The Basenji is a poised hunting dog breed.
These dogs are naturally born as hunters and has a smooth muscular body. The Basenji is also known as the “barkless dog” which only makes sound when excited, with the sound appearing more like a yodel instead of a bark.
With a very fastidious habits and lots of energy often allotted for play and activity, Basenjis are independent hounds who prefer to meet strangers on their own ways. Bred to work with hunters, Basenjis are intelligent and alert but affectionate breed.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into 7 groups:
- herding
- hound
- non-sporting
- sporting
- terrier
- toy
- working
The Basenji is recognized as a Southern, hound dog by the American Kennel Club, along with Continental Kennel Club, Federation Cynologique Internationale, United Kennel Club, Kennel Club of Great Britain, Canadian Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel Club, Canadian Canine Registry, American Pet Registry Inc., American Canine Registry, Dog Registry of America, Inc., and North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
Aside from the innate hunter within the Basenjis, it makes a great and loyal family pet with its deep desire to please. It is also very energetic and would demand play and exercise. Basenjis are very ideal for family members who display leadership skills and they dislike the wet weather.
Devoted and pleased owners of Basenjis have come up with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite pet that include:
- Alert
- Affectionate
- Curious
- Playful
- Brave
- Reserved
- Independent
- Loyal
- Responds well with training
- Family dog
- Companion
- Likes to chew
- Cleans itself
- Speedy
- Frisky
- Clever
- Needs an authoritative owner
- Calm but Firm
- Confident and Consistent
- Will assume role of pack leader when left alone
- Spirited
- Stoical
- Vigilant
- Hunting dog
Basenji History
The first mention of the Basenji in history is on the Egyptian drawings and tombs, dating more than five thousand years ago. It was known to be the pets of Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. When it was introduced in England in 1937, it was then known as Congo Dog. The breeding in England was successful and the Basenji was exported to different parts of the world.
In Africa,Basenjiswere used by the native people and hunters as guide along the forest and to warn the people with the presence of dangerous animals. The Basenji was also a part of African games, helping along in pointing and retrieving of small game and driving games into the nets.
In the USA, the first litter was born and raised in 1941 and three years later, it was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Energetic and Smart Dog
The AKC breed standard eloquently describes the Basenji as an elegant and graceful dog with poise and alertness. The body structure of the Basenji is balanced and its smooth muscles enable it to move with such ease and grace. This dog breed hunts using the sense of scent and sight. It is the unique characteristic of the Basenji not to bark, however it is not mute as well.
Having a small body covered with short hair,Basenjisare hunting dog with a short back and rather long legs. It has a wrinkled head and a curled up tail. Its muzzle is shorter than its skull but is neither snipy not coarse. the ears of the Basenji is erect and slightly hooded, leaning forward on its head.
The ideal height of the Basenji is 17 inches for male and 16 inches for the female, measuring from head to buttocks. Its weight usually ranges from 24 pounds for male and 22 pounds for bitches. Its eyes are alert with a shade of hazel to dark brown, almond-shaped, and is farseeing.Basenjisare usually pure black, brindle, or chestnut red, all with a white feet, tail tip, and chest.
A typical hunting dog, Basenjis are eternally curious and very active. However, it needs an authoritative master or else it will assume to role of the pack leader. The Basenji responds to training well if it is started early but for a not well socialized Basenji, this dog will prefer to meet strangers on their own pace. It can be reserved with people its not familiar with but with its owner, the Basenji is a very affectionate pet who will remain forever loyal to their owners.
The Basenji will make a very good family pet and with a life expectancy of 10-12 years, the family will surely have fond memories of the Basenji for many years. Since this dog breed sheds little to no hair, it is great for family members will allergies. The Basenji also grooms itself like a cat, so minimal grooming is required.
Basenji Training & Care…
