Dogs are undoubtedly the most popular pets in the entire world. With over 360 recognized breeds today, it’s no wonder different breeds have origins from every country imaginable. The continent of Africa has contributed many different dog breeds, as well. So here are the top African dog breeds you may want to consider.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed was first created to help hunt down lions. Although no domestic dog is powerful enough to kill a lion, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was perfect for tracking them down. Today, they make wonderful house pets, but their strong prey drive and high intelligence must be met with plenty of enrichment to keep them busy.
Boerboel
The Boerboel is a South African dog breed that was bred to protect newly settled families from the dangers of the wild. This is a massive dog breed that you wouldn’t want to tangle with. Adopting a Boerboel is not for the faint of heart. They require lots of training to help curb their fighting instincts. They are wary around strangers but fiercely loyal to their owners.
Abyssinian Sand Terrier
The Abyssinian Sand Terrier, also known as a Hairless African Dog, is not a very well-known breed. The Abyssinian Sand Terrier is centuries old, but nobody knows exactly how they came to be. This dog is completely hairless, although some can have a few tufts of hair here and there, usually on the head or tail. This is an intelligent and alert breed, but they are difficult to find.
Basenji
The Basenji is also one of the cleanest dog breeds. Due to their catlike nature, they spend a lot of time fastidiously grooming themselves. They were originally bred to hunt rabbits, and while they make great house pets, they still have a lot of energy and a high prey drive. While nobody knows exactly how old this breed is, the Basenji may be the oldest domesticated dog breed in the world!
Africanis
This African dog breed is loyal, playful, and intelligent. They are highly social dogs that get along well with children. They are used to heat, but they do not do well in the cold. It is an ancient breed that can be traced as far back as 7,000 years ago, and they are prized for their hunting ability.
Azawakh
The Azawakh is a sighthound that originated in the West African countries of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. They were used as both guard dogs and hunting dogs, and they would chase all sorts of game, including antelope and wild boar. This breed is highly agile as well as extremely fast.
Chinese Crested Dog
Despite its name, the Chinese Crested Dog’s origins can be traced back to Africa. Thousands of years ago, hairless dogs from Africa were traded to China. These dogs were bred for centuries until they created the tiny Chinese Crested Dog. (Another theory is that these little dogs were developed in Mexico). They were popular among the royal emperors of China, who used them as lapdogs.
Sloughi
This African hunting dog breed was perfect for chasing gazelles, hares, and wild boar across the desert. Packs of Sloughi were kept by royalty such as Egyptian nobles and nomadic chieftains, who used the dogs to hunt for sport. This is an energetic yet graceful breed that requires lots of exercise and enrichment.
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is also known as “The Royal Dog of Madagascar.” This is a small, white, and fluffy breed. They were bred as lapdogs for noblemen of Madagascar, but nowadays, they make charming and energetic companions for anyone. This is a funny little breed, and the Coton de Tulear is happy to entertain its owners with all sorts of antics.
Saluki
The Saluki is one of three ancient African dog breeds that were bred from sighthounds. The other two breeds are the Sloughi and the Basenji. All three of these breeds are ancient, possibly dating as far back as 7,000 years ago. The Saluki is a long, leggy, and elegant breed. While most of their coat is short, the fur on their ears is long and beautiful. This is a gentle and dignified breed that makes a wonderful and quiet companion.
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Dogs With Webbed Feet
Dogs with webbed feet have extra skin in-between their toes. These breeds were purposely bred to have this webbing in order to help them perform various jobs, (often in and around the water). The increased surface area that the webbing provides can help them to do...
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Danish Dog Breeds
The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...