. |
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Danger Level |
Africanis tend to be amicable with other dogs. Although they are watchful and alert you to any threats, they are not typically aggressive canines, except when their family is directly threatened. |
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Aggressiveness level |
The Africanis breed is not aggressive toward any family members. However, they have a problem with strangers, both humans, and canines. When they encounter unfamiliar guests or strange dogs, Africanis will watch their owners for cues, remain alert, and only resort to aggression if their owners’ safety is challenged. |
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Attack Possibility |
The Africanis have a low chance of attacking somebody. Top reasons for dog attacks include protection, pain, being provoked, and if someone harms their family. |
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Compassion Level |
Africanis have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. However, they are very close to their families and intelligent enough to sense any emotional issues in their humans. The Africanis are even more protective of their families when that happens. |
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Smartness Level |
The Africanis breed is highly intelligent. One example of the Africanis’ smartness is their ability to understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions. |
What are the Different Types of Africanis Dog?
A number of African dog breeds share traits that trace their roots back thousands of years. Over 12 million square miles in 54 countries, the diverse landscapes of the African continent vary from desert to tropical rainforests and mountains to vast grassy plateau highlands. There is one group of dogs that ties it all together. Ancient Egyptian murals and rock paintings from Egypt to South Africa depict slim, muscular dogs as hunters, gatherers, herders, and protectors.
As people and their dogs migrated to various parts of Africa, different indigenous breeds evolved and adapted to their environments. Centuries of migrating indigenous people and their dogs adapting to new conditions led to several African dog breeds collectively known as AfriCanis (Africa plus canis the Latin word meaning dog).
The one true dog of Africa has the honor of carrying the name of Africanis – one of the few primitive breeds left in the world. DNA tests determined that these South African dogs developed without human interference or breeding. Some authorities say no organized breeding took place, and therefore the Africanis is a landrace and not a breed. However, the list below shows other African-origin dogs grouped as Africanis breeds even though they have different names.
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African Breed |
Information |
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Sloughi Height 24 – 29 inches Weight 35 – 50 pounds |
Sloughis were treasured as much as an Arabian horse by North African nomads due to their outstanding hunting abilities. Sloughis pursued gazelle, ostrich, and other game. The Sloughi’s status was such that they were decorated with amulets and jewelry and allowed to sleep in their owners’ tents. Sloughis came to Europe during the late 1800s, and in 1925, the French Sighthound Association set the original Sloughi breed standard in France. Sloughis were introduced to the US in 1973, and the AKC officially recognized the breed in 2016. |
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Azawakh Height 24 – 29 inches Weight 33 – 44 pounds |
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 highly regarded for their companionship and hunting skills. They are well adapted to living in harsh desert climates. Several archaeological findings spanning from 5,000 to 9,000 years ago show dogs that have been identified as potential ancestors to a number of modern breeds. Among the oldest of these varieties were dogs that closely resemble sighthounds, which are frequently depicted running down fleet-footed gazelles and hares. |
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Basenji Height 16 – 17 inches Weight 22 – 24 pounds |
“The barkless dog from Africa,” the Basenji, is one of the few African dog breeds that share similar traits to a wolf, including an inability to bark. It is a small, intelligent, mischievous, lively, and stubborn member of the African dog breeds group and among the oldest dog breeds in the world. Basenjis are born with a condition called flattened larynx, which prevents barking. However, this little hunter from the Congo basin has vocals that range from a yodel to a scream that makes your hair rise. Westerners first discovered the breed during the 19th century. Basenji, whose name translates to “small wild thing from the bush,” was deemed more valuable to tribesmen than their wives. The first Basenjis taken to Europe did not survive, but some arrived in the US and England in the 1930s |
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Boerboel Height 22 – 27 inches Weight 150 – 200 pounds |
The huge Boerboel is one of the most powerful dogs in the world – but still confident, calm, and faithful. The breed is renowned for its courage and protective nature. The Boerboel is lively, mischievous, intelligent, and stubborn, group and among the oldest dog breeds in the world. This breed was developed by farmers in South Africa mainly as guard dogs to protect against predators and hold down wounded game. Its name literally means “Farmer’s Dog” from the Afrikaans Language “Boer,” for a farmer, and “Boel,” a slang term for a dog. The Boerboel is territorial and protective, combined with intelligence and calm courage. They are intelligent, very loyal and good with children. The Boerboel Breeders Association was established in 1983 to create a breed standard and promote the dog as a uniquely South African breed. |
Thus, big African dogs like the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not so many breeds in themselves as they are part of the breed “Africanis,” along with the other native South African dog types that many perceive as separate breeds. These include African Dog, Bantu Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Zulu Dog, Khoikhoi Dog.
