| Basenji |
Coat:
Origin:
Height:
Color:
Guard Ability:
Life Span:
Weight:
Learning rate:
Obedience:
Temperament:
Watch Ability:
Activity level:
16-17 inches
Medium - does not bark to alert
High
10-12 Years
Smooth, short, fine and silky
Low
Zaire
Black, red, tan with white
High
Intelligent, affectionate
21-24 pounds
High
The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like
sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx.
Although Basenjis do not bark per se, they can
mimic sounds, and thus are able to mimic
barks if raised among barking dogs.
sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx.
Although Basenjis do not bark per se, they can
mimic sounds, and thus are able to mimic
barks if raised among barking dogs.
Appearance
Basenjis are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled
tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a
miniature deer. A Basenji's forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young.
Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of
squinting seriously.
Temperament
Basenjis are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but they also have a cat-like
independence and "self-motivation" which can make them somewhat casual about
obedience. A healthy Basenji is a mischievous and good-humored animal, and is not
above testing the limits of its environment and owner just for sport. They can be aloof
with strangers but form strong bonds with their owners. Basenjis also have a very
strong sense of territory, and they consider their home plus the whole area where they
are regularly walked their territory.
History
The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds. Originating on the continent of
Africa, it has been venerated by humans for thousands of years. Basenjis can be seen
on steles in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, sitting at the feet of their masters, looking
just as they do today, with pricked ears and tightly curled tail. The Basenji had almost
totally disappeared from the West when Europeans came across it in the Congo in
1895.
Basenjis are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled
tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a
miniature deer. A Basenji's forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young.
Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of
squinting seriously.
Temperament
Basenjis are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but they also have a cat-like
independence and "self-motivation" which can make them somewhat casual about
obedience. A healthy Basenji is a mischievous and good-humored animal, and is not
above testing the limits of its environment and owner just for sport. They can be aloof
with strangers but form strong bonds with their owners. Basenjis also have a very
strong sense of territory, and they consider their home plus the whole area where they
are regularly walked their territory.
History
The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds. Originating on the continent of
Africa, it has been venerated by humans for thousands of years. Basenjis can be seen
on steles in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, sitting at the feet of their masters, looking
just as they do today, with pricked ears and tightly curled tail. The Basenji had almost
totally disappeared from the West when Europeans came across it in the Congo in
1895.
