Basenji

AKC Group: Hound

Club: Basenji Club of America, Inc.

Corresponding Secretary : Anne Graves
Address: 5102 Darnell St, Houston, TX , 77096-1404
Website: www.basenjiclub.com
Email: rgraves@compuserve.com
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The Basenji is a small, short haired hunting dog from Africa. It is short backed and lightly built, appearing high on the leg compared to its length. The wrinkled head is proudly carried on a well arched neck and the tail is set high and curled. Elegant and graceful, the whole demeanor is one of poise and inquiring alertness. The balanced structure and the smooth musculature enables it to move with ease and agility. The Basenji hunts by both sight and scent. Characteristics --The Basenji should not bark but is not mute. The wrinkled forehead, tightly curled tail and swift, effortless gait (resembling a racehorse trotting full out) are typical of the breed. Faults --Any departure from the following points must be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault is regarded is to be in exact proportion to its degree.

Size:

Ideal height for dogs is 17 inches and bitches 16 inches. Dogs 17 inches and bitches 16 inches from front of chest to point of buttocks. Approximate weight for dogs, 24 pounds and bitches, 22 pounds. Lightly built within this height to weight ratio.

Coat:

Coat short and fine. Skin very pliant.
Color --Chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and chestnut red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, blaze and collar optional. The amount of white should never predominate over primary color. Color and markings should be rich, clear and well-defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between the black and red of tricolors and the stripes of brindles.

Temperament:

An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with strangers.

History:

The Basenji, popularly known as the "Barkless Dog", is one of the oldest breeds, with documentation of the first specimens found in ancient Egypt. When the civilization of Egypt declined and fell, the breed lapsed into obscurity but was preserved in Central Africa. It was highly prized for its intelligence, speed, hunting power & silence.

The first exportations were taken to England in 1895, but unfortunately these dogs perished due to contracting distemper. It wasn't until 1937 that another attempt was made to introduce Basenjis to England, and at the same time, a pair was also exported to America. The American dogs produced a litter of puppies, but all of them with the exception of the older male, "Boris", perished from distemper. In 1941 a young female was imported to the Boston, MA, area, and this female and Boris produced the first American litter of Basenjis. Later, additional imports from Canada and England helped to develop the breed in the United States.

The Basenji was developed first and foremost as a hunting dog, with great emphasis being placed on intelligence, courage and adaptability. These traits aided the dog in the field, as frequently the dogs would work out of the sight of the hunters. The natives used the Basenji for pointing, retrieving, for driving game into nets and for hunting wounded quarry, and the breed's ability to be silent was a great asset in a successful hunt.

Fun Facts:

• The Basenji was developed in Africa for hunting.
  
  
• In 1943, the AKC accepted the Basenji for registration in the Stud Book and approved the standard.
  
  
• The Basenji does not bark but does make yodeling noises. The Basenji is known as the "barkless dog".
  
  
• The first specimens of the Basenji were brought from the source of the Nile as presents to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
  
  
• The Basenji is a dog with fastidious, dainty habits, such as cleaning himself all over as does a cat; the basenji also lacks a doggy odor, contributing to his assets as a house dog.
  
  
• The Basenji is also known for being quite independent and aloof at times. It is alert and careful with strangers, open and calm with friends, and loving and solicitous with children. When meeting strangers, the Basenji prefers to make the first overtures and should not be approached from behind.