The Canine Chronicles Directory
Basenji
The Basenji is a very old breed and is considered both a sighthound and a scent
hound. They are small athletic dogs with a smooth, shiny coat. Colors include black
and tan, chestnut red, black or brindle. They are about the size of a Fox Terrier.
They have a long muzzle with almond-shaped eyes. Their ears are erect and face the
front. The topline is level and the legs are long. This breed's forehead is wrinkled,
giving them a worried look. The thighs are muscular and they have a very distinctive
horse-like running gait. Its tail is long and tightly curled over the back. Though
the Basenji does not bark, they do have lots of other unusual vocalizations including
yodeling, howling, growling or crowing. His mood sets his vocal tone. The female
of this breed only comes into heat once per year.
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Temperament
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The Basenji is also known as The Barkless Dog. It growls when it is displeased and
yodels when happy. Though it can be aloof, it prefers to be with their family. If
left to their own resources for too long, it may resort to deviltry and destruction
for their own amusement. They have been known to chew the stuffing out of a sofa
or dig multiple holes in the yard. It would be helpful if they had lots of toys
of their own to chew. They are not good with small children because they are not
very tolerant. Basenjis are dog aggressive with same-sex dogs. With a strong urge
to chase and capture small animals, care must be taken when cats, hamsters or rabbits
live in the same residence. They love to run and may not heed your command to stop
so they must be on a leash at all times.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 16-17" ; Weight: 22-26 lbs.
Female Height: 15-16" ; Weight: 20-25 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Basenjis are prone to eye diseases and Fanconi, a very serious kidney disease.
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Living Conditions
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Valued for its silent nature, Basenjis can live beautifully in an apartment if it
is exercised regularly. They can become overweight easily if the owner is not consistent.
Being excellent climbers, the Basenji can easily climb over or under most fences.
They do better with another Basenji in the home. They are not aggressive towards
each other.
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Exercise
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This breed needs vigorous, daily exercise.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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This breed is exceptionally clean, licking itself in the manner of a cat. It has
no doggy smell and is a good fit for humans with allergies. There is little or no
shedding with this breed.
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Origin
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The Basenji, native to Zaire, is closely related to the Pharaoh and the Ibizan.
As the Egyptian culture declined, they were adopted by tribes throughout the Congo.
Know for their keen noses (can scent at 80 yards) and sharp eyesight, the Basenji
was used to drive game into nets or to track wounded prey. In 1936, the Basenji
was brought to the United States and the first litter was produced a year later.
The name Basenji is translated to "bush thing" from the African dialect. They are
recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Hound, UKC Sighthound and Pariah Dog
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