Basenji

Posted on 21. May, 2009 by in Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds B, Egyptian Dog Breeds, Hound Dogs


Basenji

The Basenji was originally developed in central Africa for hunting purposes in what are now Zaire and the Sudan, but the first traces of a dog similar to the Basenji have been found on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs of five thousand years ago.

In some African language Basenji can means; “wild and violent”, “dogs from when we were wild”, or “dogs from long ago”. The noble Basenji is a small to medium sized dog with a slim body and long legs.

Muscular, fast and playful he has a strong hunting instinct, so he loves to chase anything, animals as well as … cars! Renowned for the unique properties of not barking, he makes a variety of sounds, including chuckle, squeals and yodel.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

15 – 17 inches tall (at shoulder)

WeightBasenji

20 – 26 lbs

Color(s)

The basenji has a smooth shiny coat of copper, Chestnut red, black and tan, tricolor (red/black/white) or brindle all with white feet, chest and tail.

Coat

The smooth coat of the Basenji is short and fine and has an uncommon luster like shiny copper.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 12 years.

Personality

The proud Basenji is intelligent, affectionate, exigent, energetic and curious (he preferably needs to be controlled by a leash). He loves to play and makes a good family pet that can be good with older considerate children, as long as it is handled regularly from an early age.

Basenji puppyCare

The Basenji breed dislike wet weather and can be prone to P.R.A (progressive retinal atrophy), intestinal and kidney problems, allergic skin diseases, hernias can be a problem to.

Extremely clean pet, the Basenji is a good dog for people with allergies, because he tends to wash himself like a cat and has nearly no doggy odor, and sheds little to no hair. The short coat of the Basenji shouldn’t require much grooming, nevertheless an occasional brushing with a firm bristle or wire brush will do ok.

Training

The Basenji is a very alert and sensitive breed that responds well to training, however is not recommended for an inexperienced owner as he can be disobedient from time to time, for him everything must be examined and explored. This breed should have variety, consistency, and firm handling methods to keep his attention, as he tends to bore quickly.

ActivityBasenji puppy

Prone to obesity the Basenji needs vigorous daily exercise to stay in shape. They like to play, so giving them lots of toys can be a good idea, but they do best with two or three other Basenji. He likes to climb and can be an escape artist, a securely fenced yard is essential.

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3 Responses to “Basenji”

  1. Paula Grogan-Onescu

    05. Feb, 2011

    I have a puppy that I adopted from Sammys Friends …they say he is Pit mix and a friend that is atrainer says he may have Besingey in him …how do I know?

  2. David Jenkins

    01. May, 2011

    My wife joined B.R.A.T. (Basenji Rescue And Transport). We became foster partents to a Basenji. He was older when we first got him (7 yrs.). After his original owner turned him over to B.R.A.T. he was passed from foster home to foster home. They all had problems with him (I believe because they didn’t know how to handle a Basenji) which is why he was passed along. Some even went to the extent of medicating him to keep him docile. I must admit that I also didn’t know how to handle him when we first got him. It has taken a couple of years for me to really learn how to listen to him and for him to trust us and realize that he has really found a new home. They really can be wild and viscous, especially when they feel threatened. I received over a dozen severe bites from him in the beginning (he also has bitten 3 other people). Everyone told us that we should have a dog like that put down. Luckily I’m very bull headed and strong willed. If you tell me that I should do something, odds are that I’ll do the opposite. I also believed that he was biting out of fear, not out of malice. It has been a long road but we have finally learned how to live together. He truly has found a new home. I don’t recommend anyone taking one on without fully educating themselves first (and starting with a pup rather than an older one). If you don’t, you will quickly find out why their name can be translated to “wild and viscous.” It isn’t fair to either you or the dog. Ours is black and white and his name is Kachunga.

  3. Name (required)

    23. Jul, 2011

    I am living in South-Africa,& would like to know more about the Basenji (-Egyptian ) dog, From where (Country) & Possibility to import ,or, is this breed available in SA. ?,from a local Breeder ?

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