Top 10 Dog Breeds That Originated in Africa

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Saluki

Saluki: Tall, slender, strong, and athletic. One of the oldest breeds dating back to 7000 B.C. Loved by Egyptian royalty. Still popular as pets. AKC recognized in 1927, gaining popularity in the U.S.

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Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback: Crossed Khoikhoi dog with European breeds. Skilled lion hunters, adept at facing leopards and monkeys. Active, loyal, and gaining popularity, especially in the U.S.

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African Wild Dog

African wild dog: Also known as painted dog/wolf (Lycaon pictus). Found in sub-Saharan Africa, they roam in packs, hunting antelope, rodents, birds, and wildebeests.

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Aidi

Aidi: Thick, soft coat resembling traditional sheepdogs. Developed in Morocco for mountain protection. Smart, loyal, and protective, popular as pets. Not AKC recognized, but valued in North Africa.

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Boerboel

Boerboel: Often mistaken for Cane Corsos or mastiffs. Powerful yet gentle giants, intelligent, loyal, and great with kids. Result of interbreeding European guard dogs with African bloodlines.

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Sloughi

Sloughi: Ancient breed, loved by hunters and Egyptian royalty. Popular for hunting and guarding in Morocco. Aloof with strangers, but affectionate with known ones. Lovely pets.

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Basenji

Basenji: Small, athletic, and high stamina. Needs exercise to prevent boredom. Lovely, affectionate pets. Doesn't bark, yodels instead. Long history of domestication seen in ancient Egyptian.

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Abyssinian Sand Terrier

Extremely rare African breed, long bodies, varying skin tones, and hairlessness. Preserved taxidermy exists, but likely extinct. Possibly influenced the Chinese crested. Lost history.

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Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested: Origin uncertain, possibly evolved from African hairless dogs crossed with Chinese breeds. Unique appearance with mostly hairless, pink-ish skin, and tufts of hair on the head.

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Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear: Fluffy companion dog from Madagascar. Preferred lapdog of nobles. Isolated for centuries. Discovered by French tourists in the 1960s, popular in Europe.

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