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The Basenji is what most people would call a slightly different dog who also has a bit of cat in it and it is also one of the oldest breeds around. Dogs with almost identical looks with todays Basenji can be found in cave paintings in Tessili-N-Alger, Algeria and these paintings are dated to be approximtaley 12 000 years old. The breed is considered to originate from a Schensi dog type from the Kwango district in former Belgian Congo. Very homogenic groups of these dogs have been found in pygme tribes in former Belgian Congo and also in southern Sudan. In these tribes the Basenji have been used for both hunting, keeping warmth, cleansing and as company for the children. Tribes in Sudan is supposed to value their dogs very high and offer them as special friendship gifts or as bridal gifts.
At the turn of the century the first Basenji came to the West world,
but these died very shortly affected by distemper. It wasn't until
the 30's a few survived the quarantine and these where also shown at
exhibits in England where they had success. The lady who was first
to succeed getting a few specimen to survive was called Ms Burn and
she brought 5 Basenjis to England in the 30's. Another important
person for the Basenji breeding in the West was Veronica Tudor- Williams
who also imported several dogs which she later started her famous
breeding with. |
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The Basenji is the only dog breed that can't bark, but it is still not mute. The Basenji can growl and whine just any other dog. Their vocal cords have a different construction and aren't shaped to bark so instead the Basenji has a specific sound that can be describes as a yodel or a gargle. This sound is often heard when the Basenji is happy, for example when a family member arrives home or if food is nearby. Something that a Basenji really likes is food. Therefore they tend to put on a few extra pounds and a Basenji should most definately not be overweight! The Basenji is curious, loves freedom and they will easily wander off in the woods if not supervised or on a leash. Sure, there's a number of Basenjis that has been trained and also has competed in obedience, but if you're looking for a dog that will obey you blindly there are other breeds that will suit you better. The Basenji has very strong pray drive and it takes lots of patience and commitment from the owner to get the dog to understand that hunting is not allowed. If you still wish to let your dog use it's energy on hunting you could try lure-coursing. This is a sort of racing where the dogs chase a fictive hare on a field court. |
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Noteable for the breed is that they are very cleanly and they don't like to get wet and dirty. If it's raining outdoors mum and dad can take their walk on their own because that is not a waether that a Basenji appreciates! On the other hand the Basenji loves sunshine and will usually be found at the sunniest and wamest spot in the house and if possible the Basenji will go outdoors and enjoy the heat. Very much like a cat the Basenji can often be found on the table looking outside and at night they will find a place under the blankets together with their owners. The Basenji has a very strong pack feeling and loves to be near its family and prefers if the whole "pack" is gathered. It can be a bit reserved towards strangers and therefore it is very important to get social training already from puppyhood. It needs to get used to both meeting new people and being able to cope with different inviroments.
Foremost the Basenji is a companion dog but also a very attractive
show dog. It can be trained in tracking, agility and obedience and
it will gladly go along with whatever mum and dad gets about.
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