Basenji Dog Breed, Puppy Sell-Price, Size, And Special Care Info

Basenji is a breed of hunting dog. It was bred from stock that originated in Central Africa. The Federation Cynologic International places the breed into the Spitz and Primitive types. The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname ‘barkless dog‘.

Basenjis share many distinctive features with pariah dog types. Basenjis come into estrus only once a year, like dingoes and New Guinea singing dogs, compared to other dog breeds that have two or more breeding seasons per year.

The Basenji lacks a distinctive sense of smell and is prone to howls, yodels, and other barking sounds characteristic of modern dog breeds. The original foundation stock of the breed came from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Basenji Breed Detail – Size Chart:

• Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
• Height: 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
• Weight: 22 to 24 pounds
• Life Span: 10 to 12 years
• Colors: Black, Brindle, Tri-color, Tan, Black & White, Red
• Origin: The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Basenji Breed Characteristics:

History About This Breed:

Originating on the continent of Africa, Europeans first described the Basenji tribe in 1895 in the Congo. These local dogs, which the Europeans recognized as a separate breed and called Basenji, were prized by the locals for their intelligence, courage, speed, and silence.

Several attempts were made to introduce the breed to England, but early imports suffered from the disease. Six Basenges were taken from Sudan in 1923, but all six died of distemper shots received in quarantine.

It was not until the 1930s that foundation stock was successfully established in England and then in the United States by cattle importer Henry Treflich. It is likely that almost all Basenji in the Western world is descended from these few original imports. The breed was officially accepted into the AKC in 1943. In 1990, the AKC stud book was reopened to 14 new imports at the request of the Basenji Club of America.

The stud book was reopened for selected imported dogs from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. An American-led expedition collected breeding stock in villages in the Basankusu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2010. Basenji is also registered with United. Kennel Club.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Basenji’s popularity in the United States has declined over the past decade, with the breed ranking 71st in 1999, falling to 84th in 2006, and 93rd in 2011.

Appearance of This Dog Breed:

The Basenji is a primitive hunting dog breed that is lean—but strong—and compact in stature. Basenjis have alert, pointed ears, almond-shaped dark hazel or dark brown eyes, and a bushy tail that curls tightly against its back. The wrinkles on their foreheads give these chicks a cute expression of worry.

Their short coat is fine in texture and comes in four main colors recognized by the American Kennel Club: chestnut red, black, tricolor (black, tan, and white), or brindle.

Regardless of color, all of Basenji’s chest, legs, and tail tips are clearly defined.

Basinger is low shedding and requires very little maintenance. In fact, Basenjis are very cat-like, spending most of their time grooming themselves. Because of this subtle grooming, they usually don’t have that “doggy” smell and don’t need to be bathed as often.

It is recommended to brush your Basenji weekly and give him an occasional bath when he is exceptionally dirty. The Basenji Club of America has published this helpful guide to best practices for grooming a Basenji.

Temperament of Basenji:

The Basenji is alert, energetic, curious, and reserved with strangers.

Basenjis tend to come emotionally attached to a mortal. and may not get along with-canine faves.

Basenjis dislike wet rainfall like pussycats and frequently refuse to go outdoors in any type of wet conditions. They love to climb, and can easily scale chain wire/link fences.

Basenjis often stand on their hind legs, somewhat like meerkats, leaning on themselves or something; This behavior is often seen when a dog is curious about something. Basenjis have a strong pre-drive. According to the book The Intelligence of Dogs, they are the second least trained dogs when it comes to following human commands.

Their real intelligence is revealed when they need to actually solve problems for the dogs’ own goals (such as food or freedom).

Basenji is very hunting and goes after cats and other small animals.

Personality of These Breeds:

Basenji is a hunting animal. That means she is intelligent and independent, but also loving and alert. He’s a sighthound, which means movement catches his eye, and he’ll chase anything he sees moving—cats, squirrels, rabbits. He is not a dog that will obey commands immediately. He will have to think about them and decide if he really wants to do what you have asked.

Living with dog requires patience and a sense of humor. He will chew or eat anything within his reach, and he is quite capable of devising a plan to achieve what he wants, whether that means getting up on the kitchen counter or breaking into the pantry where the dog biscuits are stored.

He may shy away from strangers, and should not be trusted around cats or other small animals unless he has been raised with them and you are sure he recognizes them as family members. That belief won’t apply to cats or small animals, though it looks out. They are fair game.

Basenjis require early socialization and training. Like any dog, they can become timid if they are not properly socialized – when they are young – exposed to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences.

Early socialization helps ensure that your Basenji puppy becomes a well-rounded dog. Enrolling your young Basenji in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start.

Regularly inviting visitors, and taking your dog to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him hone his social skills.

Train him with kindness and consistency using positive reinforcement that includes food rewards and praise. A basenji that is treated harshly will only become more stubborn and less willing to do your bidding.

