Basenji history description of the breed character. Basenji (African Non-Barking Dog): A Legendary Breed of Silent Dogs with Human-Level Intelligence
As surprising as it sounds, there is a breed of dog that simply cannot bark. And the name of this breed is Basenji. It is the Basenji dog breed that will be discussed in this article.
Basenji dogs, also known as African non-barking dogs, have been known to mankind for more than 5,000 years.
An interesting fact is that this breed was not created by man, since even today in the African jungle you can find representatives of this breed roaming freely. It's half wild dogs, which are quite capable of independently obtaining their own food and hunting. Moreover, African pygmies still use Basenjis today for hunting, including lions.
These African dogs are considered social animals that gather in small packs on their native African continent. They also get along well with humans, since the history of their relationship goes back several thousand years. The Basenji is also called the Congolese forest dog, Bongo terrier, Congo terrier or Zande dog.
Breed standards
Basenjis are light and graceful dogs whose height ranges from 40 to 43 cm at the withers. The average forest dog weighs 9.5-11 kg. The main feature of such a pet is its harmonious physique. The body shape has a shortened format, and the skeleton is characterized by lightness. A purebred Basenji has a black nose. Coat color can vary from red, black and tan to black.
In the Basenji's homeland, merle and brindle colors can be found. The chest, paws and tip of the Basenji's tail are always white. The coat is quite smooth and short, and also lies close to the body. The ears are characterized by a high set and pointed tips. The tail of the forest dog is tightly curled into a donut and pressed to the thigh, it is set high. The dog is characterized by an aristocratic posture and long legs. The muzzle is quite sharp, having a smooth transition from the forehead to the nose.
Character
Perhaps the most distinctive feature The nature of this dog breed is its inability to bark. Basenjis can growl or squeal loudly, groan, snort or howl, but not bark. It is believed that Basenjis once knew how to bark, but humans taught them to “quiet” hunting, where dog barking was unnecessary. This dog gets along great with children, but due to its playful nature can get into a “brawl” with his brothers. This is why you should keep your dog on a leash while walking.
In the house, the Basenji considers himself a full-fledged member of the family, which requires a lot of attention and time. These dogs can get along well with cats, especially when growing up together. However, you should not have smaller pets, such as birds, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs or rats, as the hunting instinct may take over. These dogs have a very interesting character. Many even compare them to cats because of their “mannered” behavior, curiosity, keen intelligence and stubbornness. Basenjis are very reserved and independent. A pet of this breed needs physical and emotional stimulation, without which it may develop destructive behavior.
With his owner and with his close people, the Basenji always shows affection and tenderness. The Forest Dog learns new commands well, but their independent nature sometimes makes them disobedient. These dogs are very attached to their owner.
It is also worth noting that such a pet is recommended for people who have a fairly active lifestyle, since Basenjis are very playful and simply love games and walks. fresh air. It should also be mentioned that these dogs simply cannot stand rain, cold and heat. We can say that Basenjis are a kind of “cure” for stress, loneliness and boredom, and therefore they are perfect for lonely people.
Care
This breed of dog is perfect for keeping not only in a private home, but also in an apartment. Their short coat does not require special care, as the dogs are naturally very clean. The funny thing is that forest dogs even wash themselves like cats. There is never any foreign smell from them. Moreover, many Basenji owners claim that they are the purest dog breeds. The coat should be brushed a maximum of once a week using a thick-toothed brush. They practically do not shed.
Basenjis are considered true lovers of travel, as they feel great in a car or any other vehicle. The life expectancy of such a pet is 10-12 years.
Nutritional Features
Of course, a Basenji's diet should include full list vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals that are necessary for his health. This pet should be fed 2 times a day. The basis of the Basenji's diet should be meat and offal. However, you don’t need to feed your pet only meat; you need to include cereals, vegetables and fruits in the diet.
Basenjis simply love fresh greens. Their menu should also include high-quality fermented milk products of medium fat content. As for meat, it is better to give preference to lean varieties of beef, pork and chicken. You should also carefully monitor the quality of food so that your pet does not get poisoned. You should also not overfeed, this will not be beneficial for him and can lead to obesity. These dogs love to ask for food from the table, but the owner should not comply with such manipulations. The pet should have its own bowl for food and fresh water.
