Basenji

Basenji

The Basenji is somewhat of an unusual dog, as it does not bark. Also, it cleans itself rather like a cat, and has an unusual trotting gait rather like a thoroughbred horse.

History:

The Basenji has a truly amazing history. There are reports of pictures just like the Basenji appearing in the tombs of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Yet the breed was virtually unknown to western culture until the nineteenth century. This ancient breed originated in Zaire, formerly known as the Congo, in Central Africa, around 3400 BC. During the 1870s, English explorers found the dogs living with local people. The Europeans discovered the Basenji had been carefully bred to concentrate their best traits. The dogs were truly amazing, both for their prowess at tracking and as watch-dogs.

Veronica Tudor Williams is credited for carrying out the difficult task of scouring remote areas of Africa to obtain the best specimens. She then had the difficult task of transporting them overseas for breeding. As the Basenji had not been exposed to European canine diseases such as distemper, there were many initial setbacks to overcome.

Physical characteristics:

The Basenji is a symmetrical, athletic-looking dog with an appearance of being alert. Height: 16 - 17 in (40.6 - 43.2 cm). Weight: 21 - 24 lb (9.5 - 11 kg). The almond-shaped dark eyes are small and quite deeply set. The small upright ears are set high on the head and a long way forwards. The wrinkles on its face provide it with an interesting facial expression. The medium-length neck thickens as it smoothly flows over muscular shoulders with a full chest. The dog has a definite waist and a curly tail held high. The coat is short and quite silky over a supple skin. The coat color is usually chestnut with white markings but may also be white, black, white and black, or tan.

Behavior:

This medium-sized dog has a cheerful and confident temperament with a tendency towards independence. It has been selectively bred to be an excellent watch-dog. However, although it does not bark, it sounds a characteristic call rather like a yodel.

Generally, the Basenji gets along well with other dogs. Although they may act differently in some ways, a wise owner will ensure that they have plenty of chance to socialize with other dogs as a puppy, and so avoid any later problems. As they have had thousands of years of living with people, these dogs are especially good with families and make excellent companion animals. Basenjis enjoy close contact with people and respond quite well to training. As they are intelligent and active dogs they should be provided with regular exercise and plenty of stimulation.

Basenjis are a hardy breed and cope well with hot conditions, as may be expected because of their origins. During cold weather a simple kennel should be provided. To avoid roaming, these dogs should be adequately fenced, as some may become notorious for their Houdini-like exploits.

Their food requirements will vary with their age and amount of exercise, but as a guide they will need about just over a pound (0.5 kg) a day.

As a breed the Basenji generally has few weaknesses but may suffer from breathing problems. This dog likes to keep itself very clean and will fastidiously lick its coat.

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