 The
Basenji, the Barkless Dog of Africa, is one of the oldest breeds
in the world. Its roots reach back beyond the Egyptian Pharaohs.
It is used in modern day in Africa as a trusted hunting dog
and treated as a beloved member of the tribal family. It was
introduced to America in 1941 and registered with the AKC in
1943. Popular
description would include: quiet, clean, elegant, proud and
intelligent. This graceful medium size furrowed-brow, curled
tail breed is not silent. They do not commonly bark, but emit
the famous yodel sound when they are happy, playing or want
to make their point. They can prove to be an escape artist
using their paws to open windows, doors and drawers and they
leap heights beyond most dogs.
The Basenji
has a deer like gait and is known to reach speeds up to 40
mph. When they are 'on the hunt' they will creep very close
to the ground and then pounce upon their prey like a cat.
They have been known to scent and point at over 80 yards.
They are not known to be 'lap dogs' but they do love their
owners with a strong devotion. They are a very clean breed
and have no common odor. They clean themselves frequently
in cat fashion. They do not like to get wet and are stubborn
about going outside in the rain. They are warm weather dogs
and their favorite spot is where the sun shines the brightest.
They tend to not be fans of winter's cold and snow.
|
| Height: |
16
inches for females and 17 inches for males. |
| Weight: |
Average:
20-22 lbs for females and 22-24 lbs for males. |
| Temperament: |
Intelligent,
independent, alert, curious and affectionate, but aloof with
strangers. |
| Color(s): |
4
variations: red & white, black & white, tri-color and
brindle. |
| Grooming: |
Bathed
as little as once a year. Suggest regular nail clippings and
teeth cleaning. |
| Coat(s): |
Short
and smooth coat. Sheds very little. |
| With
Children: |
Wonderful
companion to a child but caution should be taken around food.
Children should not play with the Basenji's curled tail. |
| With
Pets: |
Likes
the companionship of another Basenji or small to medium dog.
If the Basenji is raised with other cats and dogs the relationship
can be rewarding, but caution should be taken introducing other
pets at a later date. |
| Training: |
Easily
housebroken because of their cleanliness. They can be successfully
litter trained. A challenge to teach them to perform tricks
or basic obedience, but can be accomplished with lots of patience
and love. |
| Exercise: |
If no safely enclosed yard is available, they should be walked
daily 2 or 3 times in addition to their yard time. They have
a lot of energy and if left alone for long periods of time will
meet with mischief. |
| Health
Issues: |
A dangerous kidney disease associated with the Basenji is Fanconi
Disease. There are treatments to lengthen the life of a Fanconi
stricken Basenji. There can be issues of eye problems, hip dysplasia,
back problems, umbilical hernias. Obtaining your Basenji from
a reputable Basenji breeder will decrease these problems. |
| Housing: |
If the Basenji resides in an apartment you should exercise the
dog at least 2 times a day. If the Basenji lives in a house,
make sure that the backyard is enclosed with a stockade type
fence (they have the ability to climb 6-8 foot chain link fences
with the great ease.) Make sure that your fence is secured at
the bottom so that the Basenji will not dig under the fence
and meet with disaster. Crate training is highly advisable,
but it isn't healthy to leave a dog in a crate for more than
8 hours a day. |
| Life
Span: |
12-14
years |
| Country
of Origin: |
Africa |
| Conformation
Group: |
Hound
|
| More
Resources: |
