Different Types of African Dog Breeds

Here is a non-exhaustive list of different African dog breeds:

1. Basenji
2. Azawakh
3. Sloughi
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
5. Coton de Tuléar
6. Boerboel
7. Aidi
8. Africanis
9. African Wild Dog
10. Abyssinian Hairless Dog

In the rest of this article, we delve deeper into the diverse traits of character, care, and health that affect each individual African dog breed. We also provide intriguing facts and pictures for you to explore.

The Basenji is a distinctive breed for numerous reasons. Besides being one of the most popular African dog breeds worldwide, they are considered one of the oldest. This is supported by a genome analysis study that compared DNA from 161 different dog breeds^[1]. Their appeal as a companion animal partly stems from being one of the breeds that barks the least. Instead of barking, they produce a unique vocalization similar to a yodel, known as a ‘baroo’ in their native Africa.

Aside from being practically ‘barkless’, the Basenji possesses a somewhat reserved temperament. They can be cautious around strangers, and even within the family, they often develop a strong bond with one individual. Despite this, they are deeply affectionate. Physically, they are highly athletic and noted for their climbing abilities. They are often compared to cats in behavior due to their meticulous hygiene practices and aversion to getting wet.

Though the Azawakh bears a resemblance to the Greyhound, they are distinct breeds. They belong to a group of dog breeds known as sighthounds, which includes the Greyhound. The exact origins of the Azawakh are unclear, but they likely emerged from the region of Mali near the southern Sahara Desert. Their ancestors were adopted as talismans by the nomadic Tuareg tribe, resulting in their isolation in this region for centuries. It was not until the 1970s that they arrived in Europe.

Like all sighthounds, the Azawakh is characterized by an athletic build, being taller than wide and exuding elegance. Their physique, featuring long, powerful legs, great flexibility, and endurance, enables them to achieve exceptional speeds. Additionally, they are known for their gentle and loyal nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners.

Next on our list of African dog breeds is the Sloughi, also referred to as the Arabian Greyhound. This breed is among the oldest, although its exact origins remain somewhat mysterious. It's believed they originated in the region of present-day Ethiopia, later spreading through the Maghreb region with Bedouin nomads. Consequently, many Sloughi dogs brought to Europe came from the area now comprising Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya.

The name Sloughi highlights the breed's popularity in Arab states. Historically, they were used in hunting, a practice now prohibited due to its cruelty.

The most notable physical characteristics of the Sloughi include:

• Tall, elegant body
• Wedge-shaped head
• Relatively small, triangular ears
• Short, smooth, fine coat
• Dark fawn, red, and brindle colors with white patches
• A black mask is also recognized as part of this African dog breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is currently the only canine breed from South Africa recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). Historically, this African dog breed was known as the ‘African lion dog’. Its current name reflects both its origins and the distinctive ridge of hair running in the opposite direction along its back.

They are large dogs with long bodies and well-developed musculature, requiring significant physical activity to expend their energy. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is highly loyal to its family, though it can be reserved with strangers. However, with proper socialization from an early age, they can form positive relationships with other dogs, stimuli, and various environments.

Additionally, their protective nature makes them excellent guard dogs, a trait that has been valued in their native regions for generations.

The Coton de Tuléar is one of the smallest African dog breeds, originating from Madagascar's port city of Tuléar. Although their exact origins are undocumented, it is believed they belong to the Bichon family of dogs, brought from Europe to Madagascar. How they arrived remains uncertain, with various accounts attributing them to French, Spanish, or Portuguese visitors.

Their most distinctive feature is their soft, white, dense coat resembling cotton, which, along with their origin, inspires their name. Their appearance is similar to other Bichon breeds like the Bichon Frise and Maltese. They possess a small body, slightly longer than tall, and exhibit a gentle, cheerful, and sociable nature. Notably, they are often seen standing on their hind legs, making them delightful companion animals.

