Africanis Dog Breed

Thinking of getting an Africanis Dog and want to know if an Africanis is suitable for your household?

Use the Africanis information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Africanis and more.


Africanis Breed Facts

Africanis Facts

  • Name: Africanis
  • Other Names: African Dog, Bantu Dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Khoikhoi Dog, Tswana breed dog, Zulu Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi
  • Origin: South Africa
  • Breed Group: Hound
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Africanis Dog Facts

Africanis Information

The Africanis is a short-coated, medium-sized dog, well-muscled and slightly longer than tall. It can be of any colour and occasionally comes with a ridgeback.(Regarding the ridged back, according to the Africanis Society of South Africa: A ridge of varying form can exceptionally be seen on the back. It has sadly been established that this mutation can be associated with a dermoid sinus. Therefore, ‘ridged’ individuals are not recommended for breeding). There is also a wire-haired variety of the breed, but it is relatively rare. The height usually varies from 50 to 60 cm (with the tolerance of 2–3 cm).

The Africanis is well disposed without being obtrusive: a friendly dog showing watchful territorial behaviour. The breed is independent and territorial, but highly trainable. They can however, become grumpy as they grow older, and may also become quite difficult when kept with other dogs in a pack.

What to do if you lose your Africanis

If your Africanis Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the lost pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Phone the nearby vets to see if someone has handed in your missing pet.

4. Phone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Africanis

If you find a Africanis Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Contact the Local Council to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Pound near to your suburb.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet who can scan the animal’s microchip and call the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.