What is the Average Lifespan of the Africanis Dog?
The Africanis presents many contradictions. The first is Africanis, referring to a particular dog breed and a group of dogs roaming Africa with nomads, sowing their seeds across the continent. Mixes with different dogs in different locations resulted in many varieties. Among them is the Africanis deemed to have had no one but Mother Nature involved in its breeding, the purest of all.
Other contradictions include the fact that all the Africanis varieties can live in nature and as companion dogs and family pets. In the wild, they are pack dogs, but as domestic pets, they do not tolerate other dogs. They fight for pack leader status in the wild but are happy to be submissive to their owners in domestic setups. DNA determined that these dogs share similar DNA, and while some call them breeds, others say these dogs were not selectively bred and should be called a landrace instead of a breed.
When it comes to life expectations, domesticated dogs of the Africanis group are expected to live longer than in the wild. The expected lifespans of some of the Africanis breeds are listed below.
- Africanis 10 to 12 years
- Sloughi 10 – 15 years
- Basenji 10 – 12 years
- Boerboel 9 – 11 years
- Azawakh 10 – 12 years
What is the Average Maintenance Cost for Africanis Dog?
First-time Africanis owners should consider all the long-term expenses of purchasing or rescuing an Africanis before doing it. It is a good idea to be prepared for the financial responsibilities of bringing a new pup home.
The typical annual costs of having an Africanis:
- US: Average $650 USD
- Australia: Average $1,500 AUD
- United Kingdom: Average ₤ 1,183
The most regular annual costs for Africanis dogs consist of:
- Food items
- Veterinary care
- Vaccinations
- Preventive medicine
- Toys
- Pet Insurance
- Pet Supplies
Grooming the Africanis is effortless because its coat is so short. Thus, professional grooming will not form part of the maintenance costs of Africanis. Shedding is low, requiring no more than regular brushing to remove loose hair.
The Africanis breed’s exposure to the harsh environment helped its development of a tremendous natural immunity to external and internal parasites. Africanis enjoy overall health most of the time, although they are predisposed to diseases like distemper and parvo.
Africanis are not prone to drool more than is natural for any dog breed.
What is the best diet for Africanis?
Despite not being susceptible to obesity, Africanis can become unhealthy when they overeat. Obese Africanis can suffer from breathing, digestive, and muscle complications. If your dog is overweight, feed them less and exercise more.
Certain nutrients are good for your Africanis and come highly recommended. Some of these nutrients are:
- Protein
- Fatty acids
- Carbohydrates
- Minerals
- Vitamins,
In contrast, avoid feeding them human foods, making them gain weight.
The Africanis is an active, athletic breed type. It will thus need food that contains animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins, and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. Though not much info exists about the Africanis diet, a dog of this size, activity level, and demeanor will thrive best on premium dry food because this food type contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients.
The Africanis puppy’s portion depends on age, but 2 cups are appropriate. In contrast, an active, healthy adult Africanis should have 2 to 3 cups, depending on the brand and formula of the food. Feeding Africanis several meals instead of one meal per day can prevent life-threatening bloat. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
American Journey Active Life Formula Dry Dog Food for all life stages is rated as one of the top dried food options for active dogs, available in 28-lb bags for under $50.
This product’s health benefits are listed below.
- Lean Muscles: Protein-rich animal proteins support lean mass.
- Skin & Coat Health: Balanced omegas help maintain radiant skin and coat.
- Healthy Immunity: Antioxidants and phytonutrients help support immune system health.
- Sustained Energy: Whole grains like brown rice provide a source of energy.
- Digestive Health: Rich in fiber to support normal digestion.
When they’re healthy and active, every day is an adventure. That’s why American Journey Active Life is crafted with everything dogs need to thrive, starting with real protein as the first ingredient, wholesome brown rice and veggies, and a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals.
How Much Should an Africanis Puppy Eat?
The Africanis Dog is a large breed. Guidance for feeding puppies is listed below.
- Africanis Dog puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Raise them on a diet designed for large-breed puppies. Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
- Africanis Dogs should be fed according to a schedule, spreading meal times over two or three times per day. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
- Africanis Dogs with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar are the exceptions because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
- Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.
Africanis puppies should eat a healthy, balanced diet because of the intense exercise they need every day.
What are the nutritional needs of Africans?