About This Dog Breed Health:

We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of it. That’s why we’ve summarized the health concerns we’ll discuss with you about Basenji’s life. By knowing the health concerns associated with Basenjis, we can look at some of the predictable risks and hopefully create a preventative health plan.

Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet’s breed. There is general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions we describe here have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. That doesn’t mean your dog will have these problems; That means she is more at risk than other dogs.

We will describe the most common problems encountered in dogs to give an idea of ​​what their future might hold. Of course, we can’t cover every possibility here, so always check with your Indian Trail Animal Hospital medical team if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms.

How to Care for Basenji Dog Breed?

The Basenji is a hunting dog and needs daily exercise. Some Basenjis do well with daily walks, while others require more vigorous exercise. Basenjis who have grown up with children will often spend time dressing each other up.

A Basenji is not a dog that can be left unattended in the backyard. He’s a skilled escape artist, and an unseen Basenji will soon become a missing Basenji. If you can give him daily 30-minute walks or play sessions, he’s perfect for apartment or condo life.

Always keep your Basenji on a leash unless you are in a safely fenced area, and don’t rely on any type of fence to keep him confined. He will use a chain link as a ladder, and a wooden fence is only a deterrent if you consider putting the smooth side in front of the yard where the dog is and then topping it with electric wire.

Another cat characteristic is its aversion to rain. Expect it to go bad if you take it when it’s wet. On a really hot day, he might enjoy getting wet.

Best Food For This Dog:

• Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Grain-Free Chicken-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Big Game Recipe with Beef, Lamb & Rabbit Dry Dog Food
• Halo Holistic Complete Digestive Health Chicken and Brown Rice Dog Food Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food, 21-lb bag
• VICTOR Select Yukon River Canine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Routine Care, Diet, And Exercise For Basenji:

Build regular grooming into your schedule to help your African Barkless Dog live longer, healthier, and happier throughout her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.

• Look after your pet like you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself and close the room as needed. This will keep her out of trouble and away from things she shouldn’t put in her mouth.
• She has low grooming needs and is known for her lack of “doggy smell”. Brush his coat as needed, at least weekly.
• Basenjis generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
• Clean his ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry – we’ll show you how!
• A high fence and leash are a must; Basenjis love to climb and can’t resist chasing cats and other small animals either.
• Keep your dog’s diet consistent and do not feed his people.
• Feed her high-quality food appropriate for her age.
• Exercise your dog regularly, but don’t overdo it at first.

Facts About Basenji Coat Color And Grooming:

The Besanji wears a short, fine coat of red, black, tricolor (black and chestnut), or brindle (black stripes on a chestnut background), all with white legs, chest, and the tip of the tail. It may also have white on its legs, a white glint running down the center of its face between its eyes, or a white collar – a white mark around its neck. You will always see more of its primary color than white. Its markings come out clearly and never look muddy.

Grooming:

Basenjis are cat-like in their grooming habits and keep themselves very clean. It doesn’t need to be bathed more than every few months. Basenjis shed — all dogs do — but the hair is so short and fine that it’s not as noticeable as the shedding of other dogs.

Brush your Basenji’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar and the bacteria it contains. Brushing daily is better if you want to avoid gum disease and bad breath.

Trim nails regularly if your dog does not naturally wear nails. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they are too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep your feet from scratching while your Besanji jumps up to greet you enthusiastically.

Start getting your Basenji used to brushing and examining him when he’s a puppy. Handle his paws frequently—dogs touch their feet—and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience full of praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easier veterinary exams and another handling when he’s an adult.

As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. The ears should smell good without too much wax or gunk, and the eyes should be clear, without redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you detect potential health problems early.

Adopt OR Buy Basenji Dog From Rescue Groups:

• Basenji Rescue and Transport
• Country Hearts Hound & Basenji Rescue
• Colorado Basenji Rescue
• Basenji Rescue

Living With Basenji Dog Whom?

Basenjis are active dogs who need and enjoy a good game or run every day. They like to run agility and lure courses.

Basenjis are no longer used for hunting, but they make great family dogs and live to be about 13 years old or more.

Basenji can be fiercely protective of their families. They need plenty of early socialization with others to become ideal companions. An unusual feature in Basenjis is that females almost always have only one heat period per year, and it occurs between August and November. And of course, they make their famous “yodeling” sound.

Basenjis are extremely easy to prepare and keep clean with a quick swipe with a cloth or brush once or twice weekly. Basenjis will spend most of their time grooming and carefully licking their coat like a cat.

Top 10 Facts About Basenji Dog:

Other Dog Breeds and Further Research:

• Golden Retriever
• Shih Tzu Dog
• Bullmastiff Dog

FAQs About Basenji Dog Breed: