Basenji

Size:	Medium
Energy:	High
Barking:	Low
Coat:	Short/Smooth
Shedding:	Moderate

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• Description

  This is a small to medium sized smooth coated dog with a distinctive tightly curled tail. The wedge shaped face with the wrinkled forehead is also peculiar to the breed. The Basenji should be fairly finely boned and short coupled, creating the image of a graceful, lithe and compact creature. These dogs are unique in the fact that they do not bark. They do however make all the other usual doggie sounds and they will yodel when excited.

  Color

  The glossy coat of the Basenji comes in chestnut red, black and tri-colors. All coats have the white markings on the chest, feet, tip of the tail and as a blaze on the forehead. In its native country, the Basenji can also be seen in brindle and blue merle coat colors.

  Category Size

  Medium

  Coat Length

  Short/Smooth

  Weight/Height Range

  The Basenji female averages 16 inches tall at the withers and weighs in at 21 lbs. The dog is slightly larger at 17 inches and 24 lbs.

  HEIGHT	MIN	MAX	WEIGHT	MIN	MAX
  Female	16"	16"	Female	21 lbs.	21 lbs.
  Male	17"	17"	Male	24 lbs.	24 lbs.

  Ailments

  There are several hereditary defects that plague the Basenji. Among them is Fanconi's syndrome, which is a dysfunction of the proximal kidney tubules. Pyruvate kinase deficiency also attacks Basenjis leading to an early death caused by severe anemia. Lymphagectasia is the dilation of the lymph vessels, manifesting in diarrhea, swollen abdomen and weight loss. Basenjis are also sensitive to certain flea products and are more susceptible to enteritis than most dogs.

  Suitable Breed for Allergy Sufferers

  No

  Common Ailments

  Eye - Retinopathy, Gut - Enteritis, Haemolymphatic - Anaemia - Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, Poisons & Toxins - Insecticides, Urogenital (Acquired) - Nephroliths (kidney stones, renal calculi), Eye - Coloboma, Eye - Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Eye - Retinal dysplasia, Endocrine - Hypothyroidism, Gut - Lymphangestasia, Persistent pupillary membrane- opacity in cornea, vision loss, Factor XII Deficinecy - blood clotting disorder, Malabsorption syndrome

• Personality

  This is a very alert and intelligent dog but it has been likened to a cat in more ways than one. Very clean and prone to self-grooming the Basenji is nearly odor free. They have also been known to climb trees and fences as cats do. This breed does adore their owners and will be affectionate, however, they tend to be aloof with strangers. Due to their inability to bark, they cannot be relied on to guard. Basenjis tend to argue with other dogs but will get along with human family members. As this breed has been specifically bred to hunt rodents, small pets probably will not get on well with Basenjis.

  Intelligence

  The Basenji is alert and intelligent but is at the same time spirited and anxious. This personality combination makes them a challenge to train. They should be socialized early, especially with other dogs, as there is a breed tendency to fight that can be curbed. This breed will never excel in obedience competitions but it can be gently shown the way to fit in the role of a family pet.

  Energy

  High

  Tendency To Bark

  Low

  Overall Exercise Requirement

  This is a very lively dog with a characteristic 'tireless' gait. It was bred to hunt in rough terrain and thus has the stamina to do so. The Basenji needs a fair bit of exercise on a daily basis, as well as a great deal of mental stimulation, however they can also be quite happy to stay at home at the fireside. While not easy to train, it would be advisable to get the Basenji involved in some sort of dog sport to keep its mind and body healthy. They have no road sense so care must be taken if they are exercised near traffic.

  Suitability for Personal Protection

  Low

  Suitability as a Guard Dog

  Low

  Suitability for Children

  Medium

  Ease of Transportation

  Medium

  Level of Distress caused if left alone

  Medium

  Level of aggression

  High

  Other animal compatibility

  Low

• Grooming & Showing

  The Basenji does most of its own grooming and upkeep. The coat can be wiped down with a glove from time to time to remove loose hairs. Ears and nails can be checked periodically. Otherwise, little else needs to be done.

  Grooming requirements

  < Once a week

  Trimming required

  None

  Tendency to shed hair

  Moderate

  Show characteristics

  The head is wedge shaped, with a visible stop and a wrinkled brow. Almond shaped eyes should be dark hazel in color with black rims and set obliquely in the face. The ears are small and erect, slightly hooded and set well forward on the top of the head. A well-arched neck, slightly crested leads into the well laidback shoulders and short coupled back. The chest is of medium width and is fairly deep. An obvious waist gives the dog a trim and elegant look. The forelegs sport straight, flexible pasterns and the hind legs have well let down hocks. The feet are small and narrow. Single or double curled, the tail is held tightly over the back. Smooth, glossy hair covers the pliant skin and the coat can be chestnut red, black or tri-colored with white markings on the chest, tip of tail, feet and forehead. The gait should appear graceful and tireless.

  Breed classification

  Basenjis belong to the Hound group and are used as companions and seen in the show-ring.

• Origin

  Basenjis originate from pariah dogs, having characteristics particular to this group of canids. Pariahs have the tightly curled tail and a once yearly oestrus cycle, rather than the more common bi-annual oestrus cycle of the domestic dog. Basenjis were probably bred to be companion dogs for the Pharaohs and there are portraits of Basenjis in the Egyptian pyramids. With time the breed moved down to Central Africa where it was used to kill the long toothed and reed rats in the Congo region. These large, vicious rats were a real threat to the native people's livestock and a good hunting dog was essential for survival. The Basenji was also used to point, retrieve and drive game into a net, as well as track wounded prey. They are excellent all around hunting dogs and their place in the Hound group is somewhat misleading. While the breed has been long established, it wasn't known to the Western World until the time of the Victorians. Early African explorers remarked on a 'barkless dog' and finally a pair of Basenjis was brought to England in 1895. Unfortunately, the pair succumbed to distemper, as this disease was then unknown in Africa. However, the pair, exhibited as "Lagos Bush Dogs," was exhibited at Crufts before expiring. In 1923, Hellen Nutting brought 6 more Basenjis to England, all of who died of distemper. It wasn't until 1936 that 'Bongo of Blean' and 'Bokoto of Blean,' being known as "Congo Terriers," lived long enough to breed a litter. In 1937, the breed was taken to America, again many exports dying of distemper until 1942, when enough survived that a breed club could be formed and the Basenji was later recognized by the AKC in 1943. Current breeders still look to Central Africa for stock.

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