Basenji

History of the Basenji breed

The history of the breed has at least 6000 years. Evidence of such an ancient origin can be considered numerous images, figurines, jewelry boxes in the shape of dogs, very similar to modern basenji, which scientists have identified during the study of ancient Egyptian graves. And even embalmed, richly decorated mummies of such animals were found in Tutankhamun's tomb. Researchers believe that the homeland of the "African flying dog" is the lands of Central Africa. The native tribes of the Congo, Liberia, Sudan widely used these dogs for hunting purposes. Although to this day there is debate as to whether the inability of the basenji to bark is the root cause or consequence of such an application.

It was from these parts that the first "jumping up and down" (which is how the natives call these dogs) were brought as gifts to Egypt, where they were treated with great respect. It was believed that such a dog protected the owner from evil forces and black witchcraft. Basenji occupied such an honorable place for a long time, until the beginning of the decline of ancient Egyptian civilization.

In the homeland of the breed, it still remained very popular and highly valued for intelligence, courage, dedication and excellent hunting abilities, unique among which was the ability to remain silent.

The acquaintance of the rest of the world with these amazing animals began in 1895. Unfortunately, the first meeting turned out to be sad. Exhausted by the long journey, the little dogs soon died. However, travelers' stories about the Congolese terrier, the dog Zande, Nyam-nyam-nyam, the African forest dog (and this is not all the names of basenji) could not leave indifferent, and in 1937 these animals were officially presented to the English public at the Kraft exhibition, in the same year America saw them.

The widespread distribution of the breed began after the Second World War. Basenji's exhibition success exceeded all expectations. Practically none of the finals of the most prestigious exhibitions in the nomination "Best in Show" was complete without a charming "African alien". The popularity of the breed was added by James Street's book "Goodbye, My Lady" published in 1942 and the Hollywood film of the same name, shot fourteen years later.

The powerful of this world did not ignore the "silent one" with their attention. King Farouk of Egypt, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, representatives of the Royal House of Romania, Princess of the Principality of Monaco are not a complete list of monarchs who treated this breed with special love.

Breeding of basenji in Russia began in 1997. The first imported producers were of a very high class, and today their descendants are able to compete seriously even with dogs from prestigious foreign kennels. Although, for the sake of justice, it is worth noting that this breed is still rare and small in number.

Video: Basenji

Appearance of basenji

The breed is registered by the FCI under the number 43. According to this classification, it is assigned to group 5 – spitz and primitive species, section 6 – primitive species. Basenji is a harmoniously built, well–balanced animal.

Ideal height and weight indicators:

• males – 43 cm at the withers, weighing 11 kg;
• females – 40 cm and 9.5 kg, respectively.

Head

The skull is rather flat, of medium width, slightly longer in length than the muzzle. Beautifully chiseled head, cheekbones gradually and evenly taper to the nose. The stop is moderately pronounced. A characteristic feature is the creases-wrinkles on the forehead, which are most clearly manifested if the basenji is alert.

Eyes

Basenji's eyes are set obliquely, almond-shaped, dark in color. The look is smart and very expressive.

Ears

Basenji ears are small, elegant, with sharp ends. Planted high and slightly tilted forward. The tips are closer to the center of the head than the bases.

Nose

Medium-sized lobe, preferably black.

Neck

Long enough, strong, but not thick. Set high. It expands slightly towards the base. The graceful curve of the neck emphasizes the nape of the neck well.

Housing

Harmoniously balanced. The back is straight, short. The thorax with convex ribs has an oval shape. Deep breasts smoothly turn into a well-toned stomach. The loin is short.

Tail

The tail of the basenji is set high, twisted into a single or double ring and laid on the croup. The buttocks noticeably protrude beyond the base line of the tail, which gives the impression of over-developed gluteal muscles.

Limbs

Front: the backbone is refined with long forearms. Pasterns are straight and flexible. Shoulder blades are muscular, but not weighted. The elbows are directed strictly backwards.

Hind legs: strong and muscular, long legs. The hock joints are parallel, lowered low.

Paws

The paws of the basenji are oval, small in size, gathered into a ball. The pads are thick, the claws are short.

Wool

Basenji wool is short, well-fitting to the body, shiny. The hair is soft to the touch and thin.

Color

The color of the basenji is pure black and white and red-white, black and white with the color of melon seeds, black and brown-white. Since 2000, the tiger color has also been recognized, and the more pronounced the black stripes, the better. The white color must necessarily be present on the paws, the tip of the tail and the chest.

Disadvantages

Any deviation from the standard is assessed as a defect and becomes a disqualifying sign. The most common disadvantages of basenji include:

• cryptorchidism;
• long hair;
• depigmented nose, eyelids, lips;
• hanging or semi-erect ears;
• tail hanging down.

Photos of adult basenji

Character of basenji

Basenji is a hunting dog, so the main features of its temperament are energy and constant readiness for active actions.

Loyalty is also characteristic of these animals: although it is not easy to gain the trust of "basi", but if the dog has recognized you, it is difficult to imagine a more reliable friend. But a pet will always be wary of strangers, although it will never be the first to show aggression.

