Quick Stats for Basenji Dogs
- Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 16 – 17 inches (41 – 43 cm) ; bitches: 15 – 16 inches (38 – 41 cm)
- Weight: dogs: 22 – 26 pounds (10 – 12 kg) ; bitches: 20 – 25 pounds (9 – 11 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 – 13 years
- AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1944
- Shedding: light shedder
- Living Conditions: okay in an apartment; very active indoors; small yard is good
Personality of Basenjis
These hound dogs are very feisty, and have similar behaviors to members of the Terrier Group. They are intelligent, inquisitive, clever, and can be stubborn on occasion. Many enthusiasts of this breed compare their attitude to that of a cat, which are reserved, yet independent.
They love to hunt and chase whenever they have an opportunity. The breed does not bark much. Actually, when they do vocalize, they make a shriek, something like a yelp, rather than a regular bark.
They do best with children who understand how to be around dogs.
Basenjis can get along with other dogs, but should not be trusted around other types of pets. They tend to be reserved with strangers, but can form strong bonds with their family.
History of the Basenji Dog
This dog is one the oldest and most primitive of dog breeds. They were originally discovered by Pygmy hunters somewhere in the African Congo. The early Pygmy tribes used them as pack hunters to drive small game into net traps.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, people started bringing the dogs to England. Most of them died as a result of distemper. During the 1930s, a number of Basenjis were successfully introduced to England. These dogs became a stock for future dogs bred outside of Africa.
Over time, more dogs were imported to England. Eventually, the breed found its way to America. They gained in popularity pretty quickly and soon became a common household pet.
The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1944.
Basenji Dogs Care and Grooming
The Basenji loves the freedom of being able to roam around outdoors. If you have a fenced backyard, especially a large area, then your Basenji will just love playing outside. Just make sure that you have shade available as well as plenty of fresh water, especially in hot weather. As with most dogs, keep them indoors with you at night.
This breed needs plenty of exercise on a daily basis. They require both mental and physical stimulation. Exercise can be in the form of a brisk walk, vigorous games, especially fetching and chasing. Without the proper amount of exercise they tend to become overweight.
The Basenji has a unique way of grooming, it cleans itself much like a cat does. They do not have that usual doggie odor, so there is really little grooming that needs to be done. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies.
This breed is a light shedder and sheds little to no hair.
Health Problems of Basenji Dogs
The average lifespan of the Basenji is about twelve to thirteen years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- Basenji enteropathy
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
- Fanconi syndrome (kidney problems)
Minor health issues include:
- PK (Pyruvate Kinase) Deficiency
- PPM (Persistent Pupillary Membrane)
- umbilical hernias
- hypothyroidism
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
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