The Story of the African Dog

Book excerpt: The African dog, or Africanis, is the original domestic dog of southern Africa, whose ancient origins can be traced back to the prehistoric wild wolf packs of Arabia and India. This unique and fascinating study recreates for us the journey of the dog's primitive canine ancestors, from their earliest presence at the fire of Stone Age humans, through the evolution from wolf to protodog to domestic dog, and subsequent migration into the African continent with nomadic Neolithic herders. Absorbing, informative, packed full of intriguing insights based on the author's own extensive experience with the Africanis, the book builds a strong case for the recognition, re-evaluation and conservation of these special dogs, which deserve to be cherished both for their own sake and as part of the unique national heritage of southern Africa. The Story of the African Dog is a book which deserves a place on every dog-lover's bookshelf.