Basenji Dog Breed

The Basenji is a member of the Hound group of breeds, and has for centuries been used as a multi-purpose hunting and working dog. Though they make decent family pets, their independent, energetic demeanors aren't for everyone. Basenjis are best suited for busy singles, families with older children, or those looking for an active hunting companion.

A few Basenji facts: they're medium sized (height at the shoulders averages 17 inches, and weight 22 pounds), with fine, short-haired coats that are usually bi- or tri-colored. Here are some advantages and drawbacks of owning this athletic breed:

PROS:

• Intelligent
• Affectionate and playful with loved ones
• Extremely low barking tendencies
• Socializes well with other dogs
• Good for apartment living
• Low grooming requirements
• Will tolerate being left alone
• Good watchdog abilities
• Very clean/self-sufficient

CONS:

• Extremely independent and strong-willed
• High prey drive; will chase and possibly injure smaller pets
• Difficult to train
• High exercise requirements
• Early socialization needed with children and other pets
• Excellent escape artists (known to climb chain-link fences)
• High tendency to chew on household objects
• Adapts poorly to colder climates

Basenjis, more than most other breeds, are often compared to cats in both physical and behavioral terms. These dogs move with grace and confidence, they often clean themselves, and they have independent, self-reliant personalities--catlike qualities, for sure. Basenjis are very intelligent, but seem to only use their smarts when the situation benefits them (yet another feline similarity); this independence can make these dogs quite hard to train.

Perhaps the most interesting trait of these already-unique dogs is that they normally don't bark, but instead emit a combination of yodels, yips, yowls, and even screams. They're known to "crow" when happy, and almost yell when disturbed; though the Basenji is commonly known as the "Barkless Dog," a dog of this breed is anything but silent--and this interesting trait can actually be alarming to a new owner who is unaware of the tendency. Adding to their uniqueness (and their catlike qualities) is the fact that Basenjis dislike water, and hate to get wet.

Basenjis are also extremely active; in fact, the first rule of "Basenji Dogs 101" is that they need plenty of exercise. Daily walks or jogs are great, but be sure to use a leash, as these dogs have the tendency to run off if given the chance.

Basenji history begins thousands of years ago in Africa, specifically in the Congo; "basenji" is a Congolese word that loosely translates to "dog of the bush." Anthropologists believe this breed is a direct descendant of the Gray Wolf, and that Basenjis are closely related to Dingoes, since the breeds share a number of physical and behavioral traits.

Historians contend that the Basenji's origin can be traced as far back as the ancient Egyptians, as drawings on the walls of the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs depicted dogs believed to be of the Basenji type. In any case, historians think Basenjis have been used for thousands of years as small-game hunters; since they don't bark, they were likely prized for their quietness while tracking and chasing birds and rodents.

The Basenji breed went largely undiscovered outside Africa until the mid-nineteenth century, when European scientists found the dogs living with Congolese tribes. One such scientist was German botanist Dr. Georg Schweinfurth, who discovered these dogs while studying the plants of Central Africa. Schweinfurth later wrote about Basenjis, which he discovered living with African Pygmies: "...A small breed resembling the wolf-dog, but with short sleek hair, they have ears that are large and always erect, and a short curly tail like that of a young pig. They are made to wear little wooden bells around the neck so they should not be lost in the long steppe-grass." Attempts were made to export the dogs to Germany, but the initial attempts failed, as the dogs died of disease.

By the turn of the twentieth century, though, Basenjis were known throughout Europe and North America, though they were still considered rare. In 1939, the Basenji Club of Great Britain was established in England, and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1943. Today, Basenjis are still fairly rare worldwide; the breed ranks 88th out of 190 breeds recognized by the AKC.

Those that have heard of the African barkless dog may wonder what a Basenji looks like. The overall appearance brings to mind a sense of compact power. Though they're fairly small, these dogs are muscular and agile; their bodies, in human terms, are comparable to a skilled lightweight boxer.

This breed's body is normally about equal in height and length. Its head is the shape of a fairly narrow wedge, and its eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and brown; a unique trait is that its face and brow are capable of several "expressions" not normally seen in most other breeds. The Basenji's ears are high-set, triangular, and stand erect; the chest is somewhat wide and deep; the legs are long, limber, and straight, giving speed, agility, and a "racehorse"-type gallop; and the Basenji's tail is fairly short and curled over the back.

The Basenji coat is single-layered, short, and fine.

The Basenji is a breed of dog with no known sub-types in regards to size, physical features, or coat length. A few breeders may offer "Miniature Basenjis" or even "Toy Basenjis" for sale--and while those dogs are indeed smaller (10 inches in height, 14 pounds in weight, for example), they were created through generations of selectively breeding small Basenjis, and are not a recognized breed variation. A baby Basenji bred in this way has a much higher risk of hereditary diseases. Smaller types of this dog may also be obtained from crossing the Basenji with a smaller breed of dog, however, at this point it is no longer a Basenji (purebred).

Energetic, intelligent, alert, comical, extremely independent, and sometimes stubborn, the typical Basenji temperament is one of cleverness and self-sufficiency. Dogs of this breed are usually affectionate and playful with family members, but a bit reserved around strangers. The Basenji's characteristics ensure he is pretty good with kids (particularly older ones who know how to treat the dog with respect and gentility); they will need plenty of socialization with other pets, and don't do very well in homes with small pets like cats, rodents, birds, or ferrets, as their high prey drives instinctively causes them to chase (and possibly injure) these small animals.

As to training: teaching a Basenji tasks and commands can be difficult. These dogs definitely think for themselves, so owners will need plenty of patience and consistency during any training. They also respond poorly to harsh treatment, and will become totally unresponsive if punished. The behavior of a bored Basenji will be destructive and a severe nuisance so ensure you can exercise them for an hour each day or at least let them out into a fenced yard to play.

On the other hand, the Basenjis' traits make for good watchdogs. Their loyalty and alertness means they will notify humans at the sign of threats--not with barks, but with a series of yodels, yips, and howls.

Basenjis are considered fairly healthy, but can be prone to a few health issues, some of which are uncommon. These dogs can suffer typical health problems like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), but other, lesser-known ailments include immunoproliferative systemic intestinal disease (ISID), Fanconi syndrome, and umbilical hernias. Experts suggest that any new owners have their Basenjis thoroughly examined by a veterinarian, who can check for (and explain the details of) these rare issues.

It should be noted that Fanconi Syndrome is a fatal kidney disease that almost wiped out the breed in the 1980's. In fact, these dogs had to be imported from the Congo to replenish the breed around the world. Luckily, the hereditary disease can be detected via blood test!

Life expectancy for Basenjis is 10-12 years.