Basenji
History of the breed
The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds. Originating on the continent of Africa, it has been venerated by humans for thousands of years. Basenjis can be seen on steles in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, sitting at the feet of their masters,
The breed was officially accepted into the AKC in 1943. Other names for the breed are African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, Avuvi, Congo Dog, Zande Dog
Egyptian or African Dingo. The Basenji country of origin is the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that originates in central Africa. It is considered by some, particularly in North America, to be a member of the sighthound family; most kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom classify it as a hound.
The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the basenji the nickname "Voiceless Dog." Although Basenjis do not bark per se, they can mimic sounds, and thus are able to mimic barks if raised among barking dogs. Sometimes referred to as an Egyptian or African Dingo, Basenjis and their closely related Southeast Asian and Australian counterparts share many unique traits not found in Modern Dog species. Both species come into estrus only once annually, as compared to modern dogs which can have two or more breeding seasons every year. As well, both Dingos and Basenjis lack a distinctive odor, and both are considered relatively silent, more prone to howls, yodels, and other undulated vocalizations over the characteristic bark of modern dog species.
Appearance of the breed
The Basenji coat is very smooth and shiny. Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A Basenji's forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.
Basenji typically weigh 24 pounds and stand 16 inches at the withers. Basenji are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The Basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. Basenji have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a "double-suspension gallop", with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.
The Basenji is recognized in the following standard colorations: red, black, tricolor (black with tan in the traditional pattern), and brindle (black stripes on a background of red), all with white. There are additional variations, such as the "trindle", which is a tricolor with brindle points, and several other colorations exist in the Congo such as liver, shaded reds(sables), "capped" tricolors (