“The Basenji is one of the most primitive breeds, found in the African Congo with Pygmy hunters. Early explorers referred to as the dogs after the tribes that owned them or the place where they were found, including Zande puppies or Congo terriers. The local tribes used the puppies (which regularly wore a big bell) as pack hunters, riding game into nets. Early attempts to bring the puppies to England in the late 1800s and early 1900s had been unsuccessful since they all succumbed to distemper.

In the 1930s, some puppies had been successfully brought again to England and became the foundation (along with following imports from the Congo and Sudan) of the breed outside of Africa. “Basenji,” meaning “bush thing,” was chosen. The early imports attracted great attention and, soon after, delivered puppies to America. The breed’s reputation as a puppy grew modestly, however steadily. In the 1950s, a surge of importance occurred because of a book and film featuring a Basenji. The 1980s noticed important, however, controversial occasions for the Basenji in America.

First, numerous Basenjis had been delivered from Africa to widen the gene pool and fight a few widespread hereditary health problems; some of those brought the previously unrecognized brindle color into the breed. Second, the Basenji was identified by the USA Sighthound Field Association as a sighthound and allowed to compete in lure-coursing trials. This breed’s body structure and hunting manner had previously been deemed too un-sighthound-like. The Basenji has usually been difficult to categorize.

This breed retains numerous primitive characteristics, most significantly its lack of barking capacity and its The estrus cycle.”

Temperement

Some consider Basenjis to have terrier-like mannerisms because they’re feisty for a hound. They’re usually regarded as catlike in characteristics: clever, inquisitive, stubborn, independent, and reserved. Their hunting roots are evident, as they like to chase and trail. They require regular mental and physical stimulation lest it turns annoyed and destructive. Basenjis can be barkless; however, they’re not mute. They make a kind of yodel, howl, and shriek—and sometimes bark, however simply one or two “fox barks” at a time. This breed receives well with different dogs but often poorly with different Basenjis.

Upkeep

The Basenji is an energetic canine that desires mental and physical exercise daily. May meet their desires through a long stroll followed by a lively game or free-strolling in a secure enclosed area. Coat care is minimal, including occasional brushing to get rid of dead hair.

Health

“Major diagnosis: Fanconi syndrome, PRA, Basenji enteropathy
Minor diagnosis: hypothyroidism, PPM, PK, umbilical hernia
Occasionally seen: CHD, patellar luxation, corneal dystrophy
Suggested tests: eye, thyroid, hip, Fanconi, DNA for PK, DNA for PRA
Life span: 12–14 years”

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.