It is forbidden to feed Basenjis various sweets, as this can lead to the development of diabetes mellitus. You should also exclude tubular and fish bones, as they can be dangerous for such a dog. They are contraindicated in spicy, smoked and fatty foods and sausages. If, due to lack of time to prepare natural food for your pet, you decide to give preference to dry food, then you need to choose from professional options.
Puppies
These dogs are quite expensive as they are quite a rare breed of dog. So, a Basenji puppy can be purchased for $700-1500.
Photos
Photos of Basenji:
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Basenji or African non barking dog(English Basenji) this oldest breed hunting dogs native to central Africa. These dogs make unusual sounds similar to purring because they have unusual shape larynx. For this reason, they are not called barking dogs, but the sounds they make are called “barroo”.
- Basenjis do not usually bark, but they can make sounds, including howling.
- They are difficult to train because they have lived on their own for thousands of years and do not see the need to obey humans. Positive reinforcement works, but they can be stubborn.
- They have a strong hunting instinct and you only need to walk them on a leash. The yard area should be securely fenced; they jump and dig wonderfully.
- These are the escape artists. Using a fence as a ladder, jumping from a roof over a fence, and other tricks are normal for them.
- They are very energetic, and if left unstressed they can become destructive.
- They consider themselves as a member of the family; they cannot be left chained in the yard.
- They do not get along well with small animals such as rodents; the hunting instinct takes over. If they grew up with a cat, they tolerate it, but they will persecute the neighbor’s. Hamsters, ferrets and even parrots are bad neighbors for them.
- They are stubborn, and the owner may face aggression if he tries to overcome this stubbornness with force.
History of the breed
The Basenji is included in the list of the 14 most ancient dog breeds on earth and the history of the breed goes back about 5,000 years. Endurance, compactness, strength, speed and silence made it valuable hunting dog for African tribes.
They used them to track, pursue, and guide the beast. For thousands of years they remained a primitive breed, their color, size, body shape and character not controlled by man.
However, these qualities did not save the weaker representatives of the breed from death during a dangerous hunt and only the best survived. And today they live in the pygmy tribes (one of the oldest cultures in Africa), almost the same as they lived thousands of years ago. They are so valuable that they are worth more than a wife, have equal rights with the owner and often sleep inside the house while the owners sleep outside.
Edward C. Ash in his book “ Dogs and Their Development,” published in 1682, described a Basenji he saw while traveling in the Congo. Other travelers also mentioned, but full description was compiled in 1862 when Dr. George Schweinfurth, traveling in Central Africa, met them in a pygmy tribe.
Initial attempts to breed were unsuccessful. They first came to Europe via England in 1895 and were introduced at the Crufts' Show as the Congo Bush Dog or Congo Terrier. These dogs died of distemper shortly after the show. The next attempt was made in 1923 by Lady Helen Nutting.
She lived in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and was intrigued by the small Zande dogs she often encountered during her travels. Having learned about this, Major L.N. Brown (L. N. Brown), gave Lady Nutting six puppies.
These puppies were purchased from different nations, living in the Bahr el Ghazal region, one of the most remote and inaccessible parts of Central Africa.
Deciding to return to England, she took the dogs with her. They were placed in a large box, secured on the upper deck and set off on a long journey. This was in March 1923, and although the weather was cold and windy, the Basenji endured it well. After arriving they were quarantined and showed no signs of illness, but after vaccination they all fell ill and died.
It wasn't until 1936 that Mrs. Olivia Burn became the first breeder in Europe to breed Basenjis. She introduced the litter to the Crufts' Dog Show in 1937 and the breed became a hit.
She also wrote an article, “The Barking Dogs of the Congo,” which was published in a newspaper published by the American Kennel Club. In 1939, the first club was created - “The Basenji Club of Great Britain”.
The breed appeared in America thanks to the efforts of Henry Trefflich in 1941. He imported a white male named ‘Kindu’ (AKC number A984201) and a red female named ‘Kasenyi’ (AKC number A984200); these and four more dogs that he would bring in the future would become the ancestors of virtually all dogs living in the United States. This year will also be the first in which they have been successfully bred.
The unofficial debut in the United States took place 4 months earlier, on April 5, 1941. A little girl, later nicknamed Congo, was discovered in the hold of a cargo ship carrying goods from West Africa.
