Africanis

also known as African Dog, Khoikhoi Dog, Tswana breed dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Bantu Dog, Zulu Dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog

Pros Summary


The Africanis is a breed of dog native to South Africa. It is a landrace breed, which means that it is a type of dog that has developed naturally over time through adaptation to its environment, rather than being selectively bred for specific traits. Africanis dogs are generally medium to large in size and have a short, smooth coat that can come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, red, and tan. They are known for their athleticism and intelligence, and they have a strong prey drive and a natural ability to hunt and protect their territory. Africanis dogs are also known for their independent and self-sufficient nature. They are generally loyal and affectionate towards their owners, but may be reserved or aloof towards strangers. They require regular exercise and socialization to thrive.

Breed Information


Type

Is Africanis a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Africaniss originally used for?

Hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Africaniss Live? What is average life expectancy for an Africanis? How long can Africaniss live?

10-12 years

The average Africanis lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Africanis Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Africanis?

What is the average height of an Africanis? How big is an Purebred Africanis height? Africanis dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 20-24 inches (50.8 - 61 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
Female 20-24 inches (50.8 - 61 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
What is the average weight of an Africanis? How much should Africaniss weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-100 pounds (25 - 45 kg) 54.5 pounds (25 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 77.5 pounds (35 kg)
Female 55-100 pounds (25 - 45 kg) 54.5 pounds (25 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 77.5 pounds (35 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Africaniss get fat easily?

The Africanis is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Africaniss Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Africanis is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Africanis personality? What are Africanis dogs best known for?

Friendly
Territorial
Watchful
Independent
Trainable
Protective
Affectionate
Obedient

Shedding Level

Are Africaniss heavy shedders? How Much Does an Africanis Shed?

Africanis dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Africanis dog?

Africaniss are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Africanis is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Africaniss come from?

Africa

Ancestry

What are Africaniss descended from?

Unknown Hound and Pariah-type Dogs

Date of Birth

When were Africaniss first bred? How old is the Africanis breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an Africanis?

Hound

Africanis Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Africanis eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Africanis nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Africanis coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Isabella
Fawn
Silver
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is an Africaniss coat?

Africaniss are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Africanis Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Africanis?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Africanis have in a litter? How many puppies can an Africanis have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

An Africanis can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Africanis dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Africanis Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Africaniss have a lot of health problems?

The Africanis is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Africanis?

Dermoid Sinus

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Africaniss?

Usually Very Healthy

Occasional Diagnoses

Entropion
Ectropion

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Africanis breed?

Eye Examination
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Myelography (Dye And X-Ray to Assess The Spinal Cord)

Africanis Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Africaniss have a lot of energy?

Africaniss are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Africaniss need socialization? How social are Africaniss?

Africanis have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Africaniss get?

The Africanis dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Africanis have? Do Africaniss sleep a lot?

Africaniss dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Africanis drool a lot?

The Africanis is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Africaniss tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Africaniss exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Africaniss mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Africanis running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Africanis dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Africaniss enjoy doing? How do I keep my Africanis busy?

Walk, Run, Walking, Training, Chase, walk, Go to Park, Going on hikes, Chase, Fetch, Frisbee, Play keep away, Long walks, Fet, Tagging, Chasing, Teething, Boat ride, Bath time, Brushing, Catch treats, Jogging, Playing Ball

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Africanis? How much energy does an Africanis have?

Medium

Africaniss are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Africanis walk each week? How many miles should an Africanis walk every week?

16 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Africanis, it's at least 16 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Africanis should exercise a day? How much activity does an Africanis need?

90 minutes

In general most Africaniss usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Africanis?

The Africanis is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Africanis?

Weekly

Africanis should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Africaniss?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Africanis eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 55-100 pound (25 - 45 kg) Africanis feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Africanis Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of an Africanis is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Africanis Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of an Africanis is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Africanis Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Africanis?

The Africanis breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Africanis dog?

Africanis dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Africanis dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Africanis do well in apartments? Are Africaniss good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Africanis in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Africaniss living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Africaniss good with kids? Are Africaniss good around children?

Africaniss are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Africaniss good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Africaniss good with cats? How friendly Africaniss are toward cats?

Africaniss are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Africanis dogs get along with other dogs? Are Africaniss OK with other dogs?

Africaniss are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Africanis dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Africaniss friendly with strangers?

Africaniss are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Africaniss like to play? Are Africaniss playful?

The Africanis is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Africanis is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Africanis easily trained?

Africanis dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal and protective
    Africanis dogs are known for their strong bond with their owners and their protective nature. They can make excellent guard dogs.
  • Low Shedding
    Low shedding is common among Africanis dogs.
  • Good with children
    Africanis dogs are known to be good with children and can make great family pets.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The incidence of obesity in Africaniss is usually low to average.
  • Good watchdog
    Africanis dogs are alert and make good watchdogs, as they will bark to alert their owners of any unusual activity.
  • Good in hot weather
    Africanis dogs have a short, thick coat that is well-suited to hot weather and can tolerate high temperatures.
  • Long lifespan
    Africanis dogs have a lifespan of around 12-15 years, which is longer than some other breeds.
  • Cat Friendly
    Cats and Africaniss make a great mix.
  • Unique breed
    Africanis dogs are a rare and unique breed, which can be a pro for those who want a dog that is not commonly found.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Africaniss are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid Africaniss, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.