BCOA African Stock Project - First Imports to the U.S.

 A pair of Barkless Besenji, the
native dogs of Central Africa,
whose chief attribute is the fact
they never bark, are on the high
seas aboard the Berengaria. They
will arrive in New York on Tues-
day.
 Recognized in England last year,
the Besenji, which breed amazing-
ly close to a standard, thus testify-
ing to the antiquity of their strain,
are a smooth coated hunting dog,
looking not unlike the Corgi, ex-
cept for their longer legs and 
shorter bodies. Perhaps a likeness
to a short-coated Norwegian Elk-
hound, except for the color, would
be more fitting.
 The two Besenji being brought to
this country were acquired by B.
Hamilton Rogers, who, with Mrs.
Olga Rogers, operates Dogs, Inc.,
in this city. Incidentally, Mr. Rog-
ers, who is vice-president of the
company, is not related to Mrs.
Rogers, its president. He is the son
of Mrs. Byron H. Rogers, best
known in the dog world as owner
of Misty Isles Kennels in Bedford,
to which the new dogs will be taken
after a few days in the city.
 The fact that both the president
and vice-president are named Rog-
ers and that they use the Misty
Isles Kennels to augment the facili-
ties of their city establishment, at
59 East Fifty-second street, causes
no end of confusion in the dog
world, and there are almost daily
mistakes of identity to be straight-
ened out at Dogs, Inc.
 In announcing that the new dogs
are on their way from England,
Mrs. Rogers said that Mr. Rogers
cabled he is also bringing a num-
ber of other show dogs, including
some English cockers.

Two canine oddities, dogs that cannot bark -- not be-
cause they have been trained to be still but because
nature made them that way--arrived today from England
on the Berengaria. Known as the Basenji, the African
term for "bush dog" they were transported to England
from their native Belgian Congo less than a year ago.
They quickly caught the attention of English dog fanc-
iers, have been officially recognized by breeders in that
country and now are making their first appearance on
this side of the Atlantic.
The pair imported today were brought over by Dogs,
Inc., of 59 East Fifty-second street, a venture of which
Mrs. Olga Rogers is president and H. Bryon Rogers is
vice-president. The latter has been in England buying
breeding stock for the establishment and the two
Basenji are only part, though the most unusual part,
of the consignment of dogs he brought back. After
being kept for a short time in this city they will be
taken to the Misty Isles kennels of Mrs. Byron Rogers
at Bedford, N. Y.
It is not suprising that the importers envision a
demand for barkless dogs in communities where
noise-reducing campaigns are common. Just what
makes them mute has not been determined.

Although their vocal chords are not developed, they
have all the other attributes of good dogs. They are
exceptional hunters, although in the African bush the
natives have to tie gourds around their necks that they
may be followed by the rattling sound.
Mrs. Olivia Burns, an English woman who has been
living in the Belgian Congo, took the first of the Basenji
to England. They bred so closely to the same standard
that they were readily accepted by the experts as an
authentic and old breed. It is believed that they date
back to about the twelfth Egyptian dynasty. Although
natives of the tropics, they quickly became acclimated
to England.
They are light chestnut color, with white markings,
sharp pointed ears, carried erect, short coats and a tail
that curls up tightly over the back. They are about the
same size as a Samoyede or a Norwegian elkhound, and
except for their color and short coats, have much in
common with these breeds.

First Basenjis to the United States

Arrived on the Cunard White Star Liner Berengaria

Tuesday, September 28, 1937

First Basenjis to the United States

Arrived on the Cunard White Star Liner Berengaria

Tuesday, September 28, 1937