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Basenji

Breedgroup of the Basenji

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History of the Basenji

The Basenji was originally developed in Africa for hunting purposes. The Basenji is a sight hound, hunting by sight only. They have very strong hunting instincts that persuade them to chase after anything; they love to chase after cars. The name is pronounced Buh-SEN-jee, and they are best known for their bark: They haven't got one. The Basenji is not a barker, however they do have a distinct yodel and wail when they are excited or when hunting.

Temperament of the Basenji

The Basenji is a very alert and fun loving breed, however is not recommended for an inexperienced owner. This breed has the tendency to become destructive if left along for long periods of time so proper training and confinement will work best for this fault. Basenjis can be very patient and good with children, however should be socialized early to prevent the tendencies to fight with other dogs.
The Basenji can be somewhat aloof around strangers making him a very suspicious breed. This breed is very intelligent yet independent at the same time making training quite a task. He is very alert, rambunctious and playful making him a lovely family pet, however this breed does love the outdoors and does best with acreage.

Breedstandard of the Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that originates in central Africa. It is considered by some, particularly in North America, to be a member of the sighthound family; most kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom classify it as a hound.

The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the basenji the nickname "Voiceless Dog." Although Basenjis do not bark per se, they can mimic sounds, and thus are able to mimic barks if raised among barking dogs. In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats.

Sometimes referred to as an Egyptian or African Dingo, Basenjis and their closely related Southeast Asian and Australian counterparts share many unique traits not found in Modern Dog species. Both species come into estrus only once annually, as compared to modern dogs which can have two or more breeding seasons every year. As well, both Dingos and Basenjis lack a distinctive odor, and both are considered relatively silent, more prone to howls, yodels and other undulated vocalizations over the characteristic bark of modern dog species.

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Characteristics

Appearance

Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A Basenji's forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.

Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 17 inches (43 cm) at the withers. Bitches are 22 pounds (10 kg) and 16 inches (40 cm). They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The Basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a "double-suspension gallop", with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.

The Basenji is recognized in the following standard colourations: red, black, tricolor (black with tan in the traditional pattern), and brindle (black stripes on a background of red), all with white, by the FCI, KC, AKC and UKC. There are additional variations, such as the "trindle", which is a tricolour with brindle points, and several other colorations exist in the Congo such as liver, shaded reds(sables), "capped" tricolours (creeping tan) and piebald marked dogs.

Temperament

The Basenji is alert, affectionate, demanding, energetic and curious. It loves to play and makes a good pet, as long as it is handled regularly from an early age and the owners are very patient. It is very intelligent, but does not respond well to training due to its being extremely independent. It is also very mischievous and can cause damage if left alone for long hours. It can be reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. It should not be trusted with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate children. The Basenji dislikes wet weather. It likes to chew, so giving it lots of toys of its own would be a good idea. The breed likes to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences. Basenjis are very clever at getting their own way; they succeed less by obstinacy than by charm. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and of cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play and teasing the owner into play. Its strong desire to play can lead to behavior problems if left alone. Most Basenji problems usually involve a mismatch between owner and pet. The owners mistake the adjective "quiet' to mean inactive instead of noiseless; thus, they become harassed by an active, though relatively silent, dog.

Basenjis often stand on their hind legs, somewhat like a meerkat, by themselves or leaning on something. This behaviour is observed when the dog is curious about something.

Health

There is apparently only one completed health survey of Basenjis, a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey. Many basenjis also suffer from PRA, which causes blindness and Fanconi's syndrome which can cause kidney failure.

Mortality

Basenjis in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey had a median longevity of 13.6 years (sample size of 46 deceased dogs), which is 1-2 years longer than the median longevity of other breeds of similar size. The oldest dog in the survey was 17.5 years. Most common causes of death were old age (30%), urologic (incontinence, Fanconi syndrome, chronic kidney failure 13%), behavior ("unspecified" and aggression 9%), and cancer. (9%).

Morbidity

Among 78 live dogs in the 2004 UKC survey, the most common health issues noted by owners were dermatologic and urologic. (Urologic issues in Basenjis can be signs of Fanconi syndrome.)

