Basenji Dogs

  BASENJI breed will grow to the height of between 15 and 18 inches. With prominent facial features which is wrinkling around the forehead. Basenji have  short muzzle, and is smaller than the skull, and the skull is flat. Ears are small, and erect, the ears also face forward. Basenji dogs eyes are brown and also oval in appearance. You will see a very defined straight-line back. The animal’s legs will be straight and proportional to the dog. This dog’s tail is curled and is elevated and will curl to one side or the other. Their fur is shiny, fine and short,  Basenji colors we will see are chestnut red, pure copper, white and black. This dog has a lovely range of tri colors and they are black, tan and white, or black, brindle and white. Standards for this dog by AKC is it needs to have a white chest and also white feet along with white on the tip of the tail. This animal as an option may have white legs, blaze and collar. This breed will not bark but it does make different sounds and they are crow, howl, growl and also known to make a yodel noise. Depending on the dog's mood will determine the sound that you will hear.

 History:  Basenji was first seen, or recorded in the Egyptian tombs and Egyptian hieroglyphics. From this we see the breed has a long history that we see is 4 to 500 years. The breed has spread around the globe, it was introduced to England in 1937 where it became the breed we see today. Basenji was the first dog used on the African continent. It was used for pointing and retrieving game. They also were used to alert people of dangerous animals that might be coming to close. This dog was brought to the US in 1944.This dog is also known by another name and that is Congo dog.

 Temperament: This dog needs to know who's the boss. Because of their energy and instincts. This animal will need good leadership at all times and socialized as a puppy to make this dog at its best. It's very energetic as well as intelligent so it will do well with training. This dog is fast and doesn't tire easily at play. Also don't forget to train the dog at an early age to be its best. This dog wants to please you, which will help with the training. They clean themselves like a cat would. If you're considering children around this dog that child will have to show leadership of this dog, so this dog would be unsuitable for a young child or toddlers. Since this dog has natural hunting abilities you should not trust it with non-gaming pets. They love to chew so you will need a selection of suitable chew toys. This breed is capable of climbing and will climb chain-link fences with no problem. Most dogs that come from the working breed will need a lot of exercise for both mind and body.

 Health issues:  Basenji dog is known for and can develop kidney problems and must be treated quickly if you suspect a problem. Also take note that they are perceptible to eye problems as well as intestinal problems. Another problem is progressive retinal atrophy.

 Grooming:  This dog will take next to no grooming since it cleans itself like a cat would. There is very little fur shedding.

 Living conditions:  Basenji breed can live in an apartment but you need to understand that this animal will need good and regular exercise to be healthy in body and mind. So the walks with this pet will need to be long.