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Rescue a Basenji
Basenji Puppies
for Sale
Basenji
(Congo Dog)
Perrin, the Basenji at 1
˝ years old on a
camping trip. "He hated the water, but would get in enough to get his
feet wet."
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Breeder
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Rescue a Basenji
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Pronunciation |
Buh-SEN-jee |
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Description |
Basenji are smooth, muscular, athletic dogs on the small side. The head is wrinkled around the forehead and the muzzle is shorter than the skull. The skull is flat. The small, almond-shaped eyes are dark hazel to dark brown. The ears are straight, small, erect and open
in the front. The dog's back is level and the legs are straight. The tail is set high and curled over to either side. The coat is short, shiny and fine and comes in pure black, copper, red, chestnut red, or tricolor in combinations of black, tan and white, or black, brindle and white. The AKC standard calls for the dog to have white on the feet, chest and tip of the tail. White legs, blaze and collar are optional. The Basenji does not bark, but rather makes a yodel noise. They also howl, growl and crow, depending on the dog's mood. |
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Temperament |
The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic and curious. It loves to play and makes a good pet, as long as it is
handled regularly from an early age. It is very intelligent, responds well to
training with a strong desire to please. They can be reserved with strangers, socialize well.
The Basenji is somewhat reserved, but can still form strong bonds with humans. It
should not be trusted with non-canine pets. They do
best with children who understand how to display leadership towards the dog. The Basenji dislike wet weather. They like
to chew, so giving them lots of toys of their own would be a good idea. The
breed likes to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences.
It has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation
instead) and of cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy,
frisky, tireless at play. Most Basenji problems usually
involve a mismatch between owner and pet. The owners mistake the adjective
"quiet' to mean inactive instead of noiseless; thus, they become harassed
by an active, though relatively silent , dog. They need daily exercise to release mental and physical energy. Basenji are very
clever at getting their own way, they succeed less by obstinacy than by charm, and therefore need an owner who displays natural authority. One who makes rules and sticks to them. Calm, but firm, confident and consistent Basenji who have meek or passive owners, or owners who are not consistent with the rules will become demanding. The dog will assume the role of pack leader and behavior problems will arise, especially when left alone. WIth an owner who understands canine behaviors and treats the dog accordingly, will find them to be wonderful pets. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 16-17 inches (41-43 cm.) Bitches
15-16 inches (38-41 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg.) Bitches 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
This breed is prone to Fanconi's syndrome (kidney
problems), which must be treated the moment the symptoms are noticed. Also,
they are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, intestinal, and eye
problems. |
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Living Conditions |
The Basenji will do okay in an apartment if it
gets enough exercise. It is very active indoors and a small yard will do. The
Basenji is happiest when it is kept with two or three other Basenji; they will
not fight among themselves. |
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Exercise |
The Basenji need vigorous daily exercise. They
have a tendency to become fat and lazy unless the owner is consistent about it.
This breed needs a
long daily walk. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years |
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Litter Size |
4 - 6 puppies. Female Basenji come into
heat once a year, where as most other breeds are twice a year. |
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Grooming |
The Basenji washes itself like a cat and has no
doggie smell, so very little grooming is needed. This is a good dog for people
with allergies. This breed sheds little to no hair. |
Origin |
The first traces of a dog similar to the Basenji
are found in Egyptian tombs and wall drawings of five thousand years ago. Also
called the Congo Dog, it was first introduced to England in 1937. English breeders refined
it and exported it all over the world. In Africa the dog was used by the natives as a guide in the forest, to warn against the approach of dangerous animals, for pointing and retrieving of small game and driving game into nets. The first litter of Basenji puppies born and raised to maturity in the USA was in 1941 and the breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1944. |
| Group |
Southern, AKC Hound |
| Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
CCR, APRI, ACR, DRA |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
CCR = Canadian
Canine Registry
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. |
Basenjis -
Gunther (tri-colored) at 2 ˝ years old & Pumpkin (red
one) at 8 months old, "I stayed at my nephews house for a few days and
his Basenji's are the BOMB!! The little red one is named "Pumpkin" and the
other is Gunther. They are sooooo sweet. Pumpkin slept with me on the couch
with her head tucked under my chin. She is just sooo adorable and sweet.
They are incredibly agile. Very surprising for their small size. And very
good at jumping tall things like couch backs. (which my head was
unfortunately on the other side of most of the time.) ;) They are so
awesome. Would love you to meet them sometime. Awesome little pups!"
Basenji Posters and Prints!
Perrin, the Basenji at 1
˝ years old on a
camping trip.
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Cairo, the tri-color Basenji at 18 months old.
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Benji, the Basenji
Benji, the Basenji
Benji, the Basenji
Basenji Pictures 1
Basenji Pictures 2
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