small Breed Dogs
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Basenji Dog
Average Weight: 22-24 pounds (9.97 - 10.88 kg) 
Average Height:  16-17 inches (40.64 – 43.18 cm)
Pronounced: Bah-SEN-gee
Group:  Hound
Life Span: 12 Years
Average Litter:4
Origin: Europe

Description

Basenjis have a light build and have a refined, elegant look about them.  The eyes are very striking, as they are shiny, dark and almond shaped.  Many say that this small breed dog has the look of a scout, giving the impression that the sparkling eyes can see miles away.

The ears are point slightly forward and when they are erect, small wrinkles appear on the dog's forehead.  At proper weight, the waist is nicely defined and the tail is curled tightly.  The coat is very short and shiny.

Color

Colors are often in clear-cut patches and not faded into one another.  AKC allows for black, tan, brindle, red, blue cream, cream, mohogany and sable.  Markings may be a saddle, mask or cap. A saddle is color across the dog's back. A mask is color around the eyes and a cap is color on the top of the skull. 

Personality

This is where this small breed dog, often misspelled as basenge,  really sets itself apart and stands out. When it comes to personality, this breed seems to have more than can fit inside of its body.  Most owners happily admit that their Basenji dog lives in the house and allows them to be there.  This dog will take over the bed, if allowed, seeming to take more and more space as time goes by until you are sleeping on the very edge.  Extremely intelligent, he may sometimes be too smart for his own good, as owners often state that this small dog appears to choose when he wants to obey a command and when he does not.  In general it can be safely noted that this is a very independent pet. Even so, in a family environments, he is gentle and loving.

Basenjis are known for being "barkless" dogs,  however this does not mean that they are silent.  They often make a very unique sound that could be describe as being something inbetween a chortle and a yodel.

Very athletic, fast and agile, the mannerisms can be described as cat-like.  And just as cats do, this dog is known for cleaning itself, and quite often.

Origin & History

It is believed that Basenjis are related to dogs of ancient Egypt, some 5000 years ago, where rock carvings depict a breed quite similar.  Basenji dogs bear a very close resemblance to the Kufu dog, which is the first known domesticated dog in Egypt.   A dog called the Congo Dog (perhaps the same breed as the Kufu) was brought into Europe in the 1930's from Central Africa and refined into this breed that we know of today. and was accepted into the AKC in 1943. This dog is still very popular in Africa where he is used as hunting dog for small game.

Health

Do keep in mind that any conditions that a breed is prone to is just  something for owners to be aware of and in no way implies that a dog is certain to develop any of them. There are a few health issues that this breed is prone to, most notably:
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy - an inherited eye disease that affects the retinas of both eyes at the same time, unfortunately causing eventually blindness.
  • Hypothyroidism - low thyroid, which once diagnoised can be easily treated with synthetic  hormones
  • Fanconi syndrome - a kidney disease that strikes middle aged dogs
  • Pyruvate Kinase deficiency - an inherited deficency causing anemia
Exercise
This is a very agile small breed dog who is an exceptional jumper (this should be kept in mind if an owner believes a enclosed fence is not an obstacle).  With a lot of high energy, this breed needs a good amount of exercise and enjoys walks, tracking and agility.

Grooming

With a very short coat, one must not worry about tangles, however this breed does shed moderately.  A good brushing at least once per week will take care of loose hairs.  Although known for grooming himself as a cat would,  he still needs baths every couple of weeks.  Daily dental care is recommended, as it is with any dog breed.

Care & Training

Due to high independence, an owner should learn proper techniques for teaching commands and especially for heeling. Training for barking is not usually needed. While enjoying the outdoors, this is an indoor dog.  

If you are thinking about getting a puppy, you may wish to read some important information about purchasing a puppy. Just click here.

If you already own a  Besenji or other small breed dog, you may wish to click here for more detailed are information




                    
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