The African wild dog is the largest of all African canines. They are also known as Cape Hunting Dogs, Wild Dogs, or simply “Wild Ones”. These dogs are characterized by their large ears and heavy bushy tail that carries scent to those in the pack who might not be able to see one another. When these animals live close together they will tend to form packs ranging from 15-40.
Africa is a large continent and has many different types of dog breeds. From the big to the small, from the fluffy to the hairless, there are plenty of African dogs that will make you want one for your very own.
This article is all about 10 different African dog breeds that range in size, color, and personality.
What is The Biggest Dog in Africa?
Among the largest dogs in the African continent, some are; Boerboel, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Azawakh, and Africanis.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in Africa
Africa has a huge variety of dog breeds. Some are large, some are small and others have unique features like hairlessness or tufted ears, some are colorful too.
This list consists of the most popular dogs in Africa:
This list consists of the most popular dogs in Africa:
1. Africanis
2. Aidi
3. Boerboel
4. Basenji
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
6. Sloughi
7. Azawakh
8. Chinese Crested
9. Coton De Tulear
10. Saluki
Large African Dog Breeds
A large continent like Africa has a huge variety of dog breeds. Some are small, some have unique features and others range in size from the big to the very big. This article is all about ten different African dogs that vary distinctly in size, color, and personality, which becomes easy to distinguish one from the other.
#1
Africanis
Known as one of those “giant” companion pets, this breed originated on an island near Zanzibar but was banned by British colonists for being too intelligent (because they could steal food). They’re known for their high intelligence which helps them excel at tasks such as herding livestock or guarding homes/businesses against intruders.
Africanis: Size, Color, and Personality
Size: Height: 20-24 inches
These dogs are large, most of them usually weighing between 25 and 45 kg.
They come in different colors that include black with brown patches or white with a dark stripe down their back.
Their personality is focused on intelligence but they’re also great family pets because they have an affectionate side too which includes playfulness and loyalty. So some of these are really child friendly.
#2
Aidi
Aidi is a medium-sized dog that comes from Mauritania.
They’re used as livestock guardians because they have the traits of being alert and watchful.
The breed is known for its large ears, which help them to be heard when barking to warn their herders of danger like predators or thieves.
Aidi: Size, Color, Personality
They usually have a height of 20-24 inches. They come in a range of colors such as white, red, tawny, and black. The interesting fact is that the color of the coat matches the color of the nose.
These dogs weigh between 50 – 55 pounds on average. They usually come in black with tan markings around their neck area while having white fur on their face and chest paws.
Their temperament is focused on being protective but also kind. So you’ll find these dogs enjoy playing games with children or chasing after balls tossed by people who love them deeply.
#3
Boerboel
Boerboels are one of the larger breeds in Africa and can grow to be up to 110-200 pounds and can have a height ranging from 24-28 inches. They are very muscularly built. They usually have a black coat with white markings around their neck area, muzzle, chest paws, and feet.
Their temperament is more on the aggressive side because they were bred as guard dogs but some people do show them, love, by playing games or chasing balls for hours at a time; it all depends on how much socialization they’ve had before being adopted.
A Boerboel will typically live between eleven – thirteen years.
#4
Basenji
They are one of the oldest dog breeds in existence and they come from Central Africa.
The Basenji is well known for its unique bark which sounds like a yodel or scream, it’s also called the “barkless” breed because these dogs have vocal cords but can’t produce any sound.
Their coat is short with an undercoat that ranges anywhere between red to brown; typically they have white markings on their chest paws, muzzle, head/face.
A Basenji will live thirteen to fourteen years.
Basenji Size, Color, Personality
This breed is large and has an average weight that ranges from 22- 24 pounds, reaching up to 17 inches in height when they are fully grown, their colors range anywhere from black to brown or red.
This breed has excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell. Their furs being short, they don’t need much grooming.
They are intelligent but can be stubborn at times. They make good guard dogs because they have protective instincts so if you’re looking for protection then this could be your best bet as well as being suitable for search and rescue missions too!
#5
Rhodesian Ridgeback
A Rhodesian Ridgeback African Dog Breed might have more energy than other breeds because they are known to be hyperactive, but this breed is very affectionate and loyal to their family.
They are the perfect pet for someone who lives in an apartment as they don’t need a lot of exercises outside; however, if you do want them to get some more exercise then walking will suffice!
The average life expectancy for these dogs is eleven years which isn’t too long so make sure that’s something you’re willing to commit to when adopting one.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Size, Color, Personality
They can have a height of 25-27 inches. The full grow pooch can grow up to 85 lbs.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback African dog breed is a large, muscular dog with a distinctive ridge on the shoulder. Now one of the most popular breeds in Africa due to their excellent hunting skills and how well they can handle extreme heat while guarding your property. They are very obedient dogs but also need lots of time to run outside so be prepared for that if you adopt one!
They come in different colors but are usually brown with tan markings along their back. This helps them blend into the savanna during hunting season. These dogs are also recognized as being intelligent and self-assured.
