Basenji – photos, description and character breeds | Online pet magazine ALFA-CDS.COM

Basenji (English Basenji), well-known, not able to bark a dog from Africa, attractive to its fans with its small, muscular body, short beautiful coat, alert nature and high, twisted tail. A wrinkled forehead gives the breed a bit comical, sometimes mischievous expression.

All this may sound tempting, but people who don’t recognize Basenji in more detail before acquiring one of them, may be disappointed if they are not ready for outstanding character and disposition breed. Basenji are very smart, but they have a peculiar stubbornness. If you are going to get this dog, then try get it from an experienced breeder with whom you can discuss the pros and cons of breed content. It will also significantly protect you from possible inherited health problems in the dog.

A distinctive feature of the basenji is that it will not constantly try to please you. This dog can know very well all the teams that you teach her, but whether she will execute them, sometimes it will depend not only on you. She can well think, and only then obey, or can she even decide that, in fact, there is no reason to do what you they said.

Basenji owners often say that this breed teaches them tidy up the house. All that is left untidy, the dog can find it possible to chew. Therefore you fast enough learn how to protect your things by putting them out of reach of these curious dogs.

The breed is well known for its inability to bark, but it is not means she is silent. The sounds that she can make range from a unique yodel to a terrible scream or howl. In addition, she, of course, knows how to growl, whine and whimper, like other breeds.

Basenji are also masters of escape. Even a fenced yard can’t keep the basenji if she decides what should be in the other place. If the dog is alone in your yard, this may mean the loss of your companion, since far from all fences can stop him from deterring research of the world.

On the other hand, Basenji love to play, although not in such games, when they are required to wear something. These are clean dogs which almost smell and have almost cat-like habits personal care. If you are worried about cleanliness at home, then you find that basenji sheds extremely little. These african dogs also become excellent watchmen. They will be responsible protect your family and property. However, their sizes are not allow them to be real guard dogs.

Basenji is a hound breed, so the ideal game for her would be chasing the bait, or plying. Agility, or dexterity, is still one sport that can suit the breed. Although the basenji do not succeed in obedience contests, you nonetheless can think of a creative way how to make them think that training is their independent idea.

The unique appearance and character of the basenji make it special breed among all dogs. That is why this breed is not suitable to everyone, but for connoisseurs of these little dogs with their intellect, she may be the perfect companion. Who knows, maybe you even become one of those basenji owners who boast how destructive can these dogs be?

Breed history

Basenji is one of the oldest breeds, probably exactly therefore, she does not know how to bark and has such an independent character. how and her ancestor, a wild wolf, she can bark, but quietly and only once. It can be assumed that the basenji is only partially domesticated breed. Basenji metabolism is also significantly different from any other domesticated dogs. In addition, estrus this African breed occurs only once a year, as in wild canines, unlike domestic dogs, in which it occurs 2 times and per year.

Basenji was discovered by researchers in the Congo of West Africa only in the 19th century. There, these dogs were used to transport goods. and to warn of the approach of dangerous animals. For his resourcefulness and hunting skills of the basenji dog were highly appreciated in various african tribes.

The first attempt to get Basenji to Europe failed because imported dogs died of illness shortly after arrival. Then a successful import occurred only in the 1930s, at the same time in England and the USA.

The first breed club in America was formed in 1942, and The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. Today, basenji is quite rare throughout the world, and in USA, and in Europe and the CIS. In terms of prevalence, these dogs are barely enter the first hundred breeds.

Breed sizes

Dogs are 41–43 cm tall and weigh between 10 and 12 kg. Females have a height of 38-41 cm and weigh 9-11 kg.

Basenji Character

Basenji can be described as smart and independent, but affectionate and alert at the same time. Because of origin the breed is close to the hounds, which means that it will chase everything that moves – cats, rodents, squirrels. This is not a breed which instantly executes commands. She must think and decide Does he really want to do what you asked.

A sense of humor and patience are important to people holding basenji. This dog will taste everything that is in the zone of her reach. And even more, she is able to develop a plan to reach the places she especially liked, be it the kitchen or pantry where a treat is stored for your pet.

Basenji usually stay away from strangers. And she also shouldn’t trust cats and other small pets, if only she Don’t grow up with them and recognize them as members of your family. It, however, does not apply to cats and small animals on the street.

Basenji needs socialization as early as possible and learning. Like many breeds, they can become timid if not were properly socialized. Give the dog a chance to meet as many different people, places, sounds, smells and situations as possible. Proper socialization is the very first and necessary step. to build a well balanced dog.

Record your young basenji for puppy courses, it will be for him a great pastime. Invite regularly to to yourself guests, do not be afraid to take the puppy to busy parks, on events and shops where dogs are allowed. All this as well also systematic walks on which the puppy can get to know other dogs and people, polish him social skills.

When learning, it’s important to remember the sequence and goodwill. Basenji, if you use hard methods learning can become even more stubborn and less ready for your directions. Use positive during training reinforcements, including treats and praise. Best way to learn these dogs, keep it interesting. Basenji is much better learn voice commands if there is something very exciting, What you should pay attention to.