A very emaciated dog was found among a cargo of cocoa beans after a three-week journey from Free Town to Boston. Here is an excerpt from an article published April 9 in the Boston Post:
On April 5, a cargo ship from Freetown, Sierra Leone, arrived at the port of Boston with a cargo of cocoa beans. But when the hold was opened, there were more than just beans. A female Basenji was found in an extremely emaciated state after a three-week trek from Africa. According to crew reports, as they loaded cargo in Monovia, two non-barking dogs were playing near the ship. The crew thought they had escaped, but apparently one of them hid in the hold and was unable to get out until the end of the voyage. She survived thanks to the condensation that she licked from the walls and the beans that she chewed.
Second world war interrupted the development of the breed both in Europe and in the USA. After its completion, Veronica Tudor-Williams helped give impetus to development; she brought dogs from Sudan in order to renew the blood. She described her adventures in two books: Fula—Basenji from the Jungle and Basenjis, the Barkless Dog. It is the materials of these books that serve as a source of knowledge about the formation of this breed.
The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1944, during which time the Basenji Club of America (BCOA) was established. In 1987 and 1988, John Curby, an American, organized a trip to Africa, the purpose of which was to obtain new dogs to strengthen the gene pool. The group returned with brindle, red and calico dogs.
Until then, the Basenji brindle color were not known outside of Africa. In 1990, at the request of the Basenji Club, the AKC opened a stud book for these dogs. In 2010, another expedition was undertaken with the same purpose.
The breed's history has been tortuous and complicated, but today they are ranked 89th in popularity among all 167 breeds in the AKC.
Description
Basenjis are small, short-haired dogs with erect ears, tightly curled tails and graceful necks. There are pronounced wrinkles on the forehead, especially when the dog is excited.
Their weight ranges from 9.1–10.9 kg, height at the withers is 41–46 cm. The body shape is square, equal in length and height. They are athletic dogs, surprisingly strong for their size. The coat is short, smooth, silky. There are white spots on the chest, paws, and tip of the tail.
- Red with white;
- black and white;
- tricolor (black with red and tan, with markings above the eyes, on the muzzle and cheekbones);
- brindle (black stripes on a red-fawn background)
Character
Intelligent, independent, active and resourceful, Basenjis require a lot of exercise and play. Without sufficient physical, mental and social activity, they become bored and destructive. They are pack dogs that love their owner and family and are wary of strangers or other dogs on the street.
They get along well with other dogs in the family, but will chase small animals, including cats. They get along well with children, but to do this they must communicate with them from childhood and be well socialized. However, like all other breeds.
Due to the special structure of the larynx, they cannot bark, but do not think that they are mute. They are best known for their purring sound (called "barroo"), which they make when excited and happy, but they can be forgetful when alone.
This is a proud and independent breed, which may be off-putting for some people. They are not as sweet as most other dogs and are much more independent. The downside of independence is stubbornness, plus they can be dominant if the owner allows it.
They need early, methodical and firm training (not harsh!). They perfectly understand what you want from them, but they can ignore commands. They need incentive, not screaming and kicking.
You should not walk without a leash, as their hunting instinct is stronger than their mind; they will rush in pursuit of a cat or squirrel, regardless of the danger. Plus, their curiosity, agility and intelligence get them into trouble. To avoid these, check your yard for holes in the fence and digs, or better yet, keep the dog indoors until she is two years old.
Basenjis do not like cold and wet weather, which is not surprising for African dogs and how African meerkats can stand and stand on their hind legs.
Care
When it comes to grooming, Basenjis are very unpretentious; in pygmy villages they won’t be petted, much less groomed. The purest dogs, they are accustomed to grooming themselves in the manner of cats, licking themselves. They have virtually no dog odor, do not like water and do not need frequent bathing.
Their short coat is also easy to care for; just brush it once a week. Nails need to be trimmed once every two weeks, otherwise they will grow back and cause discomfort to the dog.
Health
Most often, Basenjis suffer from de Toni-Debreu-Fanconi syndrome, congenital disease affecting the kidneys and their ability to reabsorb glucose, amino acids, phosphates and bicarbonates in the renal tubules. Symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive urination, and glucose in the urine, which is often mistaken for diabetes.
