The Egyptian wall drawings and tombs 5000 years ago show traces of Basenji-like dogs. Known as “Congo Dog”, the Basenji is a breed of hunting dogs that originated in and around Congo Basin forest region. It was used as a forest guide, warning against other animals, retrieving small games and driving them into nets. Only in 1937, it was first introduced in England, and in 1941, the first litter of Basenji pups was born in the US. As such, the American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1944.
With a height of 16 to 17 inches and weight of 22 to 26 pounds (females are little smaller), the Basenji is athletic, smooth and muscular. It yodels, howls, growls but never barks. The head is wrinkled (around the forehead) and the muzzle is flat and short compared to the skull. Erect and open in the front, the ears are small and straight. The eyes are almond-shaped and small, and the color varies from dark hazel to dark brown. Its legs are straight, and the tail is set high (curls over to either side). The coat is shiny and short, and very little grooming is required as it cleans itself like a cat does, and has no so-called “doggy” smell. The color of the coat is either a combination of black-brindle-white or a combination of black-tan-white. It sheds little or no hair. People with allergies can pet this dog.An owner must keep it in mind that this breed hates wet weather, and as such, precautions should be taken if the owner belongs from such a place.
Curious, alert, energetic, intelligent, affectionate, and little reserved, the Basenji makes a lovable and playful pet. It should be trained to socialize and be responsive. With a desire to please, it sometimes can fall heavy on family members if not trained and handled properly. If a family owns pets that are non-canine, then this breed should not be trusted with them. It is an excellent friend to children, who display leadership towards it. It should be given lots of toys as it needs something to keep chewing. When it is left alone, it shows some behavioral problems which can prove to be quite destructive. It can get away with cleverness and charm, and not by being obstinate—it knows exactly how to wrap its fingers round its owner! If you want to own more than one Basenji, go ahead—it gets in the happiest mood when kept with two or more Basenjis (they all live in harmony with one another). It needs to be vigorously exercised and taken for long walks daily without fail as it has a tendency to become lazy and put on heavy weight. For the same reasons, it should be fed very light and little meals—twice a day is no problem.
The lifespan of Basenji is about 10 to 12 years. The health problems it is susceptible to are intestine related, eye related and progressive retinal atrophy. Also, it is prone to kidney problems (Fanconi’s syndrome).
With a height of 16 to 17 inches and weight of 22 to 26 pounds (females are little smaller), the Basenji is athletic, smooth and muscular. It yodels, howls, growls but never barks. The head is wrinkled (around the forehead) and the muzzle is flat and short compared to the skull. Erect and open in the front, the ears are small and straight. The eyes are almond-shaped and small, and the color varies from dark hazel to dark brown. Its legs are straight, and the tail is set high (curls over to either side). The coat is shiny and short, and very little grooming is required as it cleans itself like a cat does, and has no so-called “doggy” smell. The color of the coat is either a combination of black-brindle-white or a combination of black-tan-white. It sheds little or no hair. People with allergies can pet this dog.An owner must keep it in mind that this breed hates wet weather, and as such, precautions should be taken if the owner belongs from such a place.
Curious, alert, energetic, intelligent, affectionate, and little reserved, the Basenji makes a lovable and playful pet. It should be trained to socialize and be responsive. With a desire to please, it sometimes can fall heavy on family members if not trained and handled properly. If a family owns pets that are non-canine, then this breed should not be trusted with them. It is an excellent friend to children, who display leadership towards it. It should be given lots of toys as it needs something to keep chewing. When it is left alone, it shows some behavioral problems which can prove to be quite destructive. It can get away with cleverness and charm, and not by being obstinate—it knows exactly how to wrap its fingers round its owner! If you want to own more than one Basenji, go ahead—it gets in the happiest mood when kept with two or more Basenjis (they all live in harmony with one another). It needs to be vigorously exercised and taken for long walks daily without fail as it has a tendency to become lazy and put on heavy weight. For the same reasons, it should be fed very light and little meals—twice a day is no problem.
The lifespan of Basenji is about 10 to 12 years. The health problems it is susceptible to are intestine related, eye related and progressive retinal atrophy. Also, it is prone to kidney problems (Fanconi’s syndrome).