Africa is home to countless exotic and unique wildlife species. The second largest continent on earth also has many dog breeds to offer.
In this post, we introduce you to 10 African dog breeds with unusual names and looks. Some are really rare specimens and you’ve certainly never seen them before!
You can find out which dog is the wildest and most dangerous among them at the very end of the article.
10 African dog breeds at a glance
African dog breeds are full of differences, having unique temperaments, appearances and histories.
Some breeds are known and loved all over the world, some are mostly only at home in Africa.
1. Azawakh
The Azawakh belongs to the genus of greyhounds and is very large with up to 74 centimeters.
This dog is relatively rare to find, yet it makes a great pet that forms a close bond with its family.
The dogs have one strong hunting instinct and therefore require patient training.
Good to know:
If the Azawakh gets enough exercise, it can also be kept in an apartment without any problems.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of the best-known African dog breeds.
The graceful and noble animals have their roots in Zimbabwe, the former Rhodesia.
Ridgebacks were bred primarily for hunting and protection from wild animals. Due to their strong hunting instinct, this breed is more of a dog for experienced owners.
Well raised, the Ridgeback is a loyal and affectionate breed family dogwho, despite his energy, also likes to just laze around.
3. Boerboel
The one from South Africa Boerboel With a weight of up to 90 kilograms, it is likely to be the heaviest representative of the African dog breeds.
To protect its family, the boerboel even takes on dangerous predators. He is at the same time fond of children.
He needs a direct connection to his people in order to feel comfortable.
Good to know:
Boerboel means «farm dog”. He was largely considered by peasants because of his fearless demeanor Protection and watchdog held.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Boerbel a South African Mastiff breed is and to the strongest dog breed counts?
4. Atlas Mountain Dog
The Atlas Mountains in Morocco gave that Atlas Mountain Dog his name. This breed is also known as Aidi or Atlas mountain dog known.
These dogs are used as guard dogs and to hunting support.
In order to be protected against extreme temperature differences in the mountains, the Atlas Mountain Dog has a thick coat, unlike most other African dog breeds.
5. Basenji
The Basenji is also often referred to as «Congo Terrier» designated.
He is considered very stubborn, confident And thereby energetic and playful. These qualities can bring its owner to the brink of despair.
His happy and loving kindbut also his attachment make up for those moments.
The Basenji is very attached to its people and does not like to be alone. In addition, the future owner should be experienced with dogs.
6. African Hairless Dog
Come due to the lack of fur african hairless dogs cope with high temperatures without any problems.
Some dogs of this breed only have a little fur on the head and the tip of the tail.
The dogs are very friendly and people-related. Nevertheless, they are rarely found outside of Africa.
The little dogs are full of energy and look forward to lots of exercise.
6. Sloughi
The Sloughi also comes from Morocco and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
Sloughis are mostly used for hunting.
Good to know:
While the Atlas Mountain Dog tracks down animals and scares them away, the much faster Sloughi takes over the chase.
Both breeds are often used in combination for hunting.
Sloughis prefer to be with their humans. They tend to be suspicious of strangers.
7. Coton de Tulear
This small breed of dog originally comes from Madagascar and stands out with its long coat, which is rather atypical for Africa.
The Coton de Tulear is friendly and playful and is appreciated all over the world.
However, the sweet and lively dogs don’t like loneliness or boredom.
with her maximum weight of 7 kg however, you can take them with you almost anywhere.
8. Chinese Crested Dog
The Chinese Crestedor also Chinese crested dogbelongs to the hairless dogs.
There is disagreement about its origin.
Scientists found that the crested dog has segments of DNA. Which can be traced back to dog breeds that lived in Central Africa around 4000 years ago and were crossed with smaller Chinese breeds.
The hairless animals with the funny fur are very energetic and look forward to much time with her people and a lot of exercise.
9. Abyssinian sand terrier
Source: Wikibrief.org
The hairlessness of Abyssinian sand terriers also makes this breed count among the hairless dogs.
Sand Terriers are a rare breed with long bodies and a variety of skin tones.
The origin of the breed is somewhat mysterious, but it is believed to have resulted from crosses between Bloodhound, Spanish Mastiff and other similar dogs.
The fearless and loyal dogs are very people-related and strives to please their owners.
10. African wild dog
The African wild dog is neither a domestic nor a family dog.
see these animals hyenas very similar and roam in packs through the savannas and forests of Africa. There they hunt rodents and birds, but also antelope and wildebeest.
African wild dogs are often killed by hunters and farmers because of their threatening behavior.
This is why this wild dog breed is one of the most endangered in the world.