Africanis

The Africanis needs brushing every week or so with a slicker or gentle bristle brush. You can wipe them down with a wet washcloth, which will help to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy and glossy. They only need to be bathed when necessary as this can strip natural oils from the dog’s coat, making them more susceptible to environmental hazards. 

The ears of the Africanis dog should be checked regularly to ensure that they’re clean, dry, and free of debris or infection. You should also keep their nails trimmed and brush their teeth regularly. 

The Africanis has a lot of stamina and energy and will typically need at least an hour to an hour and a half of vigorous exercise per day. While long walks and hikes are appreciated, these dogs are happiest if they are given frequent opportunities to stretch their legs and actually run. 

Africanis health risks 

Africanis are a very healthy breed, with very few health concerns that you need to be aware of. 

There is only one major concern with this breed is and that is: 

• Dermoid Sinus

They may occasionally be diagnosed with entropion or ectropion, which are both eye conditions.

Due to their history of living in difficult environments, over the years they have developed a natural immunity to parasites and are generally very healthy. But, they can be susceptible to diseases like distemper, parvovirus and rabies. 

Does your pet insurance cover conditions such as dermoid sinus? Browse and compare top pet insurance providers to ensure you have the best cover for your dog. 

Dermoid Sinus

Dermoid sinus is a neural tube defect. It’s usually found along a dog’s back, neck and tail. It’s prevalent in Ridgeback breeds and, even if it’s discovered later in life, it will have been there since birth. When these tubes aren’t working properly they can become infected and inflamed. Symptoms can vary but one to look out for is the hair in a swirl pattern along an opening on the back — this can usually be seen from around three weeks. 

There are five types, identified by the severity. Surgery is likely to be required to treat them. 

There’s much variation in this landrace breed. Certain standards have been put in place to prevent the spread of certain genetic disorders, such as issues with dermoid sinus in dogs with ridged backs.

Feeding an Africanis — what’s the best diet?

Africanis are historically used to quite a low-quality diet but this certainly doesn’t mean you should feed them one. 

They’re an energetic and athletic breed so should be fed a high-quality diet, with protein as the main ingredient. You should look for food that is formulated for medium to large dogs. 

Puppies should be fed up to four meals a day and this can be reduced to two meals once they are adults. You can feed them treats, especially when training, but take this into account when serving up their food. 

It’s important your dog has a good diet to keep them looking and feeling happy and healthy. To help, check out our friends over at Dog Food Advisor for advice including the best dry food brands and the best wet dog food.