What are Basenjis Like?
The basenji is one of the oldest breeds of dog known to man. He is a small, short-haired hunting dog of African origin, often referred to as the barkless dog. Although he doesn’t bark, the basenji is not mute. In fact, he is capable of producing all the other typical dog noises, as well as some others which are unique to the breed. These include what fanciers refer to as a crow or yodel, sounds made by a happy basenji. Usually a very quiet dog, it should be noted that an unhappy basenji can be quite loud indeed! The basenji developed in his native land as an all-purpose hunting dog, and the breed still possesses the traits which made him so well suited to that role. He is quick, graceful and athletic. He is intelligent, alert and curious. Very little gets by this clever hunter.
The adult basenji stands 16 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 22 and 24 pounds. He is notably fastidious, cleaning himself in an almost cat-like manner. His coat is very short and sleek and he sheds very little. Basenjis come in four colors: red and white, black and white, tricolor (black and white with tan points), and brindle and white (black stripes on background of chestnut red). Basenjis have white feet, tail tip and chest. White legs, blaze and collar are optional. The tightly curled tail sitting neatly on his hip and his quizzical, wrinkled brow are distinctive characteristics of the breed.
Is the Basenji the Breed for Me?
Maybe. The basenji is a beautiful dog, and its convenient size, cleanliness and easy-to-groom coat make it an attractive choice for the prospective puppy buyer. He is a bright and charming companion who will worm his way into your heart. But that is only one half of the basenji equation. Many of the qualities so valuable in a dog bred to work as an independent hunter in the African bush can make him a challenging house pet.
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The basenji is a hound and loves to run. If he gets loose outdoors, he will tend to ignore his owner’s call, often with heart-breaking results. A front door left ajar is an invitation to disaster in a basenji’s home. He is independent by nature, not always as interested in pleasing his owner as he is in getting his own way. The basenji can be stubborn and has a definite mischievous streak. Many continue the puppy “chew stage” through their entire lives. A prudent owner will provide safe chew toys and keep a close watch on rugs and sofa cushions.
A basenji can and should be trained. Harsh, punitive methods, however, will not work. Positive reinforcement and inducive methods, like clicker training, work best.
Basenji Origins
Recent work with DNA testing has proven that basenjis are one of the oldest breeds of dogs. They existed in Africa, working for their living, for thousands of years. Since they did not bark, the hunters attached bells to the dogs so they could keep track of them in the bush. Their hunting style and size is quite suitable to a dense forested area.
Basenjis first were found by Europeans and Americans in the central part of Africa. They were the hunting dogs of the local people.
Basenjis in Africa now...
Because of our breed’s small gene pool, it was difficult for breeders to breed away from health problems. The introduction of native stock is intended to widen the gene pool, increasing options for breeders looking to produce healthy basenjis.
Basenji breeders Jon Curby, Michael Work, Damara Bolte and Stan Carter traveled to Africa in 1987 and 1988. Jon and Michael and a few other interested breeders went again in 2006 in search of new foundation stock for our breed .
Thirteen of the dogs brought back from Africa in 1987 and 1988 (plus one more who had arrived in the late 1970s) were registered as “foundation stock” with the American Kennel Club. The newest arrivals have not as yet been registered with the AKC. The AKC has formal procedures for new foundation stock.
What has become known as the African Stock Project was begun to keep a record of the newly registered foundation stock and expanded to try to cover all foundation stock for the breed. For more information on all foundation stock over the years, visit the African Stock website.
Basenji Health
While most basenjis are sturdy, hardy little dogs, there are several health issues which are of serious concern to breeders. Visit the very informative Basenji Club of America Health Information web page.
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The Basenji Breed Standard
Adopted by The Basenji Club of America in January 1991
GENERAL APPEARANCE: The basenji is a small, short haired hunting dog from Africa. It is short backed and lightly built, appearing high on the leg compared to its length. The wrinkled head is proudly carried on a well arched neck and the tail is set high and curled. Elegant and graceful, the whole demeanor is one of poise and inquiring alertness. The balanced structure and the smooth musculature enables it to move with ease and agility. The basenji hunts by both sight and scent.
CHARACTERISTICS: The basenji should not bark but is not mute. The wrinkled forehead, tightly curled tail and swift, effortless gait (resembling a racehorse trotting full out) are typical of the breed.
FAULTS: Any departure from the following points must be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault is regarded is to be in exact proportion to its degree.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE: Ideal height for dogs is 17 inches and bitches 16 inches. Dogs 17 inches and bitches 16 inches from front of chest to point of buttocks. Approximate weight for dogs, 24 pounds, and bitches, 22 pounds. Lightly built within this height to weight ratio.
HEAD: The head is proudly carried. EYES - Dark hazel to dark brown, almond shaped, obliquely set and farseeing, rims dark, EARS – Small, erect and slightly hooded, of fine texture and set well forward on top of the head. The skull is flat, well chiseled and of medium width, tapering toward the eyes. The foreface tapers from eye to muzzle with a perceptible stop. Muzzle shorter than skull, neither coarse not snipy, but with rounded cushions. Wrinkles appear upon the forehead when ears are erect, and are fine and profuse. Side wrinkles are desirable, but should never be exaggerated into dewlap. Wrinkles are most noticeable in puppies, and because of lack of shadowing, less noticeable in blacks, tricolors and brindles. NOSE - Black greatly desired. TEETH – Evenly aligned with a scissors bite.
NECK, TOPLINE BODY: Neck of good length, well crested and slightly full at base of throat. Well set into shoulders. TOPLINE – Back level. BODY - Balanced with a short back, short coupled and ending in a definite waist. Ribs moderately sprung, deep to elbows and oval. Slight forechest in front of point of shoulder. Chest of medium width. TAIL – is set high on topline, bends acutely forward and lies well curled over either side.
FOREQUARTERS: Shoulders moderately laid back. Shoulder blade and upper arm of approximately the same length. Elbows tucked firmly against brisket. Legs straight with clean fine bone, long forearm and well-defined sinews. Pasterns of good length, strong and flexible. FEET – Small, oval and compact with thick pads and well arched toes. Dewclaws are usually removed.
HINDQUARTERS: Medium width, strong and muscular, hocks well let down and turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles. Feet – Same as in “Forequarters”
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COAT AND COLOR: Coat short and fine. Skin very pliant. COLOR - Chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and chestnut red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white feet chest and tail tip. White legs, blaze and collar are optional . The amount of white should never predominate over primary color. Color and markings should be rich, clear and well defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between the black and red of tricolors and the stripes on brindles.
GAIT: Swift, tireless trot. Stride is long, smooth, effortless and the topline remains level. Coming and going, the straight column of bones from shoulder joint to foot and from hip joint to pads remains unbroken, converging toward the centerline under the body. The faster the trot, the greater the convergence.
TEMPERAMENT: An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with strangers.
