The Dog Breeds in Nigeria provide among the best pet options while staying one of the most popular worldwide choices of pets since humans first loved them thousands of years ago. Throughout the ages dogs gained fame as humans’ best companions since people have admired their dedication and intelligence to provide friendship. Nigeria has given birth to ten dog breeds according to this list.
1) Dog Breeds in Nigeria, Nigerian Dwarf
Shiba Inu: Shiba Inus are known to be independent dogs, making them excellent watchdogs but not always ideal house dogs. These dogs originate from Japan.
Nigerian Dwarf dogs belong to the small dog categories because humans initially developed this breed to serve as pet animals. Nigerian Dwarfs feature curly tails and exist with three main color variations consisting of black and brown together with tan. Scientists have confirmed that the Nigerian Dwarf stands among Nigerian dog breeds.
Dog breeds beginning with Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Silky Terrier emerged from Thailand alongside Japan before British nobility introduced this dog to rat hunting culture.
Shiba Inus maintain their independence which makes them exceptional watchdogs yet they might not succeed as indoor companions. These dogs originate from Japan.
2) Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise exists as a tiny dog breed which first emerged in French territory. The French aristocracy as well as the royal family adopted these dogs as their preferred choice. The Bichon Frise exists as dogs that shine through intelligence and display love for people and maintain great friendships with others. Bichons Frises provide suitable pet companionship for senior citizens because of their small body type along with minimal exercise needs. This hypoallergenic dog breed offers a suitable option for allergy sufferers due to its coat which does not shed hair.
3) Maltese Terrier
A dog belonging to the Maltese Terrier group first emerged in the region of Malta. Hunters choose this Terrier breed because it successfully catches rodents while showing extreme loyalty towards its companions. The Maltese Terrier breed has survived through centuries until 1885 when it received official recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Kennel Club acknowledges Parti-color together with white, black and tan along with black mask as valid colorations for this breed.
Maltese Terriers, those furry little geniuses between 8 and 13 pounds, are not only noted for their intelligence, but also for their flair for drama. If you leave them alone for too long, don’t expect a cheerful reception… rather, be prepared to find redesigned furniture and a little face worthy of an Oscar for sadness. Constant attention or guaranteed chaos!
4) Lagotto Romagnolo
Historical records indicate the Lagotto Romagnolo breed from Romagna performed its first appearance in Italian history. Worldwide there are approximately 600 Lagotto Romagnolo specimens because this breed remains exceptionally uncommon.
The breed has natural water retrieving instincts that cause it to automatically chase and retrieve objects in the water. The Portuguese Water Dog joins the Portuguese Water Dog among the dog breeds participating in this modern sport. For centuries, the Lagotto Romagnolo breed participated in waterfowl hunting tasks, following the other ability such as truffle detection.
5) Shiba Inu
Japanese mountain terrain represents the perfect environment for shiba inus because this medium-sized bred dog initially served as a hunting companion. The shiba inu is a distinct Japanese dog breed which differs from the other national breeds through its reduced ancestral lineage coupled with size along with personality characteristics. Among all surviving ancient dog breeds the shiba inu stands as one of the rare heritage breeds found across Earth.
6) Dog Breeds in Nigeria, Bulldog
Bulldogs developed as an English dog breed from their origins in that country. Bull baiting functioned as the initial purpose of this medium-sized dog with short hair. The Bulldog emerged from the crossbreeding of the Old English Terrier together with the White Bitch. Current dogs belong to a dog family named Molossers that also features Mastiff and Newfoundland breeds alongside Rottweiler and Great Dane and Saint Bernard. The Germanic tribes introduced these Asian-originated dog breeds when they established themselves in Rome after their invasion.
7) dog breeds in nigeria Mudi
The Yoruba language name Mudi refers both to the dog breed and the dog itself. The Mudi developed in Hungary for the purpose of cattle herding. Two versions of Mudi exist with either long-haired or short-haired combinations. This active dog loves outdoor playtime as its foremost characteristic.
8) Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
The Xoloitzcuintli is the mane-less rockstar of the dog world. This rare and elegant Mexican canine is not so easily seen, as it is only bred in certain areas of Mexico, almost like a national treasure.
In its pre-Hispanic glory days, the canine was not only an excellent tracker of prey thanks to its keen sense of smell, but also had a reputation for stoically surviving without food or water for long periods – a champion of intermittent fasting! The Aztecs saw it as a mystical dog, believing that it bestowed protection and even a touch of invincibility.
For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the “Mexican hairless dog”, although, to be honest, it would also make a great search companion when you lose another dog… or your keys.
9) Neapolitan Mastiff
Modern Italy serves as the homeland of the Neapolitan Mastiff breed which presents itself as a substantial dog. The Mastino Napoletano carries alternative names as Mastino. Today the Neapolitan Mastiff breed serves two purposes: acting as both family pet and show dog despite its initial purpose as protector. Neapolitan Mastiffs weigh between 120 to 200 pounds so their height reaches 26 to 31 inches at shoulder level.
The life expectancy of these dogs amounts to 10 to 12 years while their health condition remains good but excessive weight requires their hind leg muscles to weaken. The maintenance of their health together with their proper weight requires frequent exercise just like other giant dog breeds.
10) Tosa Inu
Among the various dog breeds which flourish in Nigeria stands out the Tosa Inu as an especially favored canine breed. The Tosa Fighting Dog stands as an official name for this dog while it originates from Japan as per historical records. The breeding purpose of this dog started with bear and tiger hunting but these days it primarily functions as a fighter Dog.
Heavy-boned Tosa Inu dogs possess large stature and exceptional muscular body strength. The name Tosa Inu consists of two Japanese words tō (brave) and su (dog) which signify a brave canine.
