Africanis

Description

As is typical with landraces, there are several regional variations, believed to be the result of isolation and, to a limited degree, deliberate breeding. Some modern writers describe the Africanis as a pariah dog. This is considered an inappropriate classification, as the term typically denotes an ownerless, free-ranging dog. Considered a landrace with limited human interference in their breeding, the Africanis has also been maintained by human owners.

The Africanis is a medium-sized, lightly built dog with a long slender muzzle and, usually, a short coat. It has been described as resembling a cross between a Greyhound, a terrier and a dingo. It can be found in almost any colour or combination of colours, although fawns, browns, brindles and blacks with various white markings are common. A distinctive, possibly primitive, feature is a black patch found high on the outside of the tail where the caudal gland is found in the wild wolf.

The Africanis usually stands between 50 and. Being a landrace, minor variations in appearance may be common. The Africanis is nonetheless known to breed true to a recognisable form.

History

Africa's indigenous dogs descended from ancient Egyptian dogs found throughout the Nile Delta around 5,900 years ago. It is believed the descendants of these dogs spread throughout Africa with tribal movements, first throughout the Sahara and finally reaching southern Africa around the 6th century AD.

The Africanis has always been attached to human settlements in southern Africa. The dogs have been used to help herd sheep, goats and cattle, guard against predators and help their human companions in the hunt. The Africanis is known by a number of names. These include the Kasi dog, umbwa wa ki-tamaduni ("traditional dog" in Kiswahili), the Khoikhoi dog, the Tswana dog and the Zulu dog. Other local names include Sica, Isiqha, umhuqa, umgodoyi, Ixhalaga, Ixalagha, Isigola, I-Twina, and Itiwina.

While generally looked down upon by European settlers who preferred their imported dog breeds, the Africanis was held in higher esteem by Europeans in Africa than the Indian pariah dog was in India.

Efforts have been made to protect, preserve and promote these dogs, and prevent them from being split into a number of different breeds based upon different distinguishing physical features. In South Africa, a society was established in 1998 to preserve the Africanis, the Africanis Society of Southern Africa.

The name Africanis is a portmanteau of the words "Africa" and "canis".

Temperament

The Africanus is widely regarded as affectionate, intelligent, and gentle. They have a natural desire to please their owners, which makes them easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement training. They're also known for being good with children and make good family pets. However, they do display watchful, territorial behaviour.

Notes

References

References

1. Swart, Sandra. (2008-01-01). "Dogs and dogma: A discussion of the socio-political construction of southern african dog 'breeds' as a window onto social history". Brill.
2. (2001). "Holocene Settlement of the Egyptian Sahara".
3. (2016). "The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People". Cambridge University Press.
4. "AfriCanis – Primitive and Aboriginal Dogs Society".
5. "What is in the name AfriCanis? – The Africanis Society of Southern Africa".
6. Pets24. (2025-03-05). "What Makes Africanis Good Pets: A Guide - Pets24".
7. "Africanis: Characteristics & Care {{!}} Wag!".
8. Arman, Koharik. (September 2007). "A new direction for kennel club regulations and breed standards". Canadian Veterinary Journal.
9. (2008). "Canis Africanis: a dog history of Southern Africa". Brill.
10. Morris, Desmond. (2001). "Dogs: the ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds". Trafalgar Square Publishing.