Basenji belong to primitive dogs – man has never made any adjustments to the breed. The ability to adapt in any conditions, intelligence, natural ingenuity, independence and even some self–confidence are all the results of natural selection.

Experts, describing basenji, say that almost every representative of the breed is a bright personality, which, to a certain extent, can complicate the process of upbringing and training. But this same individuality finds its manifestation in the surprisingly high development of intelligence. Thanks to him, it becomes possible to establish a close emotional connection between a dog and a person, which is preserved forever. In this sense, it is very important that a person does not abuse the trust of an animal and treats his pet with love and understanding.

It is not necessary to expect that basenji will get along peacefully with a hamster or a parrot. Friendship with a cat is quite possible, provided that the puppy comes to the house second. But Basia will get along with other dogs without any problems.

Representatives of the breed do a good job with the function of a defender, but there are no babysitters among them. They, of course, love children very much, but they do not have enough patience to stoically endure pranks.

One of the basenji's not the best features is their natural habit of "jackal". It is not easy to teach a dog to pick up and eat everything she wants, and it is impossible to guarantee the harmlessness of what is eaten uncontrollably, therefore, when walking with a pet in the city, always keep it on a leash.

Basenji is also called the "African flying dog". This feature has nothing to do with any pathology of the vocal apparatus, it's just that "basia" really does not know how to bark. She conveys her feelings with a kind of rumbling. For living in an urban high–rise building - the quality is very valuable. However, basenji cannot be called completely silent – dogs can howl loudly enough, especially when they are alone.

With all its features, basenji remains a dog – a creature that will be devoted to you all his life. In return, only your love and patience will be needed.

Education and training

Many experts consider basenji dogs that are difficult to train. They say that they do not concentrate well on the requirements of the owner and reluctantly execute commands. The main argument put forward is the fact that animals belong to the group of primitive, that is, bred by nature itself, without any human intervention. But primitiveness is not synonymous with stupidity. The fact that "basia" is able to solve all its problems without human participation does not mean at all that the owner a priori will not be able to educate and train her.

Knowing the characteristics of the breed, showing patience and love for your pet, you will surely be able to achieve very good results.

Basenji are independent dogs, the main attention should be directed to achieving a stable correct reaction to the pet's call. It is not easy to achieve this. Your puppy is initially sure that he knows better where to walk, who to chase, what kind of "yummy" to pick up and eat on the street. Your help in working out the command "To me!" can be the most common leash-roulette. It is not recommended to release the dog from it. "Basia" is constantly ready to chase everything that moves, and does it at such a speed that a person cannot catch up with her. There is only one way out – to make it clear to the pet that he may be interested in being near the owner. Play with a four-legged friend, encourage with treats, just don't let him get bored.

It is also necessary to learn how to restrict the dog's freedom of choice without violence. Releasing the roulette wheel, wait until the dog moves away from you to the maximum distance, and stop. Your pet will react instantly – he will stop moving and loosen the tension of the leash, and when he hears the command, he will run to you. In this way, you will achieve several goals at once – you will work out a call, limit the freedom of choice for the animal without resorting to physical measures, and demonstrate who dominates your relationship. Basenji is very smart and will quickly figure out what's what. By limiting the choice, you get the opportunity to control what the dog wants to do, and thereby take control of all her behavior, encouraging with affection and treats what your pet is doing right.

The basic principles of working with basenji include:

• justice. You give the command and be sure to thank for its implementation;
• regularity. Skills development should be carried out constantly, in different conditions and circumstances;
• patience and understanding. Physically punishing a dog is in no way possible. Imagine that the dog returned to you after escaping, and you hit him. For what? For running back?! Then next time you may not wait for it;
• when training basenji, it is important to combine individual lessons with group work.

Now a couple of educational moments. From an early age, periodically climb into the puppy's mouth and take food. Attempts to growl and snap immediately stop – without rudeness, but firmly. With an animal trained in this way, there will be fewer problems when it grows up, because it's no secret that "basi" like to pull everything into their mouths during walks.

Never go around your dog and don't step over it if it gets in your way. You are in charge, and the animal must give way.

Don't let your pet get bored. Domestic pogroms, in which these cute dogs are accused, take place, but in most cases their cause is lack of attention and boredom.

Basenji are dogs in dire need of your love and ready to give real dog devotion in return.

Care and maintenance

Basenji is a dog that can be kept both in a city apartment and in a country house.

Taking care of her is not difficult at all. The smooth-haired "African" does not need to be cleaned and combed, its coat does not have a characteristic dog smell at all, even if it is wet. Puppies will require a little more attention – their skin should be combed from time to time, removing dead hairs.

Walking, and active and mobile, is very necessary for the "Congolese" for harmonious development and growth.

In both adult dogs and puppies, do not forget to constantly monitor the condition of the claws and ears. Regularly clean the auricles of dirt and secretions with a cotton swab, and trim the claws as necessary or carefully cut them off.

