Description

The Basenji is a small breed that has a regal look to it. The body of a Basenji is athletic with long legs and a deeply wrinkled forehead. They have a high tail with a slight curl to it. Their eyes are almond in shape and they have erect ears. Their coat is shiny and they usually white feet despite the variety of colors of für.

The Basenji’s long legs are what make it a good running dog. They are even compared to a horse with their running style. They were bred to hunt and run. They love the chase and will do anything to be able to do it, even if that means running off. This dog does not bark. They may make other noises but it will never bark. More likely to hear from this dog is a scream.

They can be head strong and this can make training a challenge. They will also eat just about anything, so keeping an eye on them is important. However this independent nature is just a part of their personality that takes getting used to.

Coat Description

The Basenji has short hair that is silky in texture. They can have fours different colors – red, black, tan and brindle. The feet are usually white along with the tip of the tail and chest.

History

The Basenji has been around for many centuries. They originated in Africa where they were a celebrated hunting dog. In 1934 this breed were brought into Europe, being called the Congo Dog. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943.

Temperament

The best way to describe a Basenji is that they are a range of personalities all in one. They can vary greatly in temperament and attitude. They can be described as being alert, loving, assertive and active. They need to be brought into a family as a pup in order to truly adapt. They also do not coexist well with other dogs. They also are not good around smaller animals since they will chase and catch them.

They usually become strongly attached to family. They can be reserved at times and can be very uncomfortable with strangers. A good sign that they are not comfortable in a situation is circling. When they circle this means they feel threatened.

The Basenji is active and likes to have fun. They will need to get rid of all that stored up energy so they do not act out. They are avid chewers and great climbers, so they can really do a number if left to their own accord to find something to do. They can be very immature in nature when they do not get the attention they need, much like a child.

Health Problems

Basenjis may be prone to a few common health conditions. It is important to be aware of these conditions so that they can be caught and treatment started early. They will often suffer from a kidney disorder called Fanconi syndrome. They can suffer from a blood disorder called genetic hemolytic anemia. They are one of the dog breeds that often have hip dysplasia. They may suffer from the intestinal disease called malabsorption and progressive retinal atrophy which is a disorder of the eye that can lead to blindness. Good care and regular vet visits can help catch any problems early or prevent the onset of certain conditions.

Grooming

The Basenji only needs brushing on a regular basis to stay well groomed. The Basenji is easy to groom because they love the attention that comes with it, so no fighting during grooming time with this dog. The Basenji is really a self grooming dog. They also do not have that dog smell. They are really as minimal care dog and perfect for an owner who is not keen on long hours spent grooming.

Exercise

Basenji need a far amount of daily exercise. They will be fine with running and playing all day, if possible. They should also be kept in a yard with a high, strong fence since they are good climbers. Their exercise needs can be so demanding that it is often sometimes best to enroll them in a classes of some type so they can get as much exercise as possible. They can seem to have endless energy and it is important to recognize that this is almost true. Exercise is one of the biggest challenges with this breed of dog.

Training

Basenji can be trained in a few different ways. They can be trained with a lure for speed, agility and skill. They can also be trained as a competition dog. They can also be trained for obedience, but this can be the most challenging type of training. They will work hard for achievement. Their extreme energy levels and eagerness to please go a long way towards success. They have to be handled with a firm command. Sometimes training can be too challenging and is best done by a professional.