#6
Sloughi
The Sloughi is an African dog breed that comes in a variety of colors such as white, grayish brown, fawn, or chestnut. The coat can change color depending on how much sun it gets which is why this breed needs frequent grooming. So make sure your groomer knows what he/she’s doing!
The Sloughi African Dog Breed is a desert dweller. This dog should not be left in the house for too long as they are most active during midday hours and would need to spend more time outside than inside.
Sloughi Dog Size, Personality, and Temperament:
Dog sizes: The height at withers ranges between 26 and 29 inches.
This intelligent and obedient breed also has large ears to help them cool themselves down by flapping against the wind. They are very loyal dogs with a calm temperament making them perfect for families with children.
The Berber and Bedouin people of North Africa adore the Sloughi for its clever hunting skills. It is known for its great speed and agility. It can cover long distances with ease which is really awesome. The Hound Group is treasured for its loyalty and elegant beauty by their masters.
Sloughi was imported to the United States in 1973 by a group of enthusiasts. Breeders are starting to become more common but they may be hard to find.
#7
Azawakh
Azawakh is another thin and long dog breed from Africa. The height at withers ranges between 25-29 inches and has a weight range of 33-55 lbs. The ears are thin, long, and narrow with a tuft of hair on the top, which gives them their name. This intelligent and obedient breed also has large ears to help them cool themselves down by flapping against the wind.
The coat of this breed comes in a variety of colors; tan, black and white are the most common.
Azawakhs Dog Personality and Temperament
They are known to be loyal and obedient dogs that love their owners. They are gentle and affectionate with their families, but they are reserved with strangers.
They need an owner who is confident and calm but not too submissive or passive so that the dog can respect them as their leader. They also enjoy agility training and other sports to keep themselves busy- a bored Azawakh is a destructive one!
#8
Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested breed is said to have originated in Africa, and the breed is still quite popular there. This hairless variety dog has become a favorite with people who live in hot climates because it does not shed fur or require frequent bathing. This also makes them great pets for apartment dwellers without yards! They are short in size and the height ranges from 11-13 inches.
An interesting characteristic of Chinese Crested dogs is that they are very vocal animals–when they bark, they often make an “eh-eh” sound unless their voice box has been removed surgically.
Chinese Crested Dog Personality and temperament:
The Chinese Crested Dogs are usually outgoing, and playful but sweet around kids. These dogs enjoy spending time cuddling up on your lap while you watch TV or read a book.
They are found in various colors. This breed is found in a combination of four colors such as mahogany, blue, lavender, or copper also a variety of solid or spotted is not unnatural to be seen. The skin tones of the Hairless variety are found in pink and black hues.
The average height ranges from 11 to 13 inches for both sexes. They can reach the weight of up to 12 pounds.
#9
Coton De Tulear
The Coton de Tulear African Dog Breed has a cheerful personality and temperament. They are known to be very playful and energetic dogs who love spending time outdoors in the sun or laying down on your lap while you enjoy your favorite TV show. The size of this adorable little creature makes them perfect for families with small children as they will get more love and affection and some play time too.
This distinctive breed comes from Madagascar but now can also be found in France where it was first exported by French sailors looking for new trade routes during the 18th century. This breed is related to the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.
It is a medium-sized dog with a dense long coat. Generally standing at about 10-12.5 inches and weighing about 9-13 pounds, this is another hypoallergenic breed that does not shed its fur.
#10
Saluki
The Saluki dog breed is an ancient and elegant Persian sighthound with a long, lean body.
Saluki is decidedly a one-family dog, tending to be aloof, independent, and reserved with strangers. The Saluki is the true aristocrat of canine breeds–a breed for the person who wants a dog to display his or her good taste inbreeding. They are renowned as one of the most majestic sights on earth when they trot through an arid desert with their long silky hair blowing in the wind.
Saluki Size, Color, Personality
It stands at about 23-28 inches in height at the withers and weighs up to 35-65 pounds. Females are lighter than males. The coat can be any color of the rainbow but it always has spots or patches on its legs, chest, head, and muzzle which are different from other breeds that only have markings on their feet or tail tip. This ethereal creature needs plenty of exercise so they should not live in apartments as this will make them destructive indoors! There is also controversy around whether these dogs were originally used for hunting gazelles because they were bred for speed over endurance. Some people believe that they could actually hunt lions if given the chance!
Here is a great book ‘The Story of the African Dog ‘where you will find fascinating information about African dogs. I suggest everyone read it, will you? Buy now! Check it out!
Conclusion
African wild dogs have an extra adaptation for hunting: strong jaws with long teeth for cracking open bones. This allows them access to a very rich source of protein that would otherwise go unused on the plains of Africa! It is interesting to note that not all African dogs are big, wild, or ferocious. During your reading of the article, you may have encountered that most of the breeds have been tamed and except for a few, most are well adapted to family. Not only that, they are child friendly too. Which makes them so endearing and lovable.
