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| Foundation Stock Service |
 The Barkless Dog The Basenji is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs, originating from the Congo and central Africa. It is a unique breed in many ways, and one of their most well known qualities is that Basenji's do not bark, although they do make an unusual yodel sound. Appearance Basenjis are small, shorthaired dogs with erect ears and tightly curled tails. Their foreheads often have wrinkles, especially when they are young. Typically they stand about 16-17 inches at the withers and weigh around 22 to 24 pounds. Coats vary from red and white, black and white, tricolor, and brindle, although the brindle is not formally recognized. Still other Basenji variations exist in their homeland. History The history of the Basenji (meaning “small wild thing from the bush”) is obscure and for the most part undocumented, however it is generally accepted that it is one of the most ancient breeds, sharing characteristics with other primitive dogs, such as the Dingo and Canaan Dog. They bred without human interference for centuries and dogs very similar to today’s breed were found on the walls and tombs of the ancient Egyptians. However, by the time they were discovered by Europeans in 1895 they were found almost exclusively in the Congo. There they were used in small packs to hunt game, including, antelope, monkeys, and wild cats. Early attempts to bring the breed to England were a failure, the imported dogs dying of disease foreign to their immune systems. It wasn't until the 1930s that a successful breeding stock was brought to the United Kingdom, and then later, the United States. Most of the modern Basenjis today are descendants from these few imports. Temperament Basenjis are independent, and yet also bond well with their owners. They are extremely intelligent, can be mischievous, and are known to become destructive if left to their own devices for to long. Most suffer from some degree of separation anxiety. They get along well with most children, but will not tolerate being teased, and will never become a real playmate for them. Normally they will get along well with other dogs, in fact they are happiest with one or two others in their household, but some individual dogs can be headstrong. Basenjis do not like strangers, and will let you know if anything is amiss. Health and Care Unfortunately Basenjis are prone to various diseases, one being an inherited kidney disorder called Fanconi Syndrome. Symptoms for this disease do not normally occur until after the age of four, although owners can have them tested by their vet. They also can carry a recessive gene that causes Genetic Hemolytic Anemia, although most Basenjis today are descendants from a line that has tested clean. Among this disorders they are also prone to more common illnesses, such as hip dysplasia, malabsroption, progressive retinal atrophy, coloboma, and persistent pupillary membrane. In general, though, the Basenji is a fairly healthy breed. Their life expectancy is roughly 12 years. The Basenji can adjust to apartment life, provided they are regularly exercised. They are both active indoors and out, and will do best with at least a small yard. Basenjis have a short coat and are also known for their cat-like cleanliness, even cleaning themselves with their paws, so very little grooming is needed. |
