Basenji
are small, unusual, elegant, athletic dogs
about the size of a fox terrier, with a
smooth shiny coat of copper, red, black
and tan, black and brindle. Usually with
white feet and white on the chest and tip
of the tail. Individuals may also sport
a white facial blaze, white legs and/or
a white collar. The back is level; the legs
are long, and the forehead is furrowed with
wrinkles, giving it a worried look. The
ears are straight and open in the front
and its tail is set high and curls up over
and slightly to either side of the back.
Its eyes are small and almond shaped. Its
thighs are muscular, and it has a flat skull.
The breed has a distinctive, horse-like
running gait. The Basenji does not bark,
but does have a lot of other unusual vocalizations.
He may yodel, howl, growl or crow, depending
on his mood. Unlike most other domestic
breeds, which have two heats per year, the
female Basenji comes into heat only once
a year.
Temperament
The
Basenji is alert, affectionate, demanding,
energetic and curious. It loves to play
and makes a good pet, as long as it is handled
regularly from an early age. It is very
intelligent, responds well to training with
a strong desire to please. They can be reserved
with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat
aloof, but can also form strong bonds with
people. It should not be trusted with non-canine
pets. They are usually patient, but do best
with older considerate children. The Basenji
dislike wet weather. They like to chew,
so giving them lots of toys of their own
would be a good idea. The breed likes to
climb and can easily get over chain wire
fences. Basenji are very clever at getting
their own way, they succeed less by obstinacy
than by charm. It has the unique properties
of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation
instead) and of cleaning itself like a cat.
It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless
at play and teasing the owner into play.
Their strong desire to play can lead to
behavior problems if left alone. Most Basenji
problems usually involve a mismatch between
owner and pet. The owners mistake the adjective
"quiet' to mean inactive instead of noiseless;
thus, they become harassed by an active,
though relatively silent , dog.
This
breed is prone to Fanconi's syndrome (kidney
problems), which must be treated the
moment the symptoms are noticed. Also, they
are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy,
intestinal, and eye problems.
Living
Conditions
The
Basenji will do okay in an apartment if
it gets enough exercise. It is very active
indoors and a small yard will do. The Basenji
is happiest when it is kept with two or
three other Basenji; they will not fight
among themselves.
Exercise
The
Basenji need vigorous daily exercise. They
have a tendency to become fat and lazy unless
the owner is consistent about it. This breed
needs a long daily walk.
Life
Expectancy
About
10-12 years
Litter
Size
4
- 6 puppies
Grooming
The
Basenji washes itself like a cat and has
no doggie smell, so very little grooming
is needed. This is a good dog for people
with allergies. This breed sheds little
to no hair.
Origin
The
first traces of a dog similar to the Basenji
are found in Egyptian tombs and wall drawings
of five thousand years ago. Also called
the Congo Dog, it was brought to Europe
in 1934. English breeders refined it and
exported it all over the world. In Africa,
it is used as a guide in the forests, to
warn against the approach of dangerous animals,
and as a very active pack-hunting dog of
small game.
