Basenji dog breed information
The Basenji breed is between 15 and 18 inches tall. With a distinctive face that wrinkles around the forehead. Here we see a short muzzle, smaller than the skull, which is flat. The ears are small, erect and face forward. The eyes are brown and oval in appearance. You see a beautiful straight back. The legs are straight and in proportion to the dog. The tail sits elevated and can be curved to either side. Its coat is shiny and short, with fine fur. The colors we see are pure copper, black, red, and chestnut red. They have a beautiful range of tricolor and these are black, tan, and white, or black, brindle, and white. For the AKC standard, the dog must have white on the chest, legs, and tip of the tail. This dog can, as an option, have white paws, glow and collar. This dog does not bark. Now before you decide it’s the one for you, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t make noise, it does, they can howl, sing, growl and are known for their yodel noises. Therefore, they are still vocal, and what you can hear will depend on the mood of the dog.
History: Basenji is first seen or recorded in Egyptian tombs and Egyptian hieroglyphics. We see from this that the breed has a long history, dating back four or five thousand years. Since then it has spread around the world, was introduced to England in 1937 and developed into the breed we see today. The first dog used on the African continent was used by locals to target and retrieve prey. They were also used to warn if dangerous animals were approaching. The Basenji was first brought to the US in 1944. Another name for this dog is Congo Dog.
Temperament: Due to the natural instincts and energy of Basenji dogs, they need to know who is the boss. You have to show good leadership at all times and socialize the puppy well, to get the best out of this breed. He is wonderfully energetic and intelligent and does well with training too. He is fast and never tires of playing. This dog needs good handling from a young age to get the best of it. You have a strong desire to please, which allows good training to happen. They are like cats in cleaning themselves. This breed can work well with children as long as the child can show leadership towards the dog, so it is not suitable for really young children or toddlers. Due to its natural hunting abilities, it should not be trusted with pets other than canines. They love to chew and should think of a selection of chew toys so this need can be met. Here’s a breed that can, and will, climb, so chain-wire fences in a garden are not a problem for them to climb. As with most dogs that come from working breeds, this dog will need a lot of exercise for both mind and body.
Health Issues – The Basenji dog breed is known to have kidney problems, which should be treated the moment you think there might be a problem. They are also vulnerable to eye and intestinal problems. Another problem is progressive retinal atrophy.
Grooming: The Basenji dog is washed like a cat, so almost no grooming is required by the owner. Sheds very little hair.
Living conditions: The Basenji breed is fine in an apartment, but only if you are good and regular with its exercise for both body and mind. Your walks must be long.