AKA: Ridgeback, African Lion Dog, African Lion Hound

Description: The Rhodesian Ridegback is large and well-muscled dog. It has a flat broad head with a long and deep muzzle and a defined stop. Its nose can be black, brown, or liver, and its eyes are usually brown. Its ears are set high and dropping down and tapering. It has a deep chest, and strong straight front legs. The body ends with a long and tapering tail that curves upward a little. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s most distinctive feature is its clearly defined symmetrical ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction running down the middle of the back.

Dynamics: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known to be a ferocious and sophisticated hunter, but it is also a calm and gentle dog to its master or family. It has a good nature and is obedient and even-tempered. It can play roughly though and may not do well with small children. This is an intelligent and serious dog, straightforward and confident. It is brave and and can have an imposing presence. Towards strangers, this dog is reserved and quiet. But it can socialize well when trained.

When training the Rhodesian Ridgeback, it is important that the training be consistent and firm. This breed does not respond well to meek or passive owners, and might refuse to take us seriously. Without the proper training and socialization, the Rhodesian Ridgeback may develop destructive behavior and may become combatant with other dogs or pets. It might also become stubborn and may refuse to follow you. But once you have established that you are the leader and the dog is the follower, then the Rhodesian Ridgeback will prove that is is a loyal and protective companion.

Breed Group: Southern, Hound

Weight: males 80-90 pounds (36-41kg), females 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)

Height: males 25-27 inches (63-69cm), females 24-26 inches (61-66cm)

Color: The color of the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat range from light wheaten to shades of red. Sometimes there are little white patches on the chest and toes.

Country of Origin: The Rhodesian Ridgeback came from Zimbabwe, South Africa, where it is known as a hunting dog and retriever. It also took care of children and guarded property. When hunting in packs, this breed is excellent in hunting lions, which earned them the name of African Lion Hound.

Activities: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has great stamina and energy. It needs a lot of exercise and a lot of opportunities to run around. It should be walked everyday and allowed to run free in a safe and secure area.

Grooming: Grooming the Rhodesian Ridgeback is easy because it has a short and smooth coat. Brush occasionally with a bristle brush. Dry shampoo only when necessary. It is an average shedder.

Other Info: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed but can also be prone to the usual ailments like hip dysplasia and dermoid sinus. The Rhodesian Ridgeback will be all right living in an apartment as long as it is getting enough exercise.

Photo: Sannse

AKA: African Boerboel, South African Boerboel, South African Mastiff

Description: The Boerboel is a big, muscular, and well-balanced working dog. This breed is impressive and intimidating in appearance. Its head is short, square, and muscular, with well filled cheeks. The top is broad and flat. The face can be with or without a black mask. There is a visible stop and the muzzle is black. The nostrils are large and widely spaced. The nasal bone is straight and parallel to the top-line head, tapering slightly to the front. The jaws are strong, narrowing slightly to the front and forming a scissors bite. The eyes are a dark brown and the ears hang down in a V shape (except when they are alert and the ears form a straight line with the top of the head).

The Boerboel has a muscular neck with a loose skin under the throat. The top line of its body is straight. The tail is short and is attached high to the body. The hind paws are slightly smaller than the front paws; both are round with dark curved toenails. The Boerboel’s skin is thick and there are moderate wrinkles on the forehead when it’s alert.

Dynamics: The Boerboel is an intelligent dog and a reliable watch and guard dog. It is fearless and at the same time obedient to its owners. It is also playful and affectionate. It gets along well with children. It loves a game of fetch and it revels in the attention it gets.

This breed makes a good guardian for the family. It is a natural protector and may get suspicious of any strangers coming near. It will accept visitors as guests only when it has confirmed that it is a friend. The Boerboel also gets along well with other dogs and pets.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 154-200 lbs (70-90 kg)

Height: males 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), females 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)

Color: The Boerboel’s coat comes in cream white, pale tawny, reddish brown, brown, and all shades of brindle.

Country of Origin: The Boerboel originated in South Africa, where it was bred from the Bulldog and Mastiff type of dogs, and with the Hottentots. It was also crossed with the English long-legged Bulldog and the Bull Mastiff.

