The Basenji: Out of Africa

The Basenji is a very ancient breed. It has been a native of Africa since written history began. This unique dog has characteristics which are quite individual to the breed and are not found in any other domesticated dog. For one thing, it is considered a barkless dog, it "yodels" or "purrs" when contented and "wails" when distressed. The Basenji is more catlike in some of its mannerisms than it is dog-like. It is a very clean dog and very light on its feet. I have personally seen a Basenji leap into the air and catch a bird in flight...more than once. Furthermore this dog does not stop at birds, it is quick to catch any rodents and will even eat earthworms with delight.

The Basenji's color is quite clean. Red and white, black and white, tri-color and brindle or tiger-stripe are the accepted variations. The coat is smooth and colors appear very glossy. The face has wrinkles which give the dog a worried expression which is quite appealing. The ears are upright, the tail is a tightly curled "doughnut" over the back. The feet are tight and round and the entire look is one of exceptional grace and balance. The Basenji is a small dog standing about 16-17 inches. Unlike most domesticated dogs, this is a breed which only goes into heat once yearly, having puppies usually during October to December.

In Africa this little dog is considered a hunter's helper, it will help the beaters by driving the prey into the nets. It is independent and will catch its own prey as well as do the driving. It can be considered both a sight hound and a scent hound as it uses both of these attributes quite successfully.

Because of its quite independent heritage the Basenji can be a handful for a novice owner to train. However, those who take the time will find that it is a wonderful companion and a delight to own. It is generally reserved with strangers but willing to accept neighbors and friends. The Basenji is very playful and highly intelligent and because it is a naturally clean animal it is fairly easy to housebreak. A fenced yard is a necessity because the Basenji is quite aware of its environment and will investigate everything that happens in its surroundings and it is an exceedingly fast dog.

The Basenji in Europe and the United States were developed from a very limited gene pool. Consequently some recessive genes which are dangerous to the health of the breed have surfaced. Among the conditions are kidney disorders, intestinal malfunctions and retinal atrophies. Responsible breeders have made serious efforts to eliminate these problems with controlled breeding. In 1987 and 1988 two safaris were organized into the country of Zaire to bring out new bloodlines. The importation of these new lines helped to further increase the genetic pool and improved the general health of the breed.

Basenji Dog Breed

Breed group: Hounds

Weight: male: 24, female: 22 lbs

Height: male: 17, female 16 inches

Overview

This breed is originally from Africa, but more specifically Egypt as drawings of these dogs were found in tombs and on walls. These drawings date back about 5000 years ago. The Basenji is also known as the Congo Dog, and was brought to Europe during 1934. In England this breed was developed more, and from there exported to the rest of the world. English breeders refined this breed and then exported it all over the world. These dogs are used in Africa as forest guides, and also to warn people against the advance of dangerous animals.

Temperament

This breed is very attentive, and loves to play. They are however not recommended for someone with no previous dog ownership experience.

These dogs tend to become involved in destructive behaviour if they are left alone for too long, and will need proper training to change this behaviour. The Basenji is a very patient dog that also gets along well with children. It is advised that they are socialised early on as this will prevent the tendency to fight with other dogs.

Care

The Basenji is very much like a cat in the sense that it likes to clean itself. This breed sheds little to no hair, but will require some grooming in order for the coat to stay in a good condition. These dogs should be brushed on an occasional basis with a firm hair brush to remove loose and dead hairs. In general the Basenji is not a very high maintenance dog.

Training

If you are looking for a very obedient dog, the Basenji is not the right choice. This dog is particularly stubborn and independent - making them difficult to train. Basenjis should be socialised from an early age onwards to stop any destructive behaviour from forming, or if they are to be raised in a home with children and other animals. Obedience training is crucial for this breed, as they are very energetic. The training regime should be varied; otherwise this breed will get bored very quickly. For the best results the training environment should be consistent and firm.

Health problems

The Basenji has a tendency to suffer from Fanconi's syndrome, which is a problem with the kidneys. This condition should be treated as soon as the symptoms are noticed. This breed is also at risk of progressive retinal atrophy, intestinal, and eye problems.

Basenji - The Barkless Dog

If you are looking for a dog that isn't noisy, then the Basenji is for you. This dog breed actually does not bark! They also make great pets because they are so affectionate, playful and smart.

The Basenji is a very old dog breed. It is at least five thousand years old! Proof of their existence has been found in Egyptian tombs as well as wall drawings. In 1934, the Basenji was brought to Europe where it became very popular. Breeders in Europe refined the breed and began to export it to many other places around the world. Today, the dog has many uses. Some people use it as a pack hunting dog for small game. It is even used as a guide in Africa where it warns people of dangerous animals. The Basenji is also called the Congo Dog.

The Basenji is rather small and muscular. It is a short haired dog that has a shiny, smooth coat of either red, black and brindle, black and tan, or copper. Most Basenjis have white feet and white on the chest. The average weight is 24 pounds. Even though the dog does not bark, it does make other sounds such as a howl, yodel, growl and a crow.