Diseases and Health

Most basenjis boast excellent health, which confirms their relatively long lifespan from 12 to 16 years old. However, like many breeds, they are prone to certain diseases and disorders. Of course, far from of all basenji these diseases develop, but if you consider this breed, it is worth knowing about them.

Fanconi syndrome is a rare kidney disease that affects on the function of the tubules of the kidneys, which leads to the appearance in urine sugars and proteins. Symptoms of the disease include intense thirst, frequent urination and high urine glucose. Syndrome Basenji fanconi is usually diagnosed from 4 to 7 years old. Before the syndrome was considered fatal, but today there are successful methods maintenance therapy and a significant increase in duration dog’s life. However, treatment is generally relatively expensive.
Hypothyroidism – a disease caused by hormone deficiency thyroid, which can lead to symptoms such as infertility, obesity, lack of activity and weakness. Wool dogs can become brittle and start to fall out, and the skin can becomes harsh and dark. The disease can be successfully monitor with daily medication preparations. Drug treatment should continue on throughout the life of the dog.
Hemolytic anemia is a serious hereditary disease, with which basenji have 2 defective genes for production pyruvate kinase, an enzyme necessary to maintain red blood cells. Basenji with this disease usually live no more than 1-2 years.
Persistent pupil membrane – a disease when the anterior part of the eye is filled with primitive embryonic tissue. Usually the tissue disappears by 2-4 weeks after the birth of the puppy, but sometimes it saved. This disease is painless and rarely leads to impaired vision, unless tissue leads to significant clouding of the cornea. Pupil membrane treatment as usually not required, but for visual impairment applied as medicinal and surgical treatment.
Coloboma – a term used to describe the absence of a part the shell of the eye. Pathology is usually the result of improper intrauterine development. Coloboma is also considered hereditary a disease. Possible drug and surgical treatment.
Progressive retinal atrophy – a generic term to describe eye diseases leading to a gradual deterioration of the retina. The first signs are usually dog blindness in the dark days. As you progress, vision decreases as well in the daytime. time. Many dogs adapt well to limited or even complete loss of vision if their surroundings remain the same. Experienced breeders do not use dogs with this defect for breeding breeding.
Hip Dysplasia – Hereditary and acquired disease, when the joint does not develop correctly, with some degree of deformation. Some dogs experience pain and limp on one or both hind legs, but some do not experience no serious signs of discomfort. However, the disease often leads to the development of arthritis as the dog ages. Dogs with dysplasia should not be used for breeding. Therefore if you buy a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that his parents were tested for joint dysplasia.
Umbilical hernia is a fairly common occurrence in dogs. Many dogs live with small hernias all their life and do not experience any inconvenience. However, if the hernia reaches large sizes, then the dog will need surgery that often occurs when a dog is sterilized or neutered.

Maintenance and care

Basenji is a hunting breed and needs daily walks and exercise. Some of these dogs are good content with simple daily walks while others require more intensive training.

If you think that leaving the basenji in the yard, she will be able to occupy yourself, then you should learn more about the breed. It’s not that a dog that can be left unattended. It is very smart and agile dogs that can climb trees, therefore, an unattended basenji will soon become lost basenji. However, if you can provide dog at least a couple of walks of 30 minutes every day, then she’s good suitable, including for an apartment.

If you are outdoors, always keep the basenji on a leash. In case you want to leave the dog in securely fenced area, then check the fence for runaway stability. Do not count on any fence when it comes to enclosed space. She can use all kinds of details, like ladder, for example, chain links.

Another unusual feature of the basenji is its dislike for the rain. If it’s wet outside, you shouldn’t expect fun location of the dog, rather it will be grumpy and displeased. The only situation where she might like the rain is probably a very hot day. In addition, due to the fine coat they do not tolerate low temperatures, so they will need jacket or jumpsuit.

Children and other animals

Basenji with their energetic character can be good companions for older children, but for smaller ones children, they will not be suitable pets. If in the family if there are children, it will be better for the dog to grow with them as a puppy age.

Teach your children how to approach and handle dogs, and always control any activity of dogs and small children. Teach baby how to interact with the dog when she is sleeping or eating. No dog should be left unattended with a child.

Basenji should not be trusted house with cats or other small animals, unless she grew up with them. Other than that, she should learn to recognize them as family members.

Key Features

Basenji almost do not bark, he can be quite noisy, making a variety of sounds like a howl.
The basenji are clean and practically do not smell.
They are hard to train. Basenji lived for thousands of years next to people, while being their independent companions. They are may not see the need to obey people.
Basenji reacts best to positive practices reinforcements, but even then they will choose to obey you or not.
This breed should not be allowed without a leash, as it has a strong hunting instinct.
Basenji can escape even with a well-fenced territory.
The breed has a huge amount of energy. If you not can burn at least part of it, then it can become destructive.
They don’t get along well with other small pets. They can get along with a cat if they grow up with her and recognize her as a member of the family.
Basenji is stubborn and you can get quite aggressive if you try to overcome her stubbornness with strength.
They do not tolerate negative temperatures, so they You will need warm clothes and a warm indoor space.

Cost

The cost of Basenji puppies with a pedigree varies on average from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles per dog. The price of puppies without a pedigree starts, as a rule, from 10,000 rubles.