The Basenji breed stands between 15 and 18 inches tall. With a distinctive face that is wrinkled around the forehead. Here we see a short snout, smaller than the skull, which is flat. The ears are small, erect and face forward. The eyes are brown and oval in appearance. You see a beautiful straight back. The legs are straight and proportionate to the dog. The tail is raised and can curl to either side. His coat is shiny and short, with a fine coat. The colors we see are pure copper, black, red and chestnut red. They have a beautiful range of tricolors and these are black, tan, and white, or black, brindle, and white. For the AKC standard, the dog must have white on the chest, paws, and the tip of the tail. This dog can optionally have white paws, blaze and collar. This dog does not bark. Now before you decide this is the one for you, this doesn’t mean they don’t make noise, they do, they can howl, cackle, growl and are known for their yodeling noises. So therefore they are still vocal, and it will depend on the mood of the dog what he can hear.
History: The Basenji is first seen or recorded in Egyptian tombs and Egyptian hieroglyphics. We see from this that the breed has a long history, going back four or five thousand years. Since then, it has spread throughout the world, being introduced to England in 1937 and developing into the breed we see today. The first dog used on the African continent was used by locals to point out and retrieve animals. They were also used to warn if dangerous animals were approaching. The Basenji was first brought to the US in 1944. Another name for this dog is the Congo Dog.
Temperament: Due to the natural instincts and energy of Basenji dogs, they need to know who is boss. You have to show good leadership at all times and socialize the puppy well to get the best out of this breed. He is wonderfully energetic and intelligent, so he does well with training. He is fast and does not get tired playing. This dog needs good handling from a young age to get the best out of it. He has a great desire to please, which allows for a good workout to happen. They are like cats in cleaning themselves. This breed can do well with children as long as the child can show leadership towards the dog, so it is not suitable for very young children or toddlers. Due to their natural hunting abilities, other non-canine pets should not be trusted. They love to chew and the thought has to go into a selection of chew toys so that this need can be met. Here is a breed that can and will climb, so chain-link fences in a garden are no problem for them to climb. As with most dogs that come from working breeds, this dog will need plenty of exercise for both mind and body.
Health Issues: The Basenji dog breed is known to have kidney problems, which should be treated the moment you think there might be a problem. They are also vulnerable to eye problems and intestinal problems. Another problem is progressive retinal atrophy.
Grooming: The Basenji dog washes like a cat, so there is almost no grooming required by the owner. He sheds very little hair.
Living Conditions: The Basenji breed is fine in an apartment, but only if you are good and regular with your exercise for both body and mind. His walks have to be long.
