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Basenji History

The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds. Originating on the continent of Africa, it has lived with humans for thousands of years. It is frequently seen pictured on the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. It was prized by it's owners as a hunting dog that was swift, intelligent, courageous and silent. Basenjis were first discovered by the western world in 1895 when Europeans made their excursions into the Congo. The breed was first brought to England in 1930 and shortly after that, to the United States. It was first thought that Basenjis shared their ancestry with Jackals, but after genetic testing it was determined that like every other dog, they descended from the wolf. The Basenji was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1943.

Basenji Temperament

Basenjis are intellient, lively, affectionate small dogs that enjoy the presence of humans. Due to the construction of the larynx, it does not bark, but instead makes a yodelling/howling type of noise. Even though they are considered smart, most have a stubborn streak and are notorious for resistance to obedience training. They are quick, powerful runners that will chase anything the moves, so they tend to do best in a house that does not have other small pets like cats. These are dogs that are not suited to first time dogs owners since they usually need persistance, patience and firmness to get a good canine citizen.

Basenji Appearance

Basenjis are small dogs that usually weigh 20 to 25 pounds and stand 16 to 17 inches at the withers. They are graceful, elegant looking dogs that have smooth, short coats and their gait is similar to a trotting horse. They also have wrinkled foreheads and a tightly curled tail. Colouring varies greatly and includes brindle, copper or red, black and brindle, or black and tan, all with white markings . They also have a distinctive white blaze on the faces.

Basenji Grooming

These dogs are extremely easy keepers, due to their short, sleek coats. They do not shed very much and a distinctive Basenji trait is that they lick themselves like cats. Another noticeable trait is that they have almost no "doggie odor". A simple rub dog with a damp cloth a few times a month will keep you Basenji looking great.

Basenji Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Since most Basenjis can trace their ancestry back to those few English imported individuals, they tend to have quite a few potential health problems. Many Basenjis suffer from progressive retinal atrophy and Fanconi's Syndrome, which is a disease that will cause kidney failure. They can also suffer from Hypothyroidism, immunoproliferative systemic intestinal disease, Hemolytic Anemia ( the abnormal breakdown of red blod cells) and Umbilical Hernias.

The typical lifespan of a Basenji is about 13 years.

Basenji Pros and Cons

This simplified list may help you decide if a Basenji dog is a good fit for your lifestyle.

Do You Want

• a small, elegant looking dog?
• a dog that doesn't shed much and that is easy to keep clean?
• easy to housebreak?

Do You NOT Want

• a dog that is notoriously difficult to obedience train?
• a dog that has a high energy level?
• a dog that will chase anything swift moving?
• a dog that does not get along well with other small animals such as cats?
• a dog that has a potential for very serious health problems?

Useful Basenji Links

The Basenji Club of America

The Basenji Club of Canada

The Basenji Club of Great Britian