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Basenji

Thinking about purchasing a Basenji? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Basenji breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Basenji owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Basenji and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Basenji Breeder:

When were your Basenjis born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Basenji, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Basenji and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Basenji Breed Profile

The Basenji is a handsome, short, muscular dog who is also known as the African Barkless Dog. "Basenji" means "bush thing" in African dialect. They should not bark, but they are not mute. Basenjis repertoire of sounds range from a pleasing throaty crow to a keening wail made when they are lonely or unhappy. Basenjis are often compared to small deer because of their grace, intelligence and beauty. They are about the size of a Fox Hound, and very proud. One of the oldest breeds of dogs, they are native to Africa where they are used to assist beaters in flushing game out, which are then driven into nets strung up against trees. These dogs were highly prized in Central Africa for their intelligence, silence, speed and hunting power. The Basenji has a short, fine coat that tends to become more course in colder countries, but without losing its gleam. Wrinkled on the forehead, they also have a curly tail that swirls to one side of their body. Known to be much like cats, Basenjis will sometimes clean themselves by licking all over, and are said to be nearly odorless. Basenjis will make good pets as long as they are handled on a regular basis from an early age.

Other Names: Congo Dog, Congo Bush Dog, Congo Terrier, Bongo Dog, African Barkless Dog, African Bush Dog, Zande Dog, Belgian Congo Dog, Nyam Nyam Terrier.

Type: Sighthound and Pariah

Height: Females: 16 inches; Males 17 inches.
Weight: Females: 21 lbs; Males: 24 lbs.

Colors: Black, red, black and tan. There is always white on the chest, feet and tail tips.
Coat: Smooth, short-haired, fine, silky coat. Coarser coat in colder countries.

Temperament: Basenjis are intelligent, independent, affectionate but alert. Basenjis are playful, inquisitive, and active. Sometimes aloof with strangers.
With Children: Yes, if properly socialized and supervised.
With Pets: Yes, if properly socialized and supervised; same sex aggression is common.
Special Skills: Does not bark, flushes out prey for hunters, and is very intelligent in which training comes easy.

Watch-dog: High. Depends on dog and owner attentiveness; doesn’t bark to alert. If you are a stranger, you should not approach Basenjis from behind.
Guard-dog: Low.

Basenji Care and Training: Comb or brush the Basenjis smooth coat and bathe when necessary. Daily exercise will prevent obesity. House training comes easily as they are naturally clean creatures. Basenjis clean themselves like cats, and have virtually no doggy odor. Basenjis will sometimes use destruction as amusement when left to themselves, and should be trained carefully not to do so.
Special Needs: Fenced in living environment, an activity or job to do.
Learning Rate: High. Rewards-based training produces best results.

Activity: High
Living Environment: Indoor or outdoor dog that does best with a fenced yard and lots of exercise. Curiosity may cause them to wander if left off leash or in an unfenced area.

Basenji Health Issues: Anemia, hernias, hip dysplasia, Kidney problems, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), thyroid problems.

Life Span: 12-14 years
Litter Size: 6. Female Basenjis usually only have one season a year which will last up to 30 days between August and November.

Country of Origin: Zaire and the Congo (Central Africa)
Basenji History: The earliest samples of these dogs were given as gifts to Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Basenji-type dogs are depicted on the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and date back to early 3600 B.C. Many details of their origins are unclear, but the Basenji is thought to have come from a purebred dog used by the Pygmies for hunting in the Congo. A pair of Basenjis were taken to England by an explorer in 1895, but unfortunately fell ill to distemper and soon died. In 1937 the Basenji was introduced successfully into England, and around the same time Mrs. Byron Rogers of York City brought a pair of them to America. A litter of puppies was born, but unfortunately all died due to distemper except for Mrs. Rogers' older male, Bois. A female Basenji named Congo was then brought to the United States from Africa in 1941 by Alexander Phemster of Massachusetts, and soon the two Basenjis produced the first litter of Basenjis to be born in America and live. Soon other Basenjis were imported from England and Canada, and the breed grew in size and popularity in America.

First Registered by the AKC: 1944
AKC Group: Hound
Class: Hound
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, UKC, TKC (Group 5), KC (GB)

Basenjis

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008