Grooming: In grooming the Boerboel, an occasional brushing is enough. Bathe it once a month. This breed is not suitable for an apartment life and needs an large area where they can run and play.

Activities: The Boerboel loves a lot of good exercise and play sessions.

AKA: Cape Hunting Dog , Tri-colored Dog

Description: The African Wild Dog has a marked patch-like markings on their fur. Their coat are close to its skin and very thick on their tail. Their ears are round, large, and set closely high on head. Has black mask that lightens on their eyebrows through the side of their face. Despite its thin frame it is very muscular and strong. The lean frame and long legs enable it to achieve high rates of speed that is often necessary to capture its prey.

Temperament: They are an aggressive nature, but in the group, only a single male and female exhibit controlling behavior. If it faces their opponent, usually with another animal, it will not back down. The African Wild Dog is very encouraging. Weaker pack members, such as the young, injured, or elderly are taken care of by all members of the pack,Pack members are friendly and jovial with one another and there are rarely any violent fights among them.

Activity: Sufficient daily exercise is required of them. In a zoo they will require a significant amount of exercise.

Grooming: The short coat of the African Wild Dog does not require a significant amount of grooming. With the help of pack members, they could remove any insects or debris from each other’s coat.

Health Problems: The African Wild Dog may suffer distempter, parvovirus, and rabies. The African Wild Dog has an average lifespan of 10-12 years.

Color: The coat of the African Wild Dog is characterized by patches of black, white, blonde, and a very light yellowish-brown. The patches vary from one dog to the next.

Height: Height: 24-31 inches

Weight: 38-79 pounds

Country Of Origin: Africa south of the Sahara Desert in areas of semi-desert to mountainous and in zoos.

Dynamics: The wild dog is a highly intelligent and very sociable breed. They have an important role in preventing sick and weak animals, The stereotype of the wild dog as a cruel butcher is slowly being replaced by a less harsh image.

AKA: African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, Avuvi, Congo Dog, Zande Dog, The Jumping Up And Down Dog, Voiceless Dog

Description: The Basenji is a small athletic dog that is about the size of a fox terrier. While its coat may range from copper, red, black, tan, and brindle, its feet are usually white together with the chest and the tip of the tail. There are some Basenjis that have white legs and white collars too.

The Basenji’s forehead is furrowed with wrinkles. It has straight ears, small almond-shaped eyes, and a flat skull. The back is level and the legs are long with muscular thighs.

The Basenji doesn’t like to bark, but it has various unusual vocalizations which it uses depending on its mood. Its gait is horse-like and distinctive.

Dynamics: The Basenji is affectionate and energetic, although demanding at times. It is a curious dog and loves to play, which makes it a good pet. It is very intelligent and patient, and responds well to training. However, the Basenji can be aloof with other people. It cannot be trusted with non-canine pets.

The Basenji like to chew. It also like to climb trees and can easily get over wire fences. It is fast, frisky, and very energetic and teasing. Problems with the Basenji include their dislike of wet weather, and an unattended strong desire to play.

The Basenji is prone to problems concerning its health. It is prone to Fanconi’s syndrome, concerning kidney problems. It is also vulnerable to progressive retinal atrophy, intestinal, and eye problems.

Breed Group: Southern, Hound

Weight: males 22-26 lbs (10-12 kg), females 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg)

Height: males 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), females 15-16 inches (38-41 km)

Color: The Basenji’s coat can be copper, red, black and tan, black and brindle.

Country of Origin: The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds. The first traces of a dog similar to the Basenji are found in the Egyptian tombs and walls. The breed almost disappeared when the Europeans found them in Congo, hence named as Congo Dogs.

Activities: The Basenji has a tendency to be fat and lazy. It should have a vigorous and consistent exercise.

Other Info: The Basenji’s life expectancy is about 10-12 years. Unlike other dogs, the Basenji washes itself like a cat and has no doggie smell. This would contribute to the point that very little grooming is needed for Basenjis and that they are suitable for people with allergies. The Basenji can be raised in an apartment as long as it receives its daily exercise. Being in the company of other Basenjis also makes its day!