It usually appears between 4 and 8 years of age, but can begin at 3 or 10 years of age. Toni-Debreu-Fanconi syndrome is curable, especially if treatment is started on time. Owners should check urine glucose levels once a month, starting at age three.
The average lifespan is 13 years, which is a year or two more than other dogs of similar size.
Post navigationBasenji is a unique African breed of dog (see photo), formed without human intervention, but connected with it by strong bonds of centuries of friendship. Images and even mummies of these dogs were found during excavations of ancient Egyptian pyramids, but experts agree that the breed is much more older than the pyramids. Descriptions of these dogs can be found in myths and legends, prescribing Basenji human wisdom and intelligence, indicating their extreme value in ancient times.
The breed originated in Africa, where it helped people hunt for centuries. The breed is also called the Congolese Bush Terrier or the Congolese Terrier. The dry and hot climate of the continent influenced the formation of the Basenji breed. In conditions of sparse vegetation, hunters should not lure game out of the forest, but quietly sneak up on it somewhere in the middle of the savannah. Perhaps that is why somewhere in the middle of its history, the Basenji forgot how to bark, discarding such a skill as unnecessary in their special hunting profession. But there is also another version: this African breed is so ancient that it dates back to those first dogs that simply did not yet know how to bark.
The standard and description of the breed were approved, of course, in England, where they arrived at the beginning of the twentieth century after several unsuccessful attempts to breed this breed in Europe.
The inability to bark does not at all indicate any problems with vocal cords. Basenjis can growl, like all dogs; moreover, reviews from owners often tell us about the singing talents of dogs of this breed.
Thanks to the same hot climate, the Basenji does not have an undercoat, which causes it some discomfort in temperate latitudes. But in our apartments she feels quite comfortable, without causing any trouble to the owners.
Now the Basenji is not a hunter, but a companion, although reviews from owners indicate the preservation of ancient instincts. For example, a dog can roll out in the mud, pick up food on a walk, etc. There’s nothing you can do, millennia of hunting cannot help but leave at least a small mark on such cute and neat dogs.
It is worth noting that this breed is excellent for keeping in an apartment. This is facilitated by their small size, inability to bark and extreme cleanliness (the Basenji does not stink at all!). It’s not for nothing that the Basenji is called a cat-dog (see photo). Also, due to the fact that the breed developed naturally, their health is not affected chronic diseases, often found in artificially bred breeds. Therefore, this breed can be safely called unpretentious and hardy, which is also an important argument when choosing a companion dog.
Breed standard
The Basenji dog is a sophisticated and graceful creature. Her balanced build retained the lightness and aristocracy of her movements. The dog is relatively small: height 40-43 cm, weight: 9-11 kg. The legs are thin and long, but muscular. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull. Characteristic feature Basenjis have cute wrinkles on their foreheads that are especially noticeable when the dog is alert. Basenji puppies look especially adorable thanks to these wrinkles. The eyes are almond-shaped, set obliquely, dark in color (see photo). The nose is black. Jaws are strong with correct bite. Basenji ears are erect and have pointed tips. Another feature of this breed is the tail curled into a tight donut.
The Basenji's coat, as mentioned above, does not have an undercoat. It is smooth and thin, thanks to which the dog practically does not shed. Colors available are brindle, red and white, black and white, as well as black and tan with markings above the eyes, on the cheekbones and muzzle (see photo).
Character and education
The Basenji standard prescribes loyalty, independence and intelligence for this breed. Reviews from owners also talk about extraordinary love for their owners, playfulness and, in general, lightness of disposition. But despite this, raising a Basenji may require some effort or a professional. That is why Basenjis are not recommended for people who have not previously dealt with raising dogs or do not have the time for this. An untrained Basenji, just like any other dog, giving free rein to its boredom and instincts, can cause a lot of trouble. Ideally, the Basenji is very quiet and modest. In the apartment she will behave unnoticed, and in exchange for this you must let her run around as much as she can on the street. Flaw physical activity may have an adverse effect on your pet's behavior.
By the way, in the savannas of Africa you can still find flocks of Basenjis. The leader of the Basenji pack is chosen by the female, but when the dogs are in danger, the male begins to command. This is important to remember if you are smitten with Basenji puppies and are considering taking one into your home. You must become a leader for the African woman. Not a despot or a tyrant, but an authority who is not at all shameful to obey. Despite the intelligence of this dog, it is, of course, better to start training from childhood. At the same time, your main instrument should be an even, strict and confident voice. Well, a little more patience and the wild African dog will recognize you as its leader.
