Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

Basenji is a muscular, elegant and athletic hunting dog from Africa. Its name means "Bush thing" in Swahili. The Basenji hunts by both sight and scent. It is known as the African Barkless dog, the Basenji never barks but does have a lot of other unusual vocalizations. It may yodel, howl, growl or crow, depending on its mood. The Basenji is roughly the size of a fox terrier. Its tail curls off to one side of its muscular thighs. The breed has a distinctive, trotting horse-like running gait. The Basenji is alert, affectionate, demanding, energetic and curious. It loves to play and makes a good pet as long as it is handled on a regular basis from an early age. It is elegant and graceful. Its balanced structure and the smooth musculature enable it to move with ease and agility. Unlike most other domestic breeds, which have two heats per year, the female Basenji comes into heat only once a year.

TEMPERAMENT

The Basenji is extremely intelligent, active and responds well to training with a strong desire to please. This dog breed is usually patient and does best with considerate older children but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Basenji has a strong urge to please and should be trained from an early age. Basenji can be reserved with strangers, but can also form strong bonds with people. It likes to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences. It tends to chew a lot so requires a lot of toys. It dislikes wet weather. Its strong desire to play can lead to behavior problems if left alone. It has the unique properties of not barking and of cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, and tireless at play and teasing the owner into play.

GROOMING

Its coat is short and fine, the skin is very pliant. It is a light shedder and good for people with allergies. Since this breed washes itself like a cat it has no doggie smell.

HEALTH

Anemia, hernias, hip dysplasia, Kidney problems, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), thyroid problems.

EXERCISE

Daily exercise will prevent obesity.

TRAINING

House training comes easily as they are naturally clean creatures.