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Basenji
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The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred from stock
originating in central Africa. Most of the major kennel clubs in the
English-speaking world place the breed in the Hound Group; more
specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound
type.
The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its
unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the
nickname "Barkless Dog." In behavior and temperament they
have some traits in common with cats.
Basenjis share many unique traits with Pariah dog types. Basenjis,
like dingos and some other breeds of dog, come into estrus only
once annually, as compared to other dog breeds which may have
two or more breeding seasons every year. Both dingos and
Basenjis lack a distinctive odor, and both are considered relatively
silent, more prone to howls, yodels, and other undulated
vocalizations over the characteristic bark of modern dog breeds.
While dogs that resemble the Basenji in some respects are
commonplace over much of Africa, the breed's original foundation
stock came from the old growth forest regions of the Congo Basin,
where its structure and type were fixed by adaptation to its habitat,
as well as use (primarily net hunting in extremely dense old-growth
forest vegetation).
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Basenji
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Country of origin
Central Africa
Weight
22-24 lb
Height
16-17 in
Coat
Short
Color
Red, black, tricolor, all
with white
Life span
10-14 years
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Description
Appearance
Basenji 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.
Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds and stand 16 inches at the withers.
They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as
long as they are tall. The Basenji is an athletic dog and is
deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident
gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a "double-
suspension gallop", with their characteristic curled tail straightened
out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.
Temperament
The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious and
reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can
also form strong bonds with people. Basenjis may not get along
with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older
considerate handlers. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb,
can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at
getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not
barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself
like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play,
and teasing the owner into play. Most Basenji problems usually
involve a mismatch between owner and pet. Basenjis often stand
on their hind legs, somewhat like a meerkat, by themselves or
leaning on something. This behavior is often observed when the
dog is curious about something. Basenjis reveal their animal-of-
prey nature by chasing after fast moving objects that cross their
paths. They have a high rate of fatalities related to chasing after
car fenders and should not be allowed off leash near open traffic
unless they are well trained.
Health
There is apparently only one completed health survey of Basenjis,
a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey.
Many Basenjis suffer from PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), which
causes blindness, and Fanconi's syndrome, which can cause
kidney failure. Besides Fanconi Syndrome and PRA, Basenjis also
suffer from Hypothyroidism, IPSID (immunoproliferative systemic
intestinal disease), HA (Hemolytic Anemia). Basenjis are also
sensitive to environmental and household chemicals which can
cause liver problems
Mortality
Basenjis in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey had a median
longevity of 13.6 years (sample size of 46 deceased dogs), which
is 1–2 years longer than the median longevity of other breeds of
similar size. The oldest dog in the survey was 17.5 years. Most
common causes of death were old age (30%), urologic
(incontinence, Fanconi syndrome, chronic kidney failure 13%),
behavior ("unspecified" and aggression 9%), and cancer. (9%).
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