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.213
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
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.1
how to spot oneAfricanis coat and colours
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.1
Comes inany colour or combinationbrownbrindleblackwhite1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an Africanis. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
who they like aroundAfricanis with people and other pets
A people-oriented dog that tends to be good with children and enjoys being part of family life.1
the hands-on bitsAfricanis grooming and care
The short coat needs very little upkeep beyond an occasional brush.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.4
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.5
How often should I bathe an Africanis?
Pet Wiki'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.6
How often does an Africanis need brushing?
Brush your Africanis weekly to keep the short, smooth coat healthy and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan recommends a weekly brush, which is easy and quick for this low-maintenance breed.16
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.6
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. Pet Wiki suggests daily exercise to match their energy.1
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 Pet Wiki's plan.6
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.
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.1
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.1
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.
per year, in your countryWhat an Africanis costs
Running costs for an Africanis, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Africanis legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Africanis in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Africanis is not a single designed breed but a landrace, a population that formed naturally within its local environment.3
2
It goes by many local names, such as Zulu dog, Xhosa dog and the Kiswahili mbwa wa ki-tamaduni, meaning traditional dog.1
3
Researchers for the conservation society have travelled more than 30,000 km through rural southern Africa to document and sample these dogs.2
4
Archaeological dog remains in South Africa's Limpopo Province show dogs have been in the region since around 570 AD.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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.7
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.
where it all beganAfricanis history
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.12
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.2
Sources (7)
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Wikipedia: Africanisen.wikipedia.orgused for names, height, coat, colours, temperament, history (secondary)
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Aidi
Sloughi