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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