The dog quickly remembers commands, but you should not abuse this. After all, if she gets bored of doing the same thing, she will simply stop doing it. When training, it is worth remembering that the Basenji is about its independence and ingenuity and act accordingly. By taking the right direction in parenting, you will find a true friend and companion: sweet, quiet, extremely neat and loyal.
Family relationships
For a Basenji, the owner must be the leader of the pack. They are very attached to people, despite their independence. A dog of this breed may even be a little jealous of his owner, especially towards strangers, but, in general, he is friendly enough to love the whole family.
Nevertheless, reviews from owners about this breed cannot be called unambiguous, and on the forums you can read about some features that the usual description of the breed is modestly silent about. On the other hand, any character also has its downside, where the so-called plus in slightly different conditions turns into a “minus”.
So, to begin with, the friendly nature of the Basenji has its exceptions. These dogs are quite aggressive towards other animals and, as mentioned above, towards strangers. By the way, distrust of strangers is prescribed by the breed standard. Excessive neatness results in the fact that the dog can lick itself for hours, and, judging by the reviews, not everyone finds this process so cute. When not licking, the Basenji loves to chew on something. And you will benefit a lot if you purchase special toys for this activity in time.
During a walk, the dog is really very active, so much so that walking it without a leash is simply unrealistic. Here again her independence is reflected - having felt freedom, she may consider that she does not need a person yet.
And, finally, a little about such a “plus” as the absence of barking. Barking actually replaces many sounds from purring to howling. For some owners, such a varied range may seem worse than loud, but infrequent barking.
Despite the presence of not very positive reviews, it is worth recalling that a dog, no matter how smart it is, cannot be raised on its own. The Basenji has every reason to be called an excellent companion, but the price for this is your effort and work. This variety is not simple, with a twist, but for true connoisseurs it does not cause any trouble. Moreover, many owners are only pleased by the fact that the breed has not yet become too popular and has not lost its primitive character. After all, it is the breeze from the hot African savannahs that makes the Basenji unique and unique, and gives special notes to friendship with this dog. And only true love for your pet, treating him not as a plush toy, but as an equal friend, will help this extraordinary African woman reveal herself in all her glory and demonstrate all the best that shapes her character.
Where to get it
Basenji is enough rare breed. There are not so many Basenji breeders in Ukraine, and, to tell the truth, they are only happy about it. The reason for this is the lack of commercial nurseries, the result of which very often is the loss of many qualities of the breed. Basenji breeders today are primarily trying to preserve all the properties of the Basenji that have passed through centuries and the wild heat of Africa.
From this, of course, it follows that Basenji puppies are quite rare. And not in every city in the country you can find a representative of this species. At the same time, it also follows from this that the puppy you receive has a high probability of becoming a prize-winner at any exhibition. If you decide to purchase a champion, be prepared for the cost to be appropriate. The price, of course, will fluctuate depending on parents, etc., but it can still hardly be called low. The approximate price of a Basenji in nurseries is from $500.00, you can get it cheaper “from hand”, but there is a corresponding risk. Puppies whose price is suspiciously low may simply be “fake”, disappoint you and deprive you of an excellent African friend.
A small dog, slender and graceful, with a chiseled head and short hair, is full of mysteries. The Basenji, whose description of the breed can take several pages, still does not reveal all the secrets of its origin and purpose. These dogs are credited with mystical properties to heal and improve the human aura; they cannot bark, but produce a whole repertoire of amazing, often repulsive sounds. All the abilities of the Basenji are not known even to experienced breeders, and the popularity of the breed is growing every year.
Origin
Basenji in Africa
The Black Continent is the place where the Basenji dog breed was born many centuries ago: one of the most ancient and primitive, not subject to selection or cultivation. The animals lived in indigenous tribes and helped people hunt small ungulates. The ability to jump high, deftly maneuvering among bushes, making your way through thickets of tropical vegetation, is valued in unusual dogs to today. In many tribes, owning one or more Basenjis is considered a sign of unprecedented wealth.