The nutritional needs of an Africanis Dog include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for Africanis are listed below:
- Protein: Africanis Dogs need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain essential for Africanis health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
- Fat: Animal protein provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Africanis Dog’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adult and senior Africanis need lower fat levels than puppies.
- Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Africanis Dog sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
- DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Africanis Dog puppies, and DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of Africanis.
- Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health, and other valuable micronutrients for the promotion of strong joints in Africanis Dogs are chondroitin and glucosamine.
- Minerals: Beneficial minerals for an Africani’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Africanis Dogs.
How to train an Africanis Dog?
The Africanis is bound to its human family and territory, making it a breed of admirable loyalty. They will follow their owners on a walk for many hours without being on a leash and are obedient and willing to please. Africanis are easy to train, and they quickly find out the association between commands and actions. Their high levels of intelligence make the training process a rewarding and bonding one.
Africanis can be good guard dogs because they have always done it. Traditionally Africanis is always close to humans, livestock, other dogs, and domestic animals. It has a natural tendency to guard and protect livestock, their human pack leaders, and property.
Are Africanis dogs good hunters? Yes, they were renowned for their hunting and herding skills, but now they are domesticated because of their friendly nature. They are fine having daily tasks, and hunting is one of their best occupations. Domesticated Africanis have not necessarily lost those skills, and reawakening them would not take long.
Where to Buy or Adopt an Africanis?
Africanis are scarce in countries other than South Africa, their country of origin, and even there, these African dogs are not easy to come by.
The Africanis Assistance Network NPC is a reputable Facebook group that handles requests and inquiries about breeders, adoptions, and rescues. Although you can buy or adopt Africanis from abroad, not all countries allow importing adopted dogs.
Those whose countries allow the importation of Africanis may find the logistics challenging. Procedures include obtaining certification from a vet to prove the Africanis is fully vaccinated and providing all the additional required veterinary documents before the travel
Furthermore, your country must approve the veterinarian to authorize the importation, and it will be your responsibility to ensure you use the services of a certified vet.
How to Name an Africanis?
Naming an Africanis dog might require different criteria than new Africanis parents might expect. It is never the actual name the pup responds to; instead, it is the sound and how it is said. There might be a specific inspiration like history, a movie, nature, or the night sky, and in the case of the Africanis, why not use their origins as inspiration.
The building blocks for naming an Africanis include the significance of the sound. The Africanis’s name will mean something to the humans in the dog’s life, but as far as your canine companion goes, only the sound matters. Africanis Dogs respond best to two-syllable names that are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like “sit,” “come,” and “down.” However, the names should not be long enough to become puzzling.
It might be a good idea to call out a name you like and check your Africanis pup’s reaction. Be creative use different tones for each syllable. Don’t rush; try several, and if your favorite name is too long or too short, add or remove bits until you have composed the perfect unique sound that your precious pup will recognize from a distance.
Below are several African names to play with.
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Male Africanis Names |
Information About The Name |
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Zulu |
The largest ethnic group in South Africa. The word means “Sky” |
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Andile |
Means “growing the family” Pronunciation: Ahn-Dee-Leh |
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Jabulani |
Means “rejoice” Pronunciation: Jah-boo-lah-nee |
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Female Africanis Names |
Information About The Name |
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Thandi |
From Thanda meaning “LOVE” Pronunciation: Tahn – dee |
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Ayanda |
Means “Forever Blossoming” Pronunciation: Ai-Yahn-dah |
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Thembi |
Means “Origin” Pronunciation: Tem-bee |
What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Africanis?
Many African dog breeds have similar characteristics and traits which link them back to their ancient origins. However, many of the dogs categorized as Africanis are scarce, and some countries may not allow the importation of African dogs. People considering adopting or rescuing a pup similar to the Africanis can see a few options below.
Aidi: The Aidi dogs have Moroccan origins, and the Africanis developed naturally in Africa. The two breeds share similar heights, but the muscular body of the Africanis weighs about 45 pounds more than the Moroccan Aidi. Both breeds have the same expected life span and litter size, but the Aidi requires less grooming. more about Aidi Dog Breed social life, care & diet information.
Basenji: Hunting dogs from the Congo Basin are part of the Africanis group. Like the Africanis, the Basenji served as hunters for native tribes for centuries. The two breeds differ in size and height, but Africanis and Basenjis have the same life spans, litter size, and grooming needs.
Ariegeois: This dog has several similarities with the Africanis, except they originated in France while the Africanis are African dogs. Both Ariegeois and Africanis share similar heights, but the Ariegeois breed weighs significantly less than the Africanis. Both breeds require low maintenance and grooming, and they have identical litter sizes and life spans.
