The Basenji
We hope the following information will give you an overall picture of the Basenji. It is by no means all encompassing of the breed’s delightful traits, or those which are sometimes not so endearing. Our Links page will direct you to additional on-line resources. We are also happy to directly answer your questions, so feel free to contact us.
The Basenji (which means “bush thing”) is a breed of hunting dog that originated in central Africa. Basenjis first appeared in Egyptian hieroglyphics about 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists have traced the Basenji's origins to the Zaire and Congo regions of Africa. In 1895, Europeans came across Basenjis in the Congo. Basenjis were prized by locals for their intelligence, courage, speed, and silence. They were assistants to the hunt, wearing large bells around their necks and chasing wild game into nets for their masters.
Basenjis were brought to England in the 1930s. In 1941, Basenjis were brought to America, and were officially accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1943. In 1956, the movie Good-bye, My Lady brought attention to the breed, specifically its ability to “yodel” rather than bark. Up until 1987, all the Basenjis outside Africa were descended from about 12 original stock dogs. Breeders became concerned about the limited gene pool. Since 1987, several African expeditions have resulted in bringing more Basenjis from Africa to America to increase the gene pool.
Today, the Basenji can still be found working in Africa.
Basenjis are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with tightly curled tails. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. They have a graceful, confident gait, which has been described as that of a trotting horse.
Basenjis typically weigh 22-24 pounds and are 16-17 inches at the withers. Their ears are erect and foreheads are wrinkled, often giving them a concerned or worried look. The breed standard recognizes the following coat colors: red, black, tri (black with red markings), and brindle (red with black “stripes”) – all having a white tail tip, feet and chest.
Basenjis do not bark; however, they are not silent. They can chortle, whine, scream, howl, growl, yodel and baroo - depending on their mood.
Basenjis are highly intelligent and fast learners. However, since they also have a mind of their own, obedience can be a challenge. They will learn quickly, but they won’t necessarily repeat a command unless they feel like it (or they are motivated by a treat). Their tendency to become bored quickly means they can be destructive if left unattended in the house. Therefore, most breeders recommend crating Basenjis when their owners are not at home. Early crate training is essential.
Basenjis are often described as “cat like” because they are quite particular about their cleanliness and actually clean themselves like cats. In addition, most Basenjis have a strong dislike for contact with water, and will go to great lengths to avoid getting wet. Because they keep themselves clean, bathing is seldom required. Nail trimming and teeth brushing pretty much cover their grooming needs.
Basenjis are clever, inquisitive, and sometimes mischievous dogs - frequently entertaining you with their antics. Basenji owners may find a roll of toilet paper strung from the bathroom down through the hall, or notice unguarded leftovers on the kitchen table mysteriously gone, or see the post-it note left a little too low on the refrigerator shredded into tiny pieces on the floor. Much like child-proofing a house, your house will need to be Basenji-proofed. These characteristics are the very thing that most people love about their Basenjis and what set Basenjis apart from many other breeds.
Basenjis can be aloof with strangers, but form strong bonds with their owners. Socialization is crucial during the puppy months, and should continue throughout their lives. Basenjis may not always accept dogs outside of their “pack.” Therefore, it is important that Basenjis are socialized and have positive experiences early on not only with humans, but also with other dogs.
Agile and fast, Basenjis love to run and chase. Lure coursing is the perfect “sport” for them to exercise their natural hunting instincts. Their speed and agility, along with their strong prey drive and practically fearless approach to the world, make it essential that Basenjis are leashed at all times outdoors, unless they are in a confined area (a securely fenced yard). Many Basenjis are also expert climbers, and some have been known to scale chain-link fences as high as eight feet, so wooden or aluminum fences are best. If your yard is not fenced, daily walks are necessary to exercise your Basenji.
One health issue affecting Basenjis is an inheritable kidney disorder called Fanconi syndrome. A Basenji with Fanconi typically begins to display symptoms (excessive drinking, excessive urination, weight loss, and muscle wasting) between four and eight years of age. Owners should test for Fanconi monthly starting at age three by checking for sugar in the urine. Urine glucose test strips can be purchased a most drug stores. **News Flash** July 2007 a linked marker DNA test for Fanconi Syndrome became available. See The Basenji Health Endowment for more information.
Other health concerns are Progressive Retinal Atrophy (a degeneration of the retina causing blindness), and several less serious hereditary eye problems such as Coloboma (a hole in the eye structure), and Persistent Pupillary Membrane (tiny threads across the pupil).
As with other dog breeds, Basenjis sometimes suffer from Hip Dysplasia, resulting in loss of mobility and arthritis-like symptoms. Dogs can be tested by either OFA or PennHIP.
Copyright 2009 Cathy Trautman
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Photographs may not be used without written permission; lure coursing photos by Shot On Site.