It is typical that the pygmies put a bell-rattle around the neck of their dogs so that during a raid on an antelope, the dog could drive the animal without a voice. Another use of Basenjis in their homeland is mystical: sorcerers and shamans constantly keep these dogs near them. For their ability, instead of barking, to make sounds reminiscent of a woman’s crying or hysterical laughter, purring or rumbling, dogs are considered associated with otherworldly forces.
Basenjis came to Europe only in the nineteenth century, but died, after which the Congo Terrier (as they were called for their indomitable temperament) was brought back to England only in the 1930s. In England, a breed standard was approved, which remained unchanged. The animals, brought to America ten years later, captivated the public, and from that time the breed began to spread to other countries.
Standard
Perfection of addition
The general appearance is graceful, graceful, with strong, long muscles and swift movements. A temperamental dog, calmly disposed towards people, instantly ignited with interest, moves easily and gracefully. His short stature is compensated by his athletic build and unusually proud posture.
- The dog's body is compact, the back and loin are short, the chest is moderately deep, and the ribs are rounded. The neck is set high, long, with smooth transition at the withers. The topline is straight. The tail is set high, curled into one or two or three rings, and fits tightly to the hip.
- The forelegs are dry, straight, with long forearms and slightly sloping pasterns. Paws with thick pads, small and strong. Hind legs with well-developed thigh muscles, pronounced angulations and low hocks.
- The head has a flat skull, pronounced transition to the muzzle. The muzzle is wedge-shaped and tapers smoothly. The ears are small and tilted forward. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, with dark eyelids. Characteristic is one or more wrinkles on the forehead at a moment of alertness.
- The wool is soft, thin, short, pleasant to the touch. Color: black, chestnut-red, tricolor, brindle. All colors require white markings on the paws, neck, and tip of the tail.
The photo gallery contains photographs of the Basenji different colors, of different ages and in various conditions.
Characteristic
Wayward and cunning
The character of the Basenji simultaneously combines the ardent disposition of a terrier and the restrained independence of representatives of the cat tribe. Possessing rich facial expressions and very emotional, they seem to be ideal pets. But many owners sometimes doubt whether their pet loves them or is simply using them to obtain the most comfortable existence. The concept of comfort for a Basenji necessarily includes a warm, soft bed or a fluffy rug, delicious food and a free window sill for viewing what is happening on the street.
For dogs of this breed, movement comes first: running, playing, chasing - all means of expelling energy are considered suitable. Young dogs are especially energetic; they can run wildly around the house without stopping for several minutes in a row, jumping over furniture and performing acrobatic somersaults.
Restless and cunning, they require constant emotional contact and attention from the owner.
Basenjis are freedom-loving dogs who do not want to obediently obey commands, but love to learn. This duality prevents dogs from successfully mastering the obedience courses that many are accustomed to, based on mechanical memorization of commands. At the same time, cheerful and agile, Basenjis love freestyle and agility, any sports that require energetic execution and creativity.
Aggression towards humans is not typical, but the pet can sensitively pinch guests on the legs, growl at the expert in the ring who is feeling it.
Stubbornness and feeling self-esteem make these cute little dogs intolerant of any violence. Dogs of this breed should not be beaten, as they are extremely touchy and vulnerable. At the same time, the dog can show aggression towards its owner, growling and making frightening grimaces if the person shows weakness or indecision in upbringing.
Hunters in the past, Basenjis perfectly remember all the skills of chasing an animal. These are pack animals, often aggressive towards their relatives, and always tend to build a clear hierarchical ladder in their family. Fights with outside dogs often end in a draw, even if the opponent is much larger and stronger.
During battle, dogs of this breed show phenomenal dexterity and cunning, dodging the teeth of the enemy.
Winter walks - in overalls
The ease of caring for dogs of this breed pleases owners who do not want to spend time constantly brushing their hair. These dogs only need to be wiped down after a walk in the summer, and in the winter, put on them: warm overalls so that the pet does not freeze. Traditional ear cleaning and massage with a soft brush are performed once a week.
- Feeding Basenjis is also not a problem: dogs eat both natural food and dry food.
- Bathing is not a favorite procedure for dogs of this breed; they hate water, trying at all costs to avoid contact with it. Walking through puddles or in the rain can be real torture for them.
- These dogs are very clean, constantly licking themselves and washing themselves like a cat. Bitches of this breed come into heat only once a year, and puppies are born easily.
