Africanis
Also called African dog, Khoekhoe dog, Xhosa dog, Zulu dog, Tswana dog
From Southern Africa. The name is an umbrella term for the indigenous, aboriginal dogs of the region, a landrace shaped by local conditions rather than a designed breed.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth coat
A lean, athletic, medium-sized dog with a short, close-lying coat. Many carry a dark patch on the upper side of the tail.2
Personality what they are like
Generally described as a gentle, bright and affectionate dog that likes to please its people. It keeps a quiet eye on its home ground and is known to get along well with children.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs very little upkeep beyond an occasional brush.2
Company who they like around
A people-oriented dog that tends to be good with children and enjoys being part of family life.2
The story where it all began
Africanis dogs descend from early domestic dogs that spread south through Africa alongside herding and farming peoples over thousands of years. Dog remains from sites in Limpopo Province, South Africa, date back to around 570 AD. Today a dedicated society studies and conserves the remaining rural populations, including through DNA sampling.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Africanis is not a single designed breed but a landrace, a population that formed naturally within its local environment.3
- 2
It goes by many local names, such as Zulu dog, Xhosa dog and the Kiswahili mbwa wa ki-tamaduni, meaning traditional dog.2
- 3
Researchers for the conservation society have travelled more than 30,000 km through rural southern Africa to document and sample these dogs.1
- 4
Archaeological dog remains in South Africa's Limpopo Province show dogs have been in the region since around 570 AD.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Africanis Society of Southern Africa
- Conservation society for the landrace; founding year given as 1996 on the society's site and 1998 on Wikipedia. It works to keep the Africanis as one population rather than splitting it into separate breeds.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Africanis. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Africanis, and at what times?
Feed your Africanis at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times help their digestion, but the exact schedule can vary based on your routine. For amounts, always check the food label and ask your vet.4
What should an Africanis eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced commercial dog food is a great choice for your Africanis. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw bones. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.5
How often should I bathe an Africanis?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The short coat doesn't need frequent baths, and once every three months is fine for most.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does an Africanis need brushing?
Brush your Africanis weekly to keep the short, smooth coat healthy and remove loose hair. Furry Diary's plan recommends a weekly brush, which is easy and quick for this low-maintenance breed.26 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an Africanis's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an Africanis need?
Your Africanis needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. This active, athletic breed enjoys being part of family activities. Furry Diary suggests daily exercise to match their energy.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Africanis's teeth and ears?
Brush your Africanis's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal. Daily brushing is ideal, as per Furry Diary's plan.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does an Africanis live?
The lifespan of an Africanis can vary, so ask your vet for breed-specific guidance. Generally, medium-sized dogs live around 10 to 13 years with good care. Senior years often start around age 8. Furry Diary plan
Is an Africanis good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Africanis is known to be gentle, bright, and affectionate, getting along well with children. It is a people-oriented dog that enjoys family life. Socialization from puppyhood helps with other pets.2
Can an Africanis be left alone?
The Africanis is a people-oriented dog that enjoys being part of family life, so it may not do well alone for long periods. How long it can be left varies by individual. Ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Africanis Society of Southern Africa africanis.co.zaused for definition, society, research work
- Wikipedia: Africanis en.wikipedia.orgused for names, height, coat, colours, temperament, history (secondary)
- Africanis Society: The difference between a landrace and a dog breed africanis.co.zaused for landrace definition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.