Africanis Dog

Country of origin
South Africa

Scientific name: African canis.

The creation of the breed is believed to be a cross between domestic dogs and wild dogs of the indigenous tribes. Although there has been no selective breeding to create the race, it presents a remarkable Africanis racial purity.

Within the range of traits that it presents the dogs are found in different colors and spots, drooping ears or upright, and the occasional presence of a crest on the back. The characteristic relation to the crest,

Africanis are directly linked to the Rhodesian ridgeback.

The origin of this breed can be found in ancient Egypt, about 10,000 years ago. From this point it was extended into the Sahara, first, and to South Africa, later.. There is evidence of a tribal chief who kept control of 70,000 cattle with only 70 dogs of this breed.

Characteristics and behavior

In general, it is an agile dog, very fast, short-haired and loose-limbed. Additional facilities include a long head, short legs and a tail that ends in a point facing upwards. It has a very distinctive stain in the outer part of the tail, indicating little domestication.

Unlike many breeds with genetic weakness Africanis are not very resistant to parasites.

Currently there is a Africanis Society in South Africa based in Pretoria, aims to promote the race and create a standard for one of the dogs that are healthy and intelligent