Looking for a unique and interesting dog breed? Why not consider an African dog breed?
There are many different types of dogs that originate from Africa, and each one has its own look and personality.
Similarly to our best black dog breeds, we will discuss 10 African dog breeds that are sure to capture your heart!
Basenji
The Basenji is a small, compact dog that is native to the Congo. They are known for being very quiet dogs, as they do not bark – instead, they make a yodeling sound. Basenjis are also independent and intelligent, making them excellent family pets.
They're rather high energy, so you'll need to take them to run and exercise fairly often.
Breed Information
Temperament: Generally friendly with everyone
Height: 17 inches (male); 16 inches (female)
Weight: 24 pounds (male); 22 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 13 - 14 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large and muscular dog breed that originates from Zimbabwe. They are known for their unique feature – a ridge of hair running down their back in the opposite direction of the rest of their coat.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal and protective dogs that make great guard dogs.
However, they are super affectionate with family and are great with children. They're also very vigilant - highly alert and will react to threats aggressively.
Breed Information
Temperament: Generally friendly with family
Height: 25 - 27 inches (male); 24 - 26 inches (female)
Weight: 85 pounds (male); 70 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is a small, sprightly dog that was originally bred in Israel to herd livestock.
They are known for being very friendly and energetic dogs, as well as being excellent with children.
Canaan Dogs also make great watchdogs, due to their natural suspicion of strangers.
Breed Information
Temperament: Generally friendly with everyone
Height: 20 - 24 inches (male); 19 - 23inches (female)
Weight: 45- 55 pounds (male); 35 - 45 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
African Wild Dog
The African Wild Dog (AKA the African Painted Dog) is a large, spotted dog that is native to Africa.
They are known for their intelligence and pack mentality – they work together as a team to bring down prey.
African Wild Dogs DO NOT make great family pets, and require plenty of exercise. You'll usually see them at conservancies, and very rarely as pets at home.
If you do happen to foster a young pup and let it mature into adulthood, you're in for a huge workout - they're incredibly intelligent and also independent.
Fun fact - although they're descended from wolves, and are unable to interbreed with domestic dogs. They're not related to the domestic dog in any way.
Breed Information
Temperament: Intelligent and independent. Not a pet.
Height: 24 - 30 inches
Weight: 44 - 66 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Boelboel
The Boelboel is a large, mastiff-type dog that originates from South Africa.
They are known for being very gentle and good-natured dogs, despite their large size. Boelboels make great family pets and are excellent with children.
Breed Information
Temperament: Generally friendly with family
Height: 24 - 27 inches (male); 22 - 25 inches (female)
Weight: 150 - 200 pounds
Life expectancy: 9 - 11 years
Saluki
The Saluki is a tall, slender dog that was originally bred in the Middle East. They are known for their speed and agility, as well as their gentle temperament. Salukis make great pets for families with children and other pets.
Breed Information
Temperament: Generally friendly with everyone
Height: 28- 28 inches
Weight: 40 - 65 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 - 17 years
Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)
The Atlas Mountain Dog is a large, muscular dog that was bred in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
They are known for their strength and toughness, as well as their gentle nature. Atlas Mountain Dogs make great family pets and are excellent with children.
Breed Information
Temperament: Generally friendly with everyone, but vigilant
Height: 20–25 inches
Weight: 50 - 60 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small, fluffy dog that originates from Madagascar.
They are known for being very playful and friendly dogs, as well as being great with children. Cotons make great family pets and are excellent with other pets.
They also look like Bichons and Poodles, too!
Breed Information
Temperament: Super friendly with everyone and playful
Height: 10 - 11 inches (male); 9 - 10 inches (female)
Weight: 9 - 15 pounds (male); 8 - 13 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 15 - 19 years
Africanis
The Africanis is a medium sized, lightly built dog that was bred in Africa.
They are known for their strength and athleticism, as well as their loyalty. Africanis make great guard dogs and are excellent with children.
According to some, they're not a 'breed', but rather a group of dogs (a landrace), but there's been no proper classification. But thanks to that, they come in all colors and types of coats.
The Africanis also works extremely well in a pack - they have extremely high stamina and you'll need to exercise them, a lot.
Breed Information
Temperament: Generally friendly only with family/pack
Height: 20 -24 inches
Weight: 55 - 100 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Chinese Crested Dog
The Chinese Crested Dog is a small, hairless dog that was originally bred in China.
They are known for being very affectionate and devoted dogs, as well as being hypoallergenic. Chinese Crested Dogs make great pets for families with allergies.
Despite claims that it was originally bred in China, there have been similar breeds of dog located all over the world - and most notably, they share the same hairless gene mutation as the Xoloitzcuintli, an extinct hairless dog breed found in Mexico.
Breed Information
Temperament: Generally friendly with everyone
Height:11 -13 inches
Weight: 8 - 12 pounds
Life expectancy: 13 - 18 years