Basenji

Basenji Facts

Basenji Information

Basenji Description:

Basenji Care & Grooming:

Basenji Health Problems:

Group:	Hound
Size:	Medium
Life Span:	10-12 years
Height:	Male: 16-17 inches
	Female: 15-16 inches
Weight:	Male: 22-26 lbs
	Female: 20-24 lbs

Coat :	Fine and glossy
Gait :	Swift and effortless
Color(s) :	Black, chestnut red or a tricolor of black, chestnut red and brindle
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Short
Exercise Need :	Daily long walk
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (AKC) American Kennel Club (UKC) United Kennel Club (KCGB) Kennel Club of Great Britain (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (NKC) National Kennel Club (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club (CCR) (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Africa
Todays Use :	Hunting Dog, Companion Dog
Originally Used :	Hunting Dog, Companion Dog
Other Name :	African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog

The origin of the Basenji lies in Africa. This breed is one of the most ancient breeds of dog, originating in the Congo Basin. The dog is also known as the “Barkless Dog” because of the yodeling sound the dog produces. It was primarily used for hunting small animals as well as alerting the owners about hunting tribes. However, despite being a breed dating back to more than thousand years ago, it was not introduced in England until the 1930s. The modern day Basenjis owe their ancestry to the litter of a certain Henry Trefflich of England from which the breed grew in population in the Western countries. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1944.

The Basenji is a medium dog breed with an elegant, athletic frame. It has a long head which is proportionate to the length of the body; almond shaped eyes which are dark brown or hazel in color; small sized ears which are triangular in shape and carried erect; black nose; a slightly deep muzzle which tapers towards the end; taut lips which are black in color with teeth which meet in scissors bite. It has a medium length tail which is set high. The tail has a prominent curl and is carried over the back or on either side. It has long, slender legs with small, swell padded feet. This breed has a short coat which is fine in texture with a glossy appearance. The color of the coat can be black, chestnut red or a tricolor of black, chestnut red and brindle; with white on feet, chest and tip of the tail.

The Basenji is an intelligent and independent breed. It is good and affectionate with kids as well as other dogs if socialized at an early age. However, caution is advised with smaller non canine pets such as rabbits because of the breed’s innate hunting instincts. Although it is reserved with strangers, it does not make a very good watchdog because of its silent nature. Being an independent breed, it can be slightly difficult to train. A consistent and firm approach is required from an early age when training this breed. The Basenji has a tendency to chew things. Thus, giving it toys to play with works well to avoid damage to household items. It adapts well to an indoor environment if sufficiently exercises. Thus, it is suited to an apartment life.

The Basenji sheds very little hair and is odorless. It is a very good choice for allergy sufferers. Its short and fine coat needs minimal grooming. Brushing its coat once in a week and rubbing its body occasionally with a damp towel is sufficient to maintain a healthy looking coat. Its ears and eyes need to be cleaned regularly.

It is an active breed which needs lot of daily exercise. Daily long walks should be supplemented with jogging, running or other games for mental and physical well being of the dog. However, it should not be let off the leash in an unsecured area. It tends to gain weight quickly so should not be overfed.

Grooming:

Shedding:

Energy Level:

Protection:

Watch Dog:

The Basenji is prone to some health issues like PRA, Kidney and liver problems, Eye infections etc.

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