Pet Wiki

Africanis

Also called African dog, Khoekhoe dog, Xhosa dog, Zulu dog, Tswana dog

Rare breedShort profile

From Southern Africa. The name is an umbrella term for the indigenous, aboriginal dogs of the region, a landrace shaped by local conditions rather than a designed breed.123

At a glance the quick version

Height50 to 62 cm2
Sizemedium
affectionate and gentle
intelligent and eager to please
naturally watchful
2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A lean, athletic, medium-sized dog with a short, close-lying coat. Many carry a dark patch on the upper side of the tail.2

Coloursany colour or combinationbrownbrindleblackwhite2

Personality what they are like

Generally described as a gentle, bright and affectionate dog that likes to please its people. It keeps a quiet eye on its home ground and is known to get along well with children.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs very little upkeep beyond an occasional brush.2

Company who they like around

A people-oriented dog that tends to be good with children and enjoys being part of family life.2

The story where it all began

Africanis dogs descend from early domestic dogs that spread south through Africa alongside herding and farming peoples over thousands of years. Dog remains from sites in Limpopo Province, South Africa, date back to around 570 AD. Today a dedicated society studies and conserves the remaining rural populations, including through DNA sampling.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Africanis is not a single designed breed but a landrace, a population that formed naturally within its local environment.3

  2. 2

    It goes by many local names, such as Zulu dog, Xhosa dog and the Kiswahili mbwa wa ki-tamaduni, meaning traditional dog.2

  3. 3

    Researchers for the conservation society have travelled more than 30,000 km through rural southern Africa to document and sample these dogs.1

  4. 4

    Archaeological dog remains in South Africa's Limpopo Province show dogs have been in the region since around 570 AD.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Africanis' is an amalgamation of the words 'Africa' and 'canis' (the Latin word for dog), applied to the traditional dogs of southern Africa that are descendants of the earliest domesticated dogs to arrive on the continent.4

Name ideas for your new friend

BhekiNandiKhayaLindiSiphoThandiZuluKayaTembaAshaJabuMbali

A day in the life told by an Africanis

I spent the morning lying in a warm patch of sun, watching the children play. When one of them dropped a ball, I fetched it gently and placed it at her feet. She giggled and threw it again. Later, I followed my human to the garden and sat quietly, keeping an eye on the fence. A bird landed nearby, and I just watched it. At dusk, I leaned against my human's leg as we walked home. I yawned, feeling happy and tired. No fuss, just a good day with my family.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Africanis Society of Southern Africa
Conservation society for the landrace; founding year given as 1996 on the society's site and 1998 on Wikipedia. It works to keep the Africanis as one population rather than splitting it into separate breeds.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Africanis. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Africanis, and at what times?

Feed your Africanis at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times help their digestion, but the exact schedule can vary based on your routine. For amounts, always check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should an Africanis eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced commercial dog food is a great choice for your Africanis. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw bones. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.6

How often should I bathe an Africanis?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The short coat doesn't need frequent baths, and once every three months is fine for most.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Africanis need brushing?

Brush your Africanis weekly to keep the short, smooth coat healthy and remove loose hair. Furry Diary's plan recommends a weekly brush, which is easy and quick for this low-maintenance breed.27 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Africanis's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Africanis need?

Your Africanis needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. This active, athletic breed enjoys being part of family activities. Furry Diary suggests daily exercise to match their energy.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Africanis's teeth and ears?

Brush your Africanis's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal. Daily brushing is ideal, as per Furry Diary's plan.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Africanis live?

The lifespan of an Africanis can vary, so ask your vet for breed-specific guidance. Generally, medium-sized dogs live around 10 to 13 years with good care. Senior years often start around age 8. Pet Wiki plan

Is an Africanis good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Africanis is known to be gentle, bright, and affectionate, getting along well with children. It is a people-oriented dog that enjoys family life. Socialization from puppyhood helps with other pets.2

Can an Africanis be left alone?

The Africanis is a people-oriented dog that enjoys being part of family life, so it may not do well alone for long periods. How long it can be left varies by individual. Ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Africanis Society of Southern Africa africanis.co.zaused for definition, society, research work
  2. Wikipedia: Africanis en.wikipedia.orgused for names, height, coat, colours, temperament, history (secondary)
  3. Africanis Society: The difference between a landrace and a dog breed africanis.co.zaused for landrace definition
  4. download.e-bookshelf.de download.e-bookshelf.de
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.