Tesem characteristics
| Trait | Rating |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Energy level | High |
| Trainability | Low |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Good with children | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Very Low |
| Shedding | Low |
| Barking | Low |
| Protectiveness | Medium |
| Adaptability | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Is the Tesem right for you?
The Tesem is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. In terms of temperament, it is generally good with children when socialized and supervised and will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian. Day to day, the Tesem demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Tesem demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. With high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Tesem to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Tesem is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds very little. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Tesem takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency and speaks up only now and then. It is very self-sufficient and content on its own for longer stretches, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
Why this guide carries no lifestyle recommendations
The Tesem is classified in our catalogue as a wild canid, a wolf hybrid or an extinct type rather than a domestic pet breed. We publish the reference entry, but we do not score it for family life, apartments or first-time owners — the ratings that would drive those verdicts are either unsourceable or would be misleading applied to an animal that is not kept as an ordinary pet. Ownership of several of these is also restricted by law in many countries.
Perfect for
- Historical interest
- Extinct breed study
- Egyptian history
- Archaeological research
Things to consider
- Extinct breed
- Historical significance only
- No living examples
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Tesem good with children?
- The Tesem can be good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Does the Tesem shed a lot?
- The Tesem has low shedding.
- How much exercise does the Tesem need?
- With high energy, the Tesem needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Tesem live?
- The Tesem typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Tesem live in an apartment?
- The Tesem can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Tesem easy to train?
- The Tesem takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Tesem be left alone during the day?
- The Tesem is very self-sufficient and content on its own for longer stretches. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.