This breed has an excellent temperament. It is very affectionate, playful, alert, energetic and curious. It is also very intelligent and does well with training. The Basenji is very eager to please and often forms strong bonds with its owners. However, they can be somewhat shy with strangers.

Even though Basenjis are usually patient, they shouldn't be trusted with small children. They do better with older children that are more careful and considerate. They also do not do well with animals of other species. Only keep them with other dogs. Basenjis love to be kept in groups of two or three, so you might want to get a few Basenjis to keep each other company.

Another great thing about this breed is how clean they are. If you have allergies this dog would be great for you. The Basenji cleans itself just like a cat does so you do not have to do much grooming. It also doesn't have a dog smell and doesn't shed!

Even though this breed is very quiet, that does not mean that it is inactive. This dog is very active and energetic. It loves to play and needs plenty of exercise. You will need to provide exercise for this dog every day. If the Basenji does not get the activity it needs, it will become fat and lazy. If you live in an apartment, just be sure you take the dog out every day for walks.

The Basenji is very prone to developing a kidney problem called Fanconi's syndrome. As soon as the dog gets the symptoms of this condition, it must be treated. Make sure you take the dog to the vet regularly. Many Basenjis also have eye and intestinal problems.

If you are interested in getting a Basenji, just be sure that you understand how active this dog is. You must be able to provide the exercise this dog needs. Basenjis make wonderful pets and can even be kept by people with allergies.

Quiet & Solitude Basenji – The Barkless Dog

The Basenji may be considered a strange breed of dog. The breed is a small, short haired hunting dog from Africa. This breed is an ancient breed that does not bark. The dog does make noise but it sounds more like a chortle or yodel. Your neighbors will love this breed of dog.

The Basenji has a short back and is slightly built. Even with the slight build, the Basenji is an athletic dog about the size of a fox terrier. The Basenji has a smooth shiny coat of copper, red, black and tan, and can also be a black and brindle color.

The feet are usually white. The white color repeats on the chest and the tip of the tail. The forehead is furrowed with wrinkles, giving the breed a worried look. The tail is set high and curled.

The Basenji was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943. The Basenji is categorized in the Hound Group. The Basenji is considered both a sight hound and a scent hound.

The breed is elegant and graceful. One of the most endearing qualities of the Basenji is its unusual gain. The dog has a distinctive run which resembles a racehorse trotting. Another distinct feature of the breed is that the female Basenji comes into heat only once a year.

The Basenji grows to a height of between 16-17 inches for males and from 15-16 inches for females. They weigh 22-26 pounds for males. The females weighs from 20-25 pounds.

This is high energy pet requires lots of exercise. The breed wants to play constantly. This is good for a family with children. However, the playful nature can become a nuisance at times when play is not appropriate. Of course, children love this playful nature. The children will tire out before the dog. This strong desire to constantly play can lead to behavioral problems. Obedience training is required with this breed.

The Basenji breed loves children. The high-energy level of children and the Basenjis’ love of continuous play can benefit most parents and dog owners. Before the day ends, both dog and children will be ready for some much needed rest.

The Basenji breed does have some common health issues which include:

• Fanconi Syndrome (a kidney disease)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (a gradual onset blindness that begins at four-to-five years of age)
• Thyroid problems
• Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM)
• Umbilical and Inguinal Hernias

Very little grooming is required for the Basenjis. The Basenjis has very clean habits. The Basenjis spend hours grooming themselves. Their grooming habits are somewhat like those of a cat. Amazingly, there is no doggie smell. This is a good dog for people with allergies because the breed sheds little to no hair.

The Basenji is an alert, affectionate dog. This breed makes a good family pet, especially a family with active children. This dog like to chew and climb. Beware of this dog's agility. They have been known to maneuver over chain wire fences.

Basenji - Egyptian Dog

The Basenji is a small to medium sized dog weighing between 22 to 25 pounds. Their height is around 15" to 17". Known as the barkless dog, the Basenji (bah-SEN-gee) makes a low howl/moaning/yodeling sound instead of barking. They are also called the Congo Dog.

The smooth, shiny, dense coat is short and lies flat against the body. AKC acceptable colors for Basenjis are black, chestnut red, tricolor or brindle all with white on chest, feet and tip of tail in any color including pinto, white or brindle. The coat is easy to care for. Basenjis are also known for licking and grooming their hair like a cat.

This high energy dog makes an excellent watchdog. They are slow to warm up to strangers and will alert you if they see a stranger. They need a lot of exercise and play. Since they are a little on the independent side, they also enjoy some alone play. Chewing is one of their favorite pastimes, so load them up with toys so they don't pick your favorite pair of shoes as a chew toy. They tend to no do well with non-canine pets. With early socialization, they can do well with children and other dogs. Because they possess a little bit of an independent nature, early training is recommended to help curb any unwanted behaviors.

