Unsure if there are other local dog breeds in Nigeria then why not we protect our Ekuke dog breed? The dog breed is currently under threat. This threat is partly a result of urbanization and lack of affection for the canine by younger Nigerian generations who now prefer to adopt imported dog breeds as pets.

Although there is still a huge population of the ekuke dog breed, this dog breed is currently facing an existential threat. Currently, the ekuke dog species are mostly found in rural areas, and as urbanization spreads, the breed’s fate hangs in the balance. The biggest threat to the ekuke dog breed is not even urbanization but the reality that the dog species no longer feel attractive to several as a pet. In several places, it is seen more as a source of protein.

It is important to protect all of nature’s gifts to us and the ekuke dog breed has been our best friend in Nigeria before the exotic dog breeds became our newfound love. As civilization and development spread across Nigeria the species continues to be threatened. Dogs are among the few animals whose major purpose of being kept is as a pet. Maybe now you can see the danger ahead for our local ekuke dog breed when it falls out of favour as Nigeria’s favorite pet.

Across Nigerian cities several times you will find young Nigerians walking their foreign breeds of dogs which now brings a little symbol of class and even often admiration to the owners of such foreign breeds which we now consider as exotic dog breeds in Nigeria. While we encourage the care and love of the imported dog breeds, we also wish local dog breeds in Nigeria get similar affection.

Nowadays it is hard to find the ekuke dog breed in the cities and one can only wonder what will happen to the species as rapid urbanization continues. This is not about urbanization the ekuke has fallen out of fancy especially among young Nigerians even when it is easier to keep and maintain.

Ekuke even as an independent breed of dog may not perform well in neglect

Ekuke is a wonderful and independent dog breed but not beyond threat with the emerging abandonment. Dogs have over time gotten used to human companionship. Even though the ekuke tends to be independent sometimes, it is a domestic pet that can’t survive entirely by itself.

The ekuke dog breed can hunt, sometimes even able to feed itself but most times want to feel the care of its owners. There are several other features of the dog breed that should improve its adoption by younger generations but this hasn’t been the case.

Some beautiful aspects of the Ekuke dog breed

• Resilient: Several imported dog species can easily succumb to the harsh environment in Nigeria especially the heat, such breeds need close attention. This is not the case with our Ekuke. The breed has over time become used to the harsh African environment and has no problem surviving with little attention.
• Disease resistant: Ekuke isn’t one of the dogs easily seen in the vet’s office. It hardly falls sick and even when rarely sick has records of quick recovery from ailments and injury.
• Isn’t aggressive: The Ekuke dog breed is a very adorable canine. It often shy away from danger and isn’t aggressive nor attacks children or other people. Ekuke is intelligent enough to keep a distance if it doesn’t want a stranger to pet it, this has reduced the accident of bites from the breed.
• Has a special kind of intelligence: Ekuke may not be as trainable as the imported dog breeds, this may not even be the case as the ekuke dog breed hardly gets a chance to be trained. Locals don’t care about the ekuke dog having special training however when the ekuke has been trained as a hunt dog which is just about the most important aspect of this dog to most locals, it gets very good at it.

This shows that the ekuke dog is highly trainable just that not so many care about doing that anymore. As urbanization is spreading, hunting is also reducing in Nigeria. Animal protection also means that sooner or later, hunting may need to be outlawed as livestock farming may need to take more effect. This will mean a further threat to the ekuke dog breeds as its hunting prowess may no longer be useful to people. There’s a need to revive interest in the local dog breed.

• Independence: The Ekuke dog breed is highly independent. When we say independence, we don’t mean that it will entirely survive on its own. Well, most dogs are intelligent enough to survive on their own if that becomes the only option; however, Ekuke like other domesticated dogs loves and survives better with human company.

Talking about the ekuke independence, the dog breed can fend for itself, in several cases requiring less food from its owner. It is arguably the least costly breed of dog to keep in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Our ekuke breed may not be as appealing or fancy as the imported exotic breeds but Ekuke is our own. It is currently threatened by urbanization and negligence. City dwellers need to start adopting and caring for the canine or it may as well disappear with the trend of urbanization.

The ekuke can’t speak for themselves, someone has to. Every species’s survival is vital to our environment. Our local Nigerian dog breeds need to be protected and cared for.

You May Consider Reading: Nigerian tribes and their worldviews a beautiful difference.