Welcome to the world of the Basenji. This short overview is intended to briefly describe some of the traits and characteristics of the Basenji.

If you would like to learn more about this special breed, there are many good books, magazines, manuals, pamphlets, videos and research materials available. There is also a wealth of information about the Basenji on the Internet.

For more information, please visit the Basenji Club of America's website at www.basenji.org, or contact the Basenji Club of Southern Nevada at janwarrn@concentric.net

What is a Basenji, and what makes it different from other dogs?

The Basenji is a small, short-haired hunting dog from Africa, also known as the African Barkless Dog, and is one of the oldest "natural" breeds known to man. Ancient Egyptian carvings of Basenjis have been found on the pyramids. It is thought that African tribal chiefs gave their treasured Basenjis to the Pharaohs as gifts.

The Basenji averages 16 to 17 inches in height at the shoulder, and weighs 22 to 24 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than the males. It is a short-backed, lightly-built dog with a wrinkled forehead, small hooded erect ears and a tightly curled tail. Its proportions should look truly square, and it should appear to be high on the leg.

It can be red and white, black and white, tricolor (black, white and tan), or brindle in color, but should always have four white feet, a white chest, and a white tail tip. It is a member of the sighthound group, meaning it can hunt both by sight and scent, and is still used in Africa today by hunters to drive small game into their nets. A Basenji's swift, effortless and graceful gait resembles that of a racehorse trotting full out, and allows the dog to travel for many miles without tiring.

Is the Basenji really barkless?

The Basenji will not bark continuously as other breeds do, but some can emit short, sharp barks. The Basenji can make a wide range of sounds from loud cries, growls, howls and screams, to what many have described as a happy yodel, chortle or crowing sound. Some Basenjis "talk" a lot, others rarely ever make a sound. Because of its "barklessness" a Basenji generally does not make a good guard dog.

Do Basenjis make good pets?

The Basenji is highly intelligent but independent. It can be stubborn and difficult to train, becoming bored quickly with repetitive-type training methods.

Forcing a Basenji, or hitting it to make it do something it doesn't want to do, will likely cause it to growl or even snap at you. However, treats, praise, rewards, or sweet talk will almost always get a Basenji to cooperate. Obedience training your Basenji in a "praise and reward-type" training method is highly recommended.

The Basenji loves its human family but can be "stand-offish" with strangers. It is a very fastidious dog, cleaning itself like a cat, and has very little "doggy odor." It is an active breed with a lively, playful spirit and requires a considerable amount of exercise and attention. The Basenji is an extremely curious dog, and is happiest when it can be near you and be a part of the family. It can also be a notorious paper shredder, trash raider and a "you-name-it" chewer.

Are Basenjis good with children and other pets?

If introduced as a puppy, the Basenji should adapt to most situations. However, children should be taught to respect the dog. Tail and ear pulling could result in nips, and young children should always be supervised around the dog. The Basenji will much appreciate its own "retreat area" such as a crate or cage, and when resting or eating, its privacy should be respected.

Rough-housing and aggressive-type play between the dog and children is strongly discouraged. The Basenji should be well socialized with people and animals, and introduced slowly to other pets in the household. Again, having the Basenji formally obedience trained will definitely make a difference.

Why isn't the Basenji an off-leash dog?

The Basenji is a natural hunting dog, and when it sees a bird or even a scrap of paper flying down the street, it will try to run off in pursuit. It is a strong and fast dog, and its intelligence, determination and highly developed hunting instincts can sometimes cause it problems. Once it sets its sight or senses on something, it is not easily discouraged or distracted. The Basenji fears nothing and once loose, pays little attention to anything around it, including its owner or any dangers such as cars or trucks in its path.

The Basenji is also a major escape artist and should be microchipped. It can dart out of an opened door quicker than you can react, and can also climb chain link fencing. Block wall, or solid-type fencing with sturdy gates that can be locked are a must in order to avoid utility people, service people or children from letting your Basenji get out of the yard. Most Basenjis that get loose are killed by cars. It is also very important to teach your Basenji to come to you for a treat every time it is called. This simple training might someday save its life.

Is the Basenji a good house dog?

The Basenji craves attention from its human family and will not be happy or well behaved if banished to the backyard. It is a naturally clean dog and is easily housebroken or paper trained. A young Basenji is full of energy and can become bored if left alone loose in the house or yard all day. It will often get into mischief such as digging, chewing or other types of destructive behavior.

Until your Basenji is obedience trained and has matured, it is wise to crate it when you cannot be there to supervise it. A large wire crate is best so it can still see what's going on. A puppy will need to be let out every 4 to 6 hours to relieve itself. If you absolutely have to crate your Basenji for extended periods, it is very important that it be given adequate exercise. A well-exercised Basenji is a calm, contented dog.

What are the Basenji's health problems?

The Basenji has descended from a very limited gene pool, and some of the diseases which can affect it are Fanconi Syndrome, progressive retinal atrophy, hemolytic anemia, IPSID, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

Due to the high incidence of these diseases in the Basenji, breeding is best left to reputable, knowledgeable and responsible breeders. The most important thing you can do before purchasing a Basenji is to check its health background.

For more information concerning these potential health problems, contact your veterinarian, the Basenji Club of Southern Nevada, or the Basenji Club of America.

The Basenji is truly a unique breed.

The Basenji has not been long out of the jungles of Africa, and is not as domesticated as other breeds. Treat it with respect as you would a "wild" animal, but let it know where it stands in the "pecking order" of your household. If you are "fair but firm" with your Basenji, it will consider you to be its pack leader.

Patience, tolerance and a good sense of humor will help you to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of these dogs. The Basenji is a great companion animal and truly a joy to own.

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