Breed of dogs basenji | Facts & Information

Colors: black, red, tricolor, Brindle, black and white

Temperament: playful, alert, curious, energetic, intelligent

Other names: Congo Dog, Congo Terrier, African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, Zande Dog, Basenji dog

Origin Of Basenji

This dog is descended from the ancient pariah dogs and has been used in hunting since the 3600s i.Hr. legend has it that specimens of this breed were given as a gift to the Egyptian pharaohs. With the decline of the Egyptian civilization and their number has decreased, but they have been preserved quite well in their native country.

The first specimens brought to England in 1895 and then 1936 died of the disease. Gradually it was possible to adapt this dog to the climate and diseases of England.

Basenji is one of the oldest canine breeds, originating even from ancient Egypt. Egyptian pharaohs are depicted on bas-reliefs with such dogs. It is considered a valuable breed. It was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1944, and in Europe basenji dogs were imported only in 1985.

Next to Tutankhamun was found an embalmed basenji, at his neck wearing a collar adorned with precious stones. These dogs were regarded as amulets that protect against witchcraft.

They arrived in the West only in the Victorian era, after explorers discovered the "dog that does not bark" and brought it to England in 1895. Unfortunately, the first pair died of dysentery. However, the pair named" Lagos Bush Dogs " were exhibited at Crufts before they died.

In 1923, Hellen Hunting brought 6 more Basenjii to England, and, like those before them, all died of dysentery. It wasn't until 1936 that a pair of Basenji, also called "Terriers" in the Congo, lived long enough to make a chicken. In 1937 the species was taken to America, with many dogs dying from the disease again, and it was not until 1942 that they survived enough to form a club, and the basenji were recognized in 1943 by the AKC.

The breed was first observed by Europeans around 1895, and the name was taken from the Lingala language, a Bantu dialect used by the Azande and Mangbetu tribes, dominant in the northeastern Congo River Basin. The locals also called him" dog of the wild "or"dog of the bushes".

And in swahili, another language from the rich bantu family, the dog's name sounds very similar to the name used today. Basenji proved from the start very skilled at the difficult hunting of raccoons and other rodents, carried in the dense thickets of ancient tropical forests.

Basenji Feed

When it comes to food, the food needs of the modern breed do not make a distinctive mark in the whole diet recommended to other breeds of dogs.

The metabolism of these dogs shows some peculiarities, but by this we do not say anything new. Many breeds of dogs, if carefully studied, have some aspect that individualizes them and ideally would be that they be known and respected, to prevent the appearance of health problems.

For example, Dogs of the Basenji breed can more easily assimilate calcium compared to most other canine breeds, which in the same situation will develop kidney stones.

Instead, it is very important to avoid in the diet of Basenji dogs any dietary supplement containing vitamin C (ascorbic acid, Sodium ascorbate, Calcium ascorbate or ascorbic palmitate), because these compounds can cause kidney and liver damage, Basenji dogs are prone to such. Carefully check the content specifications of the food you choose and, if the compounds listed above are present, look for another product.

If you use dry food to prevent the formation of tartar, maintain a good health of the gums and allow them to benefit from a good dosage of vitamins and minerals, choose a formula suitable for your dog's age and waist, a quality product, whose main ingredient is meat.

For this breed of dogs, foods containing beef or horse protein are recommended, in combination with poultry. The most suitable sources of carbohydrates are wheat and brown rice. You should avoid foods that contain soy, beet pulp, fish, lamb or white rice.

Basenji dogs are said to rush to food like eagles. The instinct that allowed him to survive in Africa is still strong and this dog treats with maximum concentration the moment of the meal, being attentive and defensive towards anything or anyone that would endanger the food available to him.

Whenever there is a small opportunity to steal food unattended, Basenji will put all his intelligence and physical abilities to the test to take advantage of it.

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Appearance Basenji

It is a medium-sized dog, well built, supple, sprightly and quite strong. It has a flattened skull, a muzzle a little shorter than the skull, conically formed, with a black nose.

The eyes are small, almond-shaped, brown in color. The ears are of medium size, triangular and raised, forming also on the forehead some creases specific to the breed that give it a worried appearance.

The tail is small and ringed on the back. The coat is fine, short and has the color red with white, black with white, black with tan and white (tricolor). White color is on the chest, legs, tip of the tail, neck.

The height of the males is about 42 cm, the female is between 39 and 41 cm.The weight of males is between 11 and 13 kg, and females weigh between 8 and 10 kg.

Unlike other dogs, Basenji do not bark. He growls or makes other specific sounds when he is excited or upset.

Basenji Behavior

It is an intelligent, lively, alert, curious dog, quite independent and slightly stubborn. Do not bark, but make some sounds similar to a scream or howl. Devoted and attached to the master, he accepts children as long as they do not bother him. They are not ideal play partners for children.

He is reserved and cautious with strangers and tends to protect his master. He has no problems with other dogs, but in the yard with other animals, especially cats, hunting instincts stand out. That's why he needs to be socialized from a young age.

It is a dog that can not stand the cold and feels better in a warm climate and has adapted well to life in an apartment provided that it is taken out daily for a walk because it has a moderate level of activity. It is a dog recommended for people with a lot of experience in dog breeding.

It is an intelligent, inquisitive, silent and very authoritarian and introverted dog, rarely expressing his feelings. However, he does not like strangers and is very protective of his family. He Shows special intelligence.

Normally in a nest are born 5-6 chicks. There are also basenji females who have brought up to 12 Cubs into the world.

Basenji Dressage

Because it is an independent and stubborn dog, it is quite difficult to train. Training should be done by an experienced person with great patience and skill to make the dog obey and execute orders. Training should be firm, consistent, but not harsh, severe.

Training is recommended for these dogs. They want to please their master, but they are stubborn. They are very destructive dogs and will munch things much more than other animals. They need to be kept short or locked up when you're not around because if there's any way they can get away and run, they will.

It takes a lot of patience and skill to make a Basenji dog obey and follow commands or perform exercises. Basenji will not give in easily even to Rewards.

The central elements must be firmness, patience and consistency, but any harsh accent or excess of severity can compromise a good working relationship.

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Basenji Features

It is considered the cleanest dog. He looks after himself, washes himself like a cat. Brushing the coat of this dog can be done with a brush or rubber glove. He does not like rain, can not stand the cold or drought. Care is done quite easily because its short fur does not give off a specific smell and does not shed very much. It is suitable for allergy sufferers, because Basenji takes care of its own hygiene on its own and does not leave hair.

It is used for hunting and as a pet.

Basenji Diseases

Diseases that Basenji may develop and cause concern are Fanconi syndrome, progressive retinal atrophy, hernias, hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia.

Basenji have several hereditary diseases, including Fanconi syndrome, which means poor functioning of the proximal renal tube. Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency attacks this breed, causing early death as a result of anemia. Lyphagectasia is the dilation of lymphatic vessels, manifested by diarrhea and weight loss.

They are sensitive to some anti-flea products and are more susceptible to enteritis than any other dog. On average a female basenji makes about 5 cubs per pregnancy. The average life span is between 9 and 15 years.