Like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Boerboel is another native South African dog breed. Known internationally as the South African Mastiff, African Mastiff, or African Boerboel, their development suggests origins in the Bullmastiff, Great Dane, and the now-extinct German Bullensbeisser.

The Boerboel's imposing size and appearance make them unlikely to go unnoticed. As such, they require an experienced guardian for proper care. This breed is cautious around strangers, historically trained for guarding and defense. Consequently, socialization is crucial in their upbringing.

Additionally, their loyalty and protectiveness make them excellent family companions when trained correctly, providing security and companionship to their human families.

One of the lesser-known African dog breeds, the Aidi is relatively obscure outside their native regions. Their origins are believed to trace back to the mountainous areas of North Africa, including the Atlas Mountains in present-day Morocco. These furry canids accompanied nomadic Berber tribes, providing protection and herding for livestock, as well as assisting in hunting large game like wild boars.

Aidi are medium-sized dogs with slightly elongated bodies and well-developed musculature. They are notable for their strength, agility, and endurance. Their coat is abundant, short, smooth, and thick, typically white with black and brown markings. Regarding their character, the Aidi is an active, loyal dog, offering ample affection and protection to their family.

Despite being lesser-known, the Aidi's adaptability and versatility in various roles make them a valuable breed.

Another South African dog breed, the Africanis is also referred to as the Zulu dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Bantu Dog, Katali, or simply the African Dog. These alternative names are useful in their homeland, where ‘Africanis’ is a generic term for any native dog. As with many African breeds, their origins are not well-documented, but they likely resulted from crosses between wild African dogs and bloodhounds introduced by European settlers.

Africanis dogs are medium-sized with well-defined musculature. Their coat is short and thick, occurring in almost any color. Some individuals have a distinctive hair pattern along their spine, similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Africanis are fast, slender, and active, requiring significant activity and engagement from their caretakers. Insufficient exercise may lead to behavioral imbalances.

Presently, the Africanis is classified as an emerging breed by the KUSA (Kennel Union of Southern Africa). The Africanis Society of South Africa is working towards official recognition by the FCI.

Their resilience and adaptability to the African climate and conditions make them a symbol of the continent's rich canine heritage.

The only non-domestic breed on our list of African dog breeds is the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), sometimes called the hyena dog. As a carnivorous member of the canidae family, they differ from domestic dogs in several ways. For instance, they possess only four digits on each forepaw (compared to the typical five in domestic dogs) and have 40 teeth versus the usual 42.

African wild dogs are large, weighing between 20 and 30 kilos and measuring between 70 and 80 cm at the withers. Their strikingly large ears, akin to a hyena, are covered with hair to protect against parasites. Their coat is a patchwork of black, yellow, and brown.

African wild dogs are social animals, living in packs of about 20. They have a strict hierarchy, with one or two alpha leaders at the top. The alpha males are the only individuals permitted to reproduce, and a single litter can number up to 20 puppies.

Unfortunately, due to their fierce nature necessary for survival in the African savannas, they have been heavily hunted. In less than a century, their population has declined from around 500,000 individuals to fewer than 3,000 in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

The African wild dog's coat thins with age, leading to near-baldness in senior years. A relative, the African hairless dog, is known for being hairless even in youth. Also called the Abyssinian Sand Terrier, little is known about their origins, but they are considered an ancient breed.

In African mythology, they have been attributed mythical powers. Independently of such beliefs, the dog is renowned for its courageous and fearless character, exhibiting extraordinary loyalty to its human family.

Their most noticeable trait is their lack of hair, though some may have small crests on their head and tail. Their ears stand erect, resembling those of a bat. A wide variety of colors are accepted, including elephant gray, black, bronze, sandy, and pale pink. Current research seeks to determine if this breed may be the progenitor of other hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested Dog.

Despite their unusual appearance, African hairless dogs are deeply affectionate and form strong bonds with their families, making them cherished companions.

If you have enjoyed learning about the different types of African dog breeds, perhaps you would like to know about some of the other animals which inhabit the amazing continent of Africa. You can do so by check out this video on the top 10 African wild animals:

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