Africa Antiqua

The lives of dogs and humans have been intertwined for thousands of years. Genetic evidence suggests that dogs have been around for about 100 000 years. This is almost as long as as modern humans been around. Dogs are therefore very much part of human society and heritage.

Our company, recognising the intimate link between hominids and canids, has embarked upon an exciting tour programme to visit those areas and places central to the development of specific dog breeds and types. Although dogs have been intimately associated with ancient Egyptian civilisation in northern Africa, it is only relatively recently, around 2 500 years ago, that indigenous dogs breeds spread south of the equator. Many of these indigenous (unimproved breeds) still occur in relatively isolated tribal areas.

Like pariah dogs elsewhere they also have a close genetic link with the Australian Dingo. Some of these breeds, such as the Basenji, is well-known in the international dog world. Others, such as the Zulu iSicha, so closely associated with early hunting history of southern Africa is largely unknown outside of their tribal society.

Some breeds associated with colonials also developed on the African continent. Perhaps the most celebrated is the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Having developed during the tumultuous times of ivory trade and exploration of the southern continent, this breed is, ironically more numerous outside of Africa in Western countries where the breed has a large and loyal following. In South Africa we are able to take enthusiasts of African and undeveloped breeds to places of historical significance, and to areas where these dogs can be viewed in their natural and original environments, often executing the work for which they were originally intended.