Overview
The Africanis is a dog landrace found across southern Africa. It is medium-sized, lean and usually short-coated, with a long slender muzzle and often a black patch around the front of the muzzle.
It has lived beside people in settlements for centuries and varies by region, yet breeds true to a recognisable form.
History
Africa's indigenous dogs are believed to descend from ancient Egyptian dogs of the Nile Delta, spreading with human migration through the Sahara and reaching southern Africa around the 6th century AD.
They helped herd sheep, goats and cattle, guarded against predators and joined hunts. European settlers often scorned them in favour of imports. The Africanis Society of Southern Africa was founded in 1998 to preserve the dogs and keep them from being split into separate breeds.
Appearance
Medium-sized and lightly built, with a long slender muzzle and a usually short coat. It stands about 50 to 62 cm and has been compared to a cross between a Greyhound, a terrier and a dingo.
Almost any colour occurs, with fawn, brown, brindle and black with white markings common. A black patch high on the outer tail is a distinctive feature.
Temperament
Affectionate, intelligent and gentle, the Africanis is said to want to please its owners and is considered easy to train with positive methods. It is described as good with children and as a family pet.
It can also be watchful and territorial, so it makes a natural guardian.
Care and exercise
Hardy and self-sufficient, the Africanis needs daily activity and a sense of purpose. The short coat needs little grooming. Reward-based training and good socialisation suit it best.
Health
The landrace is generally regarded as robust and hardy thanks to long natural selection, with no breed-specific disorders well established.
