Basenji Breed Description

Basenji Description, Straight from the Dog's Mouth
Me: I'm the quiet type. I guess in the canine world I have two peculiar qualities--I don't bark and I don't have an odor. People like to 'make fun' of the fact that I cannot 'technically' bark. I give it a good try though, but most of the time I just make a guttural sound. Imagine that, a 'barkless' dog! I'm cool with that, and if you live in a crowded neighborhood with whiny neighbors, they will like me.

Most dogs like going for walks no matter what, but me: you're not going to get me out that door if it's pouring rain--I hate getting wet. (Sound like another variety of pet?) Well then, get this, I also like to clean myself like a cat! (No, I'm not related to the feline family--how embarrassing would that be?).

You're probably thinking I'm a pretty different kind of dog. Yep, I am. I don't bark, I don't have that dog odor, I don't go jumping into lakes or water to retrieve some kind of bird and I lick myself like a cat!

But, now prepare yourself for this: Wikipedia says that I'm "elegant-looking, with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer." How cool is that, to be compared to a graceful deer? I'm too sexy for my cat, too sexy for my cat...!

Typically I bond best to one human and preferably a mature and patient one. Oh, one last thing about my breed: I'm so thankful that 'green' is becoming the norm now in household cleaning products because I'm sensitive to environmental and household chemicals. Please love me enough not to use them.

 

 

Introduction

The modern Basenji descends from dogs living in Zaire in the 1930s. These dogs are quiet and graceful, typical of breeds that evolved in temperate and warm climates. The tan color provides camouflage and a short coat on the ears and body all help with heat tolerance. These factors, along with the Basenji's silence while tracking, make it an efficient hunter. These dogs are barkless but not mute, having a full range of all other canine sounds (growls, snarls and whines). They are not good watchdogs but are excellent with children. They weigh 21 to 24 lbs. and stand 16-17" at the shoulders.

History

The origin of this breed is traced to a dog similar to the Basenji that was found on wall drawings and Egyptian tombs dating back five thousand years. It was also referred to as the Congo dog. In 1934, it was taken to Europe, where the English breeders improved it and later exported it throughout the world. It is used extensively as a guide dog in the forests of Africa to caution against dangerous animals nearing. It’s also used in hunting, as it is very vigorous in pack-hunting of small game.

Description

Basenji are little, odd, graceful, agile dogs about the dimension of a fox terrier, with a silky sparkly coat of red, copper, black & tan, and black & brindle. Usually, they spot the color white on their feet, chest and the tilt of their tail. Folks may spot a white face, collar, and/or legs. The backside is level with long legs and a wrinkle, furrowed forehead that gives the breed a worried look. They have straight ears that are open in the face while their tail is set somewhat to both sides of the backside in a high and curly manner. Their eyes are almond-shaped while thighs are muscular and their cranium is flat. The dog also comes with a distinguishing horse-like running step. The Basenji breed does not growl but rather makes many other odd vocalizations that resemble ululations.

Temperament

The Basenji breed is vigilant, friendly, active and probing. It loves to fool around and this makes it a good pet, but on the condition that it is handled on a regular basis from a tender age. It is a clever animal that reacts well to training by way of a strong aspiration to please. The dog socializes well with strangers and despite it being unapproachable to some extent, it is capable of forming strong connections with people. Basenji should not however be left alone with non-canine pets. The dogs thrive best with kids who comprehend how to exhibit leadership to the dog and have an aversion to wet weather as well. The dogs like to gnaw things and the provision of toys in plenty is a great idea to keep them occupied. The breed is also known to climb and can pass through chain wire barriers. It also cleans itself similarly to a cat. It is capable of being portrayed as quick, lively and diligent at play. The Basenji is very smart at getting away with things; they are successful less by stubbornness than by allure and consequently call for an owner who exhibits natural authority to make regulations and adhere to them.

Health and Care

At times, this breed is a carrier of a recessive gene that causes genetic Hemolytic Anemia which can be detected through a non-invasive DNA test. They also suffer from hip dysplasia which causes mobility problems due to its arthritis-like symptoms. Immunoproliferative enteropathy is another disease that occurs in this breed; it affects the intestines causing chronic diarrhea, anorexia and at times, even death. Improving the quality of life of the dog infected is paramount and can be done through a special diet. They also suffer from retinal atrophy which is a gradual deterioration of the retina that ultimately leads to blindness. Other genetic eye diseases include Coloboma and persistent papillary membrane.

Grooming

The Basenji cleans itself in a similar manner as cat and does not smell like other dogs. This prompts little grooming. This breed usually has allergies since they shed small or no hairs at all.

Colors

According to the American Kennel Club standards there are four basic colors Red, black, tricolor, which consists of black with tan in their traditional pattern) and brindle (red with black stripes), each of these with white on the tail, chest and feet.

Living Area

The Basenji can live outdoors with a big yard or in an apartment provided they get exercise daily and lots of it. It is important to remember when your Basenji is bored, he will begin chewing things-anything is his sight so if you live in an apartment, he should not be left there alone. In many ways, they are similar to a hyperactive child.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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