Originating in Africa, the Basenji dates back to ancient times in Egypt. Pictures of the Basenji are on the walls in ancient Egyptian tombs. They are mainly used as watchdogs in Africa to warn others of the presence of wild game and they often hunt wild game as pack dogs.

Just because the Basenji does not bark, does not mean that they are a meek, quiet lap dog. They are very energetic and need plenty of play and exercise. They are perfect for homes that enjoy outside activity and will make sure that their Basenji has time to run and roam.

Getting to Know your Basenji

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed. At Kingdom of Pets, we keep a large database of detailed information on the appearance, personality, and health requirements of individual dog breeds. Here's what you need to know about the Basenji:

The Basenji is classified as a member of the “sight hound” family, otherwise known as a “hound.” However, this breed is also referred to as a “Congo Dog” because it is one of the oldest breed dogs, coming out of the continent of Africa. In fact, if you were to visit Africa, going to some of the Egyptian Pharaoh’s tombs, you would see carvings or other depictions of the Basenji on the Steles. Just as they did thousands of years ago, the Basenji is a regal breed with a proud stance, erect ears, and a curled tail.

For many years, this breed almost completely disappeared but then in 1895 when the Europeans crossed over into the Congo, it was again discovered, becoming a favorite pet due to its high level of intelligence, speed, silence, and even courage. All of these special qualities made the Basenji a great help during wild game hunts. After being imported to the United States sometime in the 1930s, the Basenji became popular, which lead to the breed becoming a member of the American Kennel Club in 1943.

Physical Appearance

As mentioned, the Basenji has a strong, proud look that is hard to miss. This breed is small, typically between 20 to 24 pounds and about 17 inches tall. The hair is short, the eyes almond shaped, and especially when puppies the forehead is wrinkled. Watching a Basenji move is fascinating in that the breed trots similar to a horse with a double-suspension gallop at full speed running.

While you will see a number of hair colors, only some are recognized by the American Kennel Club. These colors include:

* Brindle White (black stripes on a red background)

* Red and White

* Black and White

* Tricolor (red, black, and white)

* Trindle (tricolor and brindle combination)

Temperament and Personality

The most fascinating aspect of the Basenji is that this breed does not bark although a simple woof sound is possible. Other sounds made by the Basenji include a squeal, chortle, white, or yodel. Basenjis are also insistent on being clean, often wiping the face just like that of a cat. While this breed loves to hunt and explore, it does not favor water.

Being an extremely smart dog, the Basenji is easy to train, learning commands quickly. Other temperaments include being independent, funny, aloof to strangers, devoted to the master, and even mischievous. Keep in mind if you buy a Basenji that they love to run and they are exceptional climbers. Therefore, a chain link fence is not necessarily a good barrier.

Most Basenjis are high energy and independent. While they get along well with children and other pets, it is usually recommended they be heavily socialized and supervised. In most cases, if this breed is raised around other animals, walked in the park, and exposed to a number of environments, it will do well. However, the Basenji is a breed of its own, sometimes being unpredictable and a little standoffish.

Health

Typically, the Basenji is a healthy breed although some might develop Fanconi Syndrome, which is an inheritable kidney disorder. When a Basenji develops this problem, he or she would likely not have any symptoms until around four. In addition, this breed can be a carrier of a recessive gene known as the Hemolytic Anemia, which can be tested for with a non-invasive procedure.

Other possible health risks include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which is a form of degeneration in the retina, causing blindness, Coloboma, a hole in the eye’s structure, Persistent Pupillary Membrane, which are small threads going across the dog’s pupil, Malabsorption, an autoimmune intestinal disease, and Hip Dysplasia, which is a bone disease that causes symptoms similar to arthritis.

All About the Basenji Dog Breed

The Basenji: A curious, warm climate dog originally bred in Africa

The Basenji is an African dog breed that was originally developed in Zaire. It is sometimes also referred to as the Congo Dog or even the Congo Terrier. These unique dogs are not typically barkers, however, they do have a range of strange vocalizations that they make including crows and keening wails. They were developed for hunting to help flush game birds from the bush.

Characteristics, behavior and health concerns of the Basenji breed

The Basenji is a small breed dog that will not grow taller than 17 inches, or weigh more than about 24 pounds when fully grown. They have a short, smooth, silky fur coat that is appropriate for the warming climates. Common fur colors of the Basenji include copper, red, black and tan, and black and brindle. The health problems that are associated with this breed include PRA, intestinal problems, and often kidney problems.

Routine health care and grooming of the Basenji

To care for and groom this breed you will want to bathe and brush their fur coat only as needed. They will need daily physical exercise to keep them from putting on too much weight. They have a naturally curious nature so you will want to make sure that you either keep them on a leash when at the park, or keep them in a securely fenced yard. Basenji do OK in apartment settings as long as they receive appropriate exercise. Average life expectancy for this breed is around 10-12 years of age.