Basenji like to wash and do it almost like a cat, so their muzzles are always clean and well-groomed (even if they recently got into something sticky), and you can not worry about the cleanliness of upholstered furniture or carpets in the house. But these dogs do not like water, so bathing them is not recommended. Persistent rejection of water procedures is associated with the genetic memory of the breed, namely the fear of crocodiles, which are found in almost any African river.

Basenji have an amazing talent to climb (and very quickly) to any height. If the puppy realizes that the dining table is a source of treats and goodies, it will be impossible to keep track of him and keep him from pranks. Immediately teach the nimble and active "African" to eat in a strictly defined place. In any case, do not give in to attempts to beg for food from you, no matter what hilarious and cute faces the puppy builds.

Proper dog care implies the organization of a balanced diet.

The basenji diet should not be monotonous. Try to add new products to the menu as much as possible. By the age of one and a half months, the baby of the "bush dog" should eat veal, raw quail eggs, kefir, oatmeal porridge, grated carrots from vegetables. You can alternate natural products with specialized and age-appropriate premium dry food.

Do not forget about the bowl with clean fresh water. The dog should not be thirsty.

An adult animal, as well as a puppy, is contraindicated food from our table. Sweets, spicy food, fish and tubular bones can cause serious harm to your pet's health. Overfeed the dog is not allowed. Basenji is a hunter by nature, and the feeling of slight malnutrition is absolutely natural for him.

Basenji Health and Diseases

The average life expectancy of dogs of this breed is 12-16 years. Basenji are distinguished by good health, but this does not mean at all that control over the well-being of your pet can be left to chance.

There are a number of diseases that are most common in these dogs. These include:

• Fanconi syndrome. This is a kidney disease that manifests itself in a violation of the filtration function of the organ. Vital compounds (amino acids, salts, vitamins) instead of coming from the kidneys into the body, they are excreted in the urine. As a result – weight loss, muscle atrophy and dehydration of the body. In the absence of treatment, a fatal outcome is inevitable. If you notice your dog has an irrepressible thirst, frequent copious urination – immediately consult a doctor. The detection of the disease in the early stages is facilitated by special studies (for the level of sugar in the urine, the degree of excess of the blood acidity index). Remember, the earlier you start treatment, the more likely it is that your dog will survive. The disease is transmitted at the genetic level. It is most often manifested in animals aged 5 to 7 years;
• hypothyroidism. This is a disease of the thyroid gland, expressed in its reduced function. Symptoms: overweight, low body temperature, poor condition of the coat and skin, swelling of the paws and head, a sharp decrease in reproductive function;
• progressive retinal atrophy. The disease has a genetic nature, a DNA test is used to identify it and correctly select partners for mating. The disease manifests itself mainly in adult basenji;
• digestive disorders. To prevent undesirable consequences, pay special attention to the development of the dog's diet.

Given the predisposition of basenji to picking up and eating various kinds of garbage, the risks of poisoning animals are very high. Experienced breeders recommend having a set of necessary antidotes in a home veterinary medicine cabinet (potassium permanganate, Glauber's salt, alomorphine for injection, magnesia oxide solution) and knowing in which cases, what and how to use.

It is also necessary to strictly adhere to the vaccination schedule and carry out deworming.

How to choose a puppy

Considering the rarity of the breed, it is at least naive to expect that you will be able to buy a pedigreed basenji baby on the market or via the Internet.

Contact the breeder or kennel right away. Although the sale of puppies is possible from about the 45th day from their birth, after the litter is activated, it is better to postpone the first acquaintance a little - at least until the dog reaches 8 weeks of age.

A healthy baby basenji should look like a sturdy, moderately well-fed toddler. There should be no traces of secretions under the eyes and nose, the ears are clean.

It is very important to observe the behavior of "basi" a little. Pay attention to his relationship with his mother, with other puppies. Try to identify the friendliest doggie – this will be the best choice. Growing up, such animals have a more stable psyche, and it will be easier for you to find a common language with them.

Pay attention to the parents. They should be well groomed and educated. If mom and dad show excessive aggression, behave inappropriately, then perhaps they have passed on the same character traits to the kids.

A conscientious breeder must provide the necessary documents – a veterinary passport and a puppy card.

Do not hesitate to ask any questions you are interested in when buying a puppy: what was fed and under what conditions the pup bitch was kept, how the birth took place, which baby you chose was born, how he reacts to various external stimuli, how he underwent the first vaccinations, whether deworming was carried out. A breeder who respects himself and his business will provide you with complete information and give you a lot of additional tips and recommendations.

Photos of basenji puppies

How much does basenji cost

The popularity of the breed in Russia is not very high, but if you want to buy basenji, then you can find nurseries engaged in their breeding. The dog will cost quite a lot, but in return you get guarantees that your pet is really a representative of the breed you dreamed of.

The price of basenji in nurseries is $800 – $900. The final amount is influenced by the class of the dog, exterior characteristics, the name of the parents, the fame of the breeder.

Puppies of this breed on the Internet are offered for sale at more modest prices, up to $500. But, most likely, the animal will be handed over without documents. Whether it will be a basenji or just a similar–looking dog is a big question.