What a potential owner should know
Basenjis love creative tasks
Basenjis, whose prices are traditionally high and cannot be bought in every city, are attractive due to their unusual appearance and unique character. But this dog is not for a beginner, not for an amateur service dogs and not for a person leading a measured lifestyle. Drive, intrigue, considerable physical activity and emotional experiences await the owner of a Basenji, and this whole complex will have to be experienced almost daily until the dog reaches the age of three years.
- Basenji puppies simply love to play and spend all their time doing this activity. Games use all objects that can be reached, even if they are located high up. Damaging the owner's things is a classic for these dogs, and they do this both in the absence of the owner and in his presence.
- An important reason why owners part with their pets: Basenjis hate being left alone at home. They cry and howl for several hours on end, destroying everything they can reach. The only way to avoid this (sometimes) is by early training the puppy to spend some time alone.
- You will only have to walk your pet on a leash, since the dog, carried away by the chase, simply does not hear the owner’s calls and runs away. Walking without a leash is fraught not only with escapes, but also with attacks on other dogs.
- Even though Basenjis are considered silent, they make vocal sounds. different sounds, not always pleasant to the human ear.
- Fur is the Basenji's passion. They love to pinch fur products, shag rugs and anything that looks like fur. This can be dangerous if the dog eats the lint.
The Basenji is a personality that should be listened to, but should not be humanized. Only in conditions of trust in the owner do these dogs become excellent companions and friends.
The video tells about the origin and unique qualities of the silent dog.
(African non-barking dog) is a small hunting breed, a companion dog. But remember, if he doesn’t bark, that doesn’t mean he won’t bite, just like any hunter, the Basenji has strong and powerful teeth. Residents of Central Africa (pygmies) use them to hunt lions. Basenjis use two senses during any hunt - hearing and vision, although most hunting breeds use only one sense.
You can safely say about them “singing dog”. The reason was specific structure throat, which in its shape differs from the throat of other breeds. When air passes through the Basenji's throat, a person may hear a sound resembling croaking, yodelling, meowing, giggling, howling, but not barking.
In character, the breed is similar to a cat, it is just as independent and reserved, it moves along completely silently, and even washes its face after eating with its paw like a cat. They are very clean and always take care of their cleanliness. Perhaps the Egyptians depicted this breed in ancient drawings, hieroglyphs and dishes, because it was brought as a gift to the pharaoh from Central Africa.
During excavations of the tomb of Tutankhamun, they found embalmed dogs that were wrapped in expensive fabric and had a collar with precious stones, there were incense nearby. Thus, the ancient Egyptians showed their respect for this breed. And in Africa itself, during the Neolithic era, rock paintings of an animal resembling a Basenji were found in caves. The natives of Africa have always considered them their living talisman. Much to the regret of breeders, in the 80s of the XX century, genetic disease A kidney disease called Fanconi syndrome has wiped out almost the entire breed in the United States. Breeders went to the Congo for new representatives of the breed to diversify the gene pool.
Standard and description of the Basenji breed
- the muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull.
- the distance from the occipital protuberance to the stop is slightly greater than from the stop to the tip of the nose.
- Skull: flat, well defined, medium width, tapering towards the nose; The lateral lines of the skull gradually converge towards the muzzle, giving the impression of clean cheekbones.
- Stop (transition from forehead to muzzle): slightly expressed.
- Shoulders: well laid back, muscular, not loaded.
- Elbows: Tightly pressed to the chest. When viewed from the front, the elbows are in line with the ribs.
- Forearms: very long.
- Pasterns: good length, straight, flexible.
- Knees: moderately pronounced.
- Lower legs: long.
- Hocks: Well let down, turning neither in nor out.
- Height at withers: males 43 cm, females 40 cm.
- Weight: males 11 kg, females 9.5 kg.
- Aggression or cowardice.
- Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral deviations, should be disqualified.
Note: Males must have two apparently normal testes fully descended into the scrotum.
- Red and white
- Black and white
- Tricolor (deep black with red-red tan, with markings above the eyes, on the muzzle and cheekbones)
- Brindle (black stripes on a red-fawn background).
