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15 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Nigeria (With Info & Pictures)

Written by: Ed Malaker

Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by Dogster Team

Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of pet owners there. It can be interesting to see what breeds are common in different parts of the world, so keep reading for a list of the most popular dogs in Nigeria.

 

The 15 Dog Breeds Popular in Nigeria

1. German Shepherd

german shepherd dog in the forest
Image By: Osetrik, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Germany
  • Lifespan: 9–13 years
  • Height: 20–26 inches

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and versatility. They make excellent working dogs, and owners often use them in security and law enforcement roles in Nigeria. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective.


2. Rottweiler

rottweiler dog standing on the field
Image by: Sinseeho, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Germany
  • Lifespan: 9–13 years
  • Height: 20–26 inches

Rottweilers are strong and confident dogs with a protective nature. Owners often use them as guard dogs in Nigeria because of their imposing presence and loyalty to their owners. They also have great problem-solving skills and are eager to please.


3. Labrador Retriever

Puppies Of Labrador Retriever dog Sitting On The Lawn
Image by: sobaka777, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Canada
  • Lifespan: 10–12 years
  • Height: 21–24 inches

Despite their Canadian origin, Labrador Retrievers are beloved family pets in Nigeria. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, intelligence, and adaptability to various roles and activities.


4. Bullmastiff

Black Bullmastiff
Image by: Urszula Drab, Shutterstock
  • Origin: England
  • Lifespan: 7–9 years
  • Height: 24–27 inches

Bullmastiffs are powerful and protective dogs that people in Nigeria often use for guarding purposes. However, many people describe them as gentle giants who are affectionate with family members.


5. Boerboel

Image by: Asonia, Shutterstock
  • Origin: South Africa
  • Lifespan: 9–11 years
  • Height: 22–27 inches

Boerboels are known for their strength and protective instincts. Originating from South Africa, they are popular in Nigeria due to their imposing stature and natural guarding abilities. They are intelligent but have a strong, independent nature.


6. American Pit Bull Terrier

White dog puppy American pit bull Terrier
Image by: OlesyaNickolaeva, Shutterstock
  • Origin: America
  • Lifespan: 12–16 years
  • Height: 18–21 inches

In Nigeria, Pit Bulls can take on various roles, from loyal family companions to working dogs in security and protection. They are intelligent and adaptable, with a strong muscular appearance.


7. English Bulldog

close up of an english bulldog's face
Image by: Seaq68, Pixabay
  • Origin: England
  • Lifespan: 8–10 years
  • Height: 14–15 inches

In Nigeria, English Bulldogs have gained popularity as lovable and easygoing pets. Their adaptability to different living environments, including apartments, makes them suitable for urban settings.


8. Chow Chow

chow chow puppy lying on the grass
Image by: Piqsels
  • Origin: China
  • Lifespan: 9–15 years
  • Height: 17–20 inches

The Chow Chow is a distinctive and ancient breed that originated in China. Known for their unique lion-like mane, stocky build, and unusual blue-black tongue, Chow Chows are easily recognizable. They are popular companions in Nigeria but need constant access to shade due to their thick coats.


9. Golden Retriever

Red Golden Retriever
Image by: Hollysdogs, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Scotland
  • Lifespan: 10–12 years
  • Height: 20–24 inches

In Nigeria, Golden Retrievers are popular for their warm and affectionate nature. They adapt well to various living environments, including urban settings, as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train and excellent for various roles, including as therapy dogs and assistance dogs.


10. Pug

Brindle Pug lying isolated on white background
Image by: Dora Zett, Shutterstock
  • Origin: China
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Height: 10–13 inches

Pugs have an affectionate and friendly nature, and many describe them as clowns. Their compact size makes them popular in Nigeria, and they adapt well to various living situations.


11. Cane Corso

black cane corso dog standing at the park
Image by: Tymoshenko Olga, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Italy
  • Lifespan: 9–12 years
  • Height: 23–28 inches

The Cane Corso has an imposing appearance, with a broad head, powerful jaws, and a short coat, which makes them a great choice as a guard dog in Nigeria. However, these dogs are also quite affectionate and make good companions, with many owners describing them as gentle giants.


12. Doberman

female vizsla doberman mixed breed dog on an orange background
Image by: smrm1977, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Germany
  • Lifespan: 10–13 years
  • Height: 24–28 inches

In Nigeria and around the world, people often use Dobermans as guard dogs and working dogs due to their alertness and natural guarding abilities. They also make great family pets due to their affectionate and loyal nature.


13. Belgian Malinois

belgian malinois, eyes
Image by: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Belgium
  • Lifespan: 12–14 years
  • Height: 22–26 inches

Belgian Malinois are dedicated, loyal, and protective. They form strong bonds with their families, and people often describe them as alert and highly trainable. You can find them in Nigeria in various roles, including police and search-and-rescue work, and as military and service dogs.


14. Caucasian Shepherd

three caucasian shepherd dogs
Image Credit: Tatianasoba, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Russia and the Caucasus region
  • Lifespan: 10–12 years
  • Height: 23–30 inches

People often use Caucasian Shepherds for security and protection due to their imposing presence and natural guarding abilities. They are known for their courage and fearlessness when protecting their loved ones.


15. Siberian Husky

siberian husky standing on leaves in autumn park
Image Credit: Maria Moroz, Shutterstock
  • Origin: Siberia, Russia
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Height: 18–24 inches

Siberian Huskies have gained popularity in Nigeria for their unique looks and friendly personalities. They are excellent family pets that are great with children. They are intelligent and can complete complex tasks but can also be independent and stubborn, making them difficult to train.

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In Conclusion

There are many popular dog breeds in Nigeria. Many, including the Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and American Pit Bull Terrier, are also popular here in the United States, while others, like the Boerboel and Belgian Malinois, are not as common as they are in Nigeria.

Protective dogs seem to be the most popular in this part of the world, though many of these breeds also have a gentle side that makes them great companions.


Featured Photo Credit: Cire notrevo, Shutterstock

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