Basenji
Description
From Africa comes the Basenji…quiet, quick, sleek, and intelligent, always looking serious. The basenji is a square, compact dog weighing in at around 24 lb. and standing about 16 in. at the withers.don’t let the Basenji’s size fool you he is a strong little dog, and extremely athletic, and perfect for hunting small game. Coming in a wide variety of colors and color patterns you have black, brindle, red, black and tan, and tricolor just to name a few. There was a certain amount of speculation that the Basenji was decedent from Jackals, but modern testing has proven that they are related to dogs and decedent of wolves. Having lived with humans for thousands of years, no surprise that you will find their ancestors sitting at the feet of their Egyptian Pharaohs, in the Valley of the Kings, looking the same today as they did long ago.
Temperament
Very curious, affectionate, alert, and full of energy; however, the Basenji can be standoffish with strangers. The Basenji can be rather distant, but can form strong attachments to his people. He is a patient dog, and does best with older handlers. He will not do well in a home with non canine pets…being a hunter he will consider them prey. Basenji’s like to climb, so a fenced yard poses no problem if he decides to escape he will simply climb the fence. Basenjis don’t bark but rather make a low fluid chortling sound. The Basenji keeps himself meticulously clean with regular licking and preening which is similar to the way a cat cleans itself. This dog need a very responsible owner who is willing to exercise this dog on a regular basis. They would do best in a home with a secure backyard.
Grooming/Exercise
The Basenji needs little grooming and occasional bathing. The basenji sheds little and has little if any dog oder. The Basenji needs lots of exercise…long daily walks are a must to keep this dog happy and healthy.
Health
Life Span 13 to 14 years
Possible Issues
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Fanconi’s Syndrome (inheritable kidney disorder)
- Hypothyroidism
- IPSID (immunoproliferative systemic intestinal disease)
- HA (hemolytic anemia)
- Unbilical Hernias (on occasion)
- Also sensitive to environmental and household chemicals which can cause liver problems