For all colors - white paws, chest and tip of the tail. White legs, head markings and collar are optional. White should never dominate the main color. The coloring and markings should be rich in color, clear, well formed, with a clear boundary between black and red in Basenjis and tricolors and stripes in brindles.
Regardless of color, the breed has a white chest or collar, white paws, tip of the nose and tail. A Basenji litter produces four to five puppies.
By nature, they are quiet, calm, independent, but very loyal dogs. They are graceful, harmoniously built, have sharp mind. They adore the owner and everyone in the house, they are always ready to show their love.
They are famous for their cleanliness and complete absence"dog" smell. Suitable for people with allergies to wool. This is a cheerful and cheerful breed, it is independent, but at the same time it is a very devoted and vigilant dog. Treats strangers with distrust.
Basenji puppies are playful and active. But no matter how cute they are, three months You can safely start raising them. Otherwise, the dog will quickly get out of your control, and you will have to achieve obedience. adult It won't be easy. The breed is energetic, loves to be constantly on the move, and is well suited for a person leading an active lifestyle.
Needs walking at least twice a day, morning and evening. Walks should be educational, with physical activity and training: bring a stick, a ball, follow simple commands. The breed takes well to such sports as agility and overcomes obstacles with pleasure.
The more energy your pet spends outside, the less mischief they will play at home; they are wayward and stubborn. They can spoil the owner’s things, first they steal them, and then they slowly gnaw them. So the TV remote control, glasses and other small items should be located as high as possible on the shelf.
It’s not easy to stop your pet from damaging property, unless you occupy it with other toys.
They are not easy to train, and training should begin as early as three months of age. At the right approach with a pet you can always find common language, the main thing is to be patient.
The Basenji loves children and loves to play with them, but when interacting with very young children, it is better not to leave the dog alone with them. But love for the owner’s children does not transfer to strangers on the street, so it is better to keep the dog on a leash while walking, so as not to get into an unpleasant situation.
They get along well with cats in the same house, especially if they have lived with them since puppyhood. A Basenji can watch guests or strangers who come to the owner’s house all day long and treat them with undisguised distrust. The breed is loyal and attached to its owner, loves to play and walk with him.
They love to walk a lot, at least 2 hours, run and frolic, but you should remember that the Basenji is a hunting breed and needs constant monitoring, and strict adherence to commands, otherwise, chasing a squirrel or a bird in the park, you can easily get lost.
Recommendation from an experienced dog breeder: never let your dog off the leash, especially in a city where there are playgrounds and heavy traffic. They tend to run away and disobey. It is better to walk with a loose leash in closed areas or in the country. If two or more Basenjis are walking, they can easily form a family or a pack, and, unfortunately, they can all run away together.
Caring for the Basenji breed
The photo shows a black and red Basenji
The short-haired breed does not shed due to the lack of undercoat, it completely lacks the smell of a dog even after the street and rain, so caring for it is not difficult and even pleasant.
As a puppy, Basenjis have an enviable appetite and will not miss a moment to beg for something. It is better to refuse indulgences immediately. Bowl with clean water and fresh food should be in a place accessible to the dog. Type of feeding: dry ready-made food or natural food you must choose it yourself, based on your pet’s preferences and state of health. It is impossible to mix two types of feeding in one meal, but if necessary, they switch from one type of food to another gradually.
When choosing to feed with prepared food, give preference to feed super premium class. At natural feeding the owner is more confident that his pet is receiving fresh food, but more time is spent on cooking. Adult dog fed twice a day, the portion is determined according to the pet’s appetite, food should be eaten in a sneaky manner.
Foods you can give your dog:
- porridge cooked in water (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal)
- lean meat (veal, beef, turkey)
- seasonal vegetables(raw and boiled)
- fruits (apples, bananas)
- egg yolk(once a week)
- fermented milk products
Prohibited products:
- Spicy food
- Fatty meat
- Sweets
- Pickles
- Tubular and fish bones.
- Bread and pasta
In order for the dog to feel comfortable in your home, keeping a Basenji requires absolutely small quantity things.
- sleeping place (at least 1x1 m)
- two bowls for food and water (1.5-2 l)
- collar and leash
- various toys (balls, sticks)
- muzzle
- care and hygiene products (nail clipper, shampoo, cotton pads, toothpaste, toothbrush, rubber mitten, natural bristle brush for combing wool)
Basenji video
