Basenji Dog
The Basenji (the name is the translation of a native word meaning 'bush thing') is an interesting and attractive breed. Its main claim to fame is that it has no bark. But only the bark is absent; the Basenji will growl and whine like other breeds and can express itself feelingly with a distinctive chortle or yodel. The breed's vocal cords are present, and it is believed that training, over thousands of years, to hunt game silently may account for its characteristic quietness.
The breed is well known for its gentle disposition and love of children, though it can be aloof with strangers. It has great curiosity and mischievousness, and its advocates swear that it teases its owners into playing by rubbing a paw over its face.
Appealing features are its curling tail, high set and lying over to one side of the back, its habit of washing with its paw like a cat and its forehead full of 'worried' wrinkes.
Origin and history
Dogs of the Basenji type are depicted In many of the carvings in the tombs of the Pharaohs, and it is believed that these dogs were brought as precious gifts by travellers from the lower reaches of the River Nile.
The Basenji almost disappeared from public view from Ancient Egyptian times until the midnineteenth century, when it was discovered by explorers in the Congo and southern Sudan.
The foundation stock recognized today derived from the Belgian Congo with further import from Sudan and Liberia. It is said that similar dogs are to be found in the Malayan jungle and north of Katmandu, but these do not appear to have been extracted from their homeland.
Basenji Puppies
Good points
- Adaptable to most climates . Has no bark
- Clean
- Gentle with children
- Intelligent
- Odourless
Take heed
- Does not like rain
- Bitches may come into season only once a year
- Mischievous
Size
Ideal height: dog 17in (43cm) at the shoulder; bitch 16in (4o.5cm); but an inch either way should not penalize an otherwise well-balanced specimen. Ideal weight: 241b (10.9kg); bitch 211b (9.5kg)..
Exercise
The Basenji is a great hunter and if not exercised has a tendency to put on weight. It is fleet-footed, tireless and enjoys a daily walk and off-the. lead run. It is, incidentally, a breed that is particularly good with horses.
This is a breed that should not be kept in an outside kennel. It is essentially a house dog that loves to stretch out in front of the fire or to indulge in its strange habit of reclining in places off the ground. It is suitable for apartment living as long as it is given sufficient exercise.
Basenji Information
SHOW STANDARD
General appearance
The Basenji should be lightly built, finely boned, aristocratic-looking animal, high on the leg compared with its length, always poised, alert and intelligent.
Colour
Pure bright red, or pure black, or black and tan, all with white feet, chest and tail tip.
Head and skull
The skull should be flat, well chiselled and of medium width, tapering towards the nose, with only a slight stop. A black nose is greatly desired. Body. The body is short and the back level. There is ample heart space between well-sprung ribs, and the deep, short-coupled brisket ends in a definite waist.
Tail
The tail should be high set with the posterior curve of the buttock extending beyond the root of the tail.
Feet
Small, narrow and compact, with deep pads; well-arched toes.
Basenji Feeding & Grooming
Grooming
Regular use of a hound glove is' recommended.
Feeding
About 20-260z (587-737g) of branded dog food with an equal volume of biscuit, or 3-4 cupfuls of dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 112 cup of hot or cold water. Green vegetables should be added to Basenji fare.