Fanconi Syndrome

Fanconi syndrome, an inheritable disorder in which the kidneys fail to reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients, is unusually common in Basenjis. Symptoms include excessive drinking, excessive urination, and glucose in the urine, which may lead to a misdiagnosis of diabetes. Fanconi syndrome usually presents between 4 and 8 years of age, but sometimes as early as 3 years or as late as 10 years. Fanconi syndrome is treatable and organ damage is reduced if treatment begins early. Basenji owners are advised to test their dog's urine for glucose once a month beginning at age 3 years. Glucose testing strips designed for human diabetics are inexpensive and available at most pharmacies.

Fanconi DNA Linkage Test

In July 2007, Dr. Gary Johnson of the University of Missouri released the linked marker DNA test for Fanconi Syndrome in Basenjis. It is first predictive test available for Fanconi Syndrome. With this test, it is possible to more accurately determine the probability of dog carrying the gene for Fanconi Syndrome.

Dogs tested using this "Linkage Test" will return one of the following statuses:

Probably CarrierProbably Equivocal/IndeterminantProbably Affected

This linkage test is being provided as a tool to assist breeders whilst research continues towards the development of the direct fanconi test.

More information about the linkage test visit: Basenji Health Endowment Fanconi Test FAQ.

Other Basenji health issues

Basenjis sometimes carry a simple recessive gene which, when homozygous for the defect, causes genetic Hemolytic Anemia. Most Basenjis today are descended from ancestors that have tested clean. When lineage from a fully tested line (set of ancestors) cannot be completely verified, the dog should be tested before breeding. As this is a non-invasive DNA test, a Basenji can be tested for HA at any time.

Basenjis sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia, resulting in loss of mobility and arthritis-like symptoms. All dogs should be tested by either OFA or PennHIP prior to breeding.

Malabsorption, or immunoproliferative enteropathy, is an autoimmune intestinal disease that leads to anorexia, chronic diarrhea, and even death. Special diet can improve the quality of life for afflicted dogs.

The breed can also fall victim to progressive retinal atrophy (a degeneration of the retina causing blindness) and several less serious hereditary eye problems such as coloboma (a hole in the eye structure), and persistent pupillary membrane (tiny threads across the pupil).

History

The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds. Originating on the continent of Africa, it has been venerated by humans for thousands of years. Basenjis can be seen on steles in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, sitting at the feet of their masters, looking just as they do today, with pricked ears and tightly curled tail. They were originally bred for hunting small game by coursing.

The Basenji had almost totally disappeared from the West when Europeans came across it in the Congo in 1895. There, the Basenji was prized by locals for its intelligence, courage, speed, and silence. They were assistants to the hunt, chasing wild game into nets for their masters. The Azande and Mangbetu people from the northeastern Congo region describe Basenjis, in the local Lingala language, as mbwá na basɛ́nzi. Translated, this means “dogs of the savages”, or “dogs of the villagers”. I

Care of the Basenji

The Basenji is much like a cat being very clean and grooming himself on occasion. This is a little to no shedding breed, however does require some grooming if the coat is to stay in good shape. An occasional brushing with a firm bristle or wire brush works best to remove dead or loose hair from the coat. The smooth coat of the Basenji is very easy to care for.
The Basenji has a very short coat, which shouldn't require much grooming. The hair should be short, fine, and somewhat harsh. The hair should not be too coarse, however should not be silky. The Basenji tends to clean himself making the coat very easy to care for and relatively clean. This breed has little to no doggy odor, and sheds very little.

Training of the Basenji

The Basenji should be socialized early to prevent any destruction problems if he is to be home raised, and to ensure that he will do well around children and other animals. Obedience training is a must for this energetic and very alert breed. This breed should have a variety of training methods to keep his attention, as he tends to bore quickly. Variety, consistency, and firm handling work best with the Basenji.

Other information on the Basenji

The Basenji being so energetic needs quite a bit of exercise. Vigorous daily walks are required as this breed has a lot of energy and can be somewhat tireless. This breed being a hunter has the stamina of such and does best with a fenced in yard. However, the fence should be planted deeply into the ground and rather high to prevent escape as this breed can be an escape artist if proper precautions are not taken.

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