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Africanis Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Africanis so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank511
Reviews5
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Africanis dog profile picture
OriginSouth Africa flagSouth Africa
Other Names
What other names does the Africanis have?
Bantu DogHottentot Hunting DogKhoikhoi DogTswana breed dogUmbwa Wa Ki-ShenziZulu DogAfrican Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Africanis Size and Weight

Size
Is an Africanis small, medium or large dog?

How big do Africanis get?

What is the average size of an Africanis?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Africanis weigh? How much should an Africanis weight? What is the normal weight of an Africanis? How much does a full-grown Africanis weight?
55-100 inches (25-45 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Africanis?
55-100 inches (35 kg)
Height
How tall is the Africanis? Africanis height:
20-24 inches (50-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Africanis?
22 inches (55 cm)

Africanis Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Africanis puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Africanis in the United States? How much money is an Africanis?

Where to buy an Africanis with a good pedigree?

$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the Africanis, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Africanis for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Africanis gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Africanis? How many Africanis are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Africanis Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Africanis? Is the Africanis breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Africanis dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Africanis is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Africanis dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Africanis?
Africanis dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Africanis good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Africanis dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Africanis dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Africanis dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Africanis dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Africanis Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Africanis have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentProtectiveFriendlyAffectionateObedientTerritorialTrainableWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Africanis sensitivity:
Africanis dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Africanis a good family dog?
Average to High: Africanis dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Bantu Dog need? Africanis social needs:
Africanis dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Africanis to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Africanis roam?
Africanis dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Africanis have high prey drive?
Africanis dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Africanis Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Africanis is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Africanis dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Bantu Dog bark?
Average: The Africanis barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Africanis good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Africanis in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Africanis breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Africanis indoors by introducing daily routines.

Africanis Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Africanis dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Africanis be left alone? How long can you leave an Africanis alone?
Africanis dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Africanis Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Africanis has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Africanis? How much bite force does an Africanis have? How strong is an Africanis bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Africanis bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Africanis measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Africanis is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Africanis bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Africanis bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Africanis puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Africanis, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Africanis bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Africanis can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Africanis bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Bantu Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Africanis? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Africanis has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Africanis do?
Africanis dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Africanis dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Africanis Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Africanis dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Africaniss tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Africanis breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Africanis breed? Most common health risks of Africanis:
CancerDermoid SinusParvovirusRabies
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Africanis breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Africanis see the vet?
Frequent
The Africanis should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Africanis dogs live? How old can a Africanis be? What is the age limit of the Africanis? How many years can the oldest Africanis live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Africanis?

How long is the lifespan of an Africanis?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Africanis: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Africanis Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Africanis have? What is the activity level of the Africanis?
Africanis dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Africanis need? How much exercise do Africanis dogs require per day?

Do Africanis dogs need a lot of exercises?

Africanis dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Africanis breed need?
Africanis dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Africanis Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Africanis need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Africanis breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Africanis? How much food should I feed my Africanis?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Africanis risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Africanis has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Africanis weight regularly.

Africanis Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Africanis have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
WiryThick
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Africanis coats?
BlackTan White Brown
Grooming
How to groom the Africanis and how often? How often should I take my Africanis to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Africanis doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Africanis is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Africanis dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Bantu Dog? Do Africanis dogs shed a lot?
Africanis dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Africanis need a bath? How often should you give an Africanis a bath? Can I bathe my Africanis every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Africanis breed hypoallergenic?
No
Africanis dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Africanis has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Africanis drool?
The Africanis is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Africanis could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Africanis.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Africanis Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Africanis dogs get along with other pets? Are Africanis dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Africanis dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Africanis temperament with other people:
Africanis dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Africanis dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Africanis temperament with children:
Africanis dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Africanis dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Africanis breed live with a cat?
Africanis dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Africanis good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Africanis dogs get along with other dogs?
Africanis dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Africanis breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Africanis breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Africanis dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Africanis dogs good office canines? Do Africanis dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Africanis is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Africanis dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Bantu Dog temperament with senior people? Are Africanis dogs good for elderly owners?
Africaniss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Africanis As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Africanis be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Africanis is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Africanis be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Africanis be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Africanis is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Africanis be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Africanis is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Africanis be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Africanis is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Africanis be a boat dog?

Not really

Africanis breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Africanis be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Africanis is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Africanis dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Africanis Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Africanis pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Africanis breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Africanis: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Africanis have in a litter? How many puppies can the Africanis breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Africanis have? How many puppies can an Africanis give birth to?
2-8 puppies

Africanis Recognition

AKC Group
Is Africanis recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Africanis recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Africanis Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Africanis dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Africanis dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Africanis doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Africanis dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Africanis is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Africanis has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Africanis dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: Africanis dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Africanis dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Africaniss are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Africanis dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Africaniss tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Africanis dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Africanis breed in the home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Africanis dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Africanis is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Africanis History

Besides the unique name, this breed has a unique origin story too. And what makes the history of this breed so different? It is the fact that they were shaped only by natural selection throughout the centuries and developed without almost any human intervention or breeding process.

For many years these dogs were considered as mongrels in the South African country and only in the 21st century as a result of the work of two dog experts Johan Gallant and Joseph Sithole  - who spent years studying and examining these dogs – that they began to lose the stigma of a street dog and started to be seen as a breed of smart, tough and ancient dogs. The name Africanis comes from Gallant, one of the experts, by mixing two words: canis (which means dog in Latin) and Africa. The Africanis Society was also created by Gallant.

Speaking of ancient ancestors, the Africanis has a proven lineage going back about 7000 years. In Africa, no canine domestication took place and the ascendents of the Africanis were domesticated in the East from where they came to Africa with the help of human migration. It is said that the Africanis is the descendent of the dogs of early Egypt. This theory is supported by the fossils found near the Nile and experts say that the ascendants of the Africanis were wild wolves of Arabia and India that probably arrived at the Eastern part of the continent during the Stone Age. From there they spread rapidly, migrating to the Southern part of Africa. The earliest evidence found of this breed in South Africa were some remains near the borders of Botswana from 570 AD.

Today some of these dogs still live in tribal areas but the everchanging culture and landscape of Africa mean a huge threat to the existence of the true Africanis.  Although this breed has been living in the continent for centuries, it is only recognized by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa as an emerging breed.

Rate The Africanis Breed

Africanis Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Lira

    Feb 14, 2024, 9:14:34 PM:

    They are the best as family members.

  • Beth

    Mar 17, 2023, 12:30:27 PM:

  • Meg N. Green

    Oct 13, 2021, 10:11:31 PM:

    I swear to God, she makes me laugh every day, some days more than once! Every day with her is a joy. I feel really blessed to have her in my life!

  • guill

    Dec 1, 2019, 12:49:58 PM:

  • Coubras

    Nov 28, 2019, 10:13:32 AM: