Basenji Dog Breeds

A handsome, short, muscular dog who is also known as the African Barkless Dog. "Basenji" means "bush thing" in African dialect. They should not bark, but they are not mute. Basenjis repertoire of sounds range from a pleasing throaty crow to a keening wail made when they are lonely or unhappy. Basenjis are often compared to small deer because of their grace, intelligence and beauty. They are about the size of a Fox Hound, and very proud. One of the oldest breeds of dogs, they are native to Africa where they are used to assist beaters in flushing game out, which are then driven into nets strung up against trees. These dogs were highly prized in Central Africa for their intelligence, silence, speed and hunting power. The Basenji has a short, fine coat that tends to become more course in colder countries, but without losing its gleam. Wrinkled on the forehead, they also have a curly tail that swirls to one side of their body. Known to be much like cats, Basenjis will sometimes clean themselves by licking all over, and are said to be nearly odorless. Basenjis will make good pets as long as they are handled on a regular basis from an early age.

The earliest samples of these dogs were given as gifts to Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Basenji-type dogs are depicted on the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and date back to early 3600 B.C. Many details of their origins are unclear, but the Basenji is thought to have come from a purebred dog used by the Pygmies for hunting in the Congo. A pair of Basenjis were taken to England by an explorer in 1895, but unfortunately fell ill to distemper and soon died. In 1937 the Basenji was introduced successfully into England, and around the same time Mrs. Byron Rogers of New York City brought a pair of them to America. A litter of puppies was born, but unfortunately all died due to distemper except for Mrs. Rogers' older male, Bois. A female Basenji named Congo was then brought to the United States from Africa in 1941 by Alexander Phemster of Massachusetts, and soon the two Basenjis produced the first litter of Basenjis to be born in America and live. Soon other Basenjis were imported from England and Canada, and the breed grew in size and popularity in America.
Temperament: Basenjis are intelligent, independent, affectionate but alert. Basenjis are playful, inquisitive, and active. Sometimes aloof with strangers. Puppies must be raised in a home environment with lots of human contact. Some experts feel that the Basenji is an early off-shoot of the domestic dog and hence is only semi-domesticated. Others feel that their high intelligence leads to antisocial and destructive behavior. The Basenji, finding his walk delayed, dug a hole in her couch. Obedience training is a must. All Basenjis should learn the basic commands of sit, stay, heel, and come.

Basenjis generally love children. Since youngsters and Basenjis can be very active, the continuous play can serve to wear everyone out.

High. Depends on dog and owner attentiveness; doesn’t bark to alert. If you are a stranger, you should not approach Basenjis from behind. Does not bark, flushes out prey for hunters, and is very intelligent in which training comes easy.

Health problems in the breed include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Fanconi Syndrome (a kidney disease), hemolytic anemia, hypothyroidism, and malabsorption syndrome. PRA is a gradual onset blindness that begins at four-to-five years of age. Fanconi Syndrome also strikes the middle-aged dog. It is often fatal, but with new treatments dogs are able to survive. Both PRA and Fanconi Syndrome are currently under investigation by researchers.
Hemolytic anemia is a known recessive and has a low incidence due to breeder testing of stock. Hypothyroidism can be treated with replacement therapy. Malabsorption syndrome is also treatable and seems to have decreased in occurrence.
Also, they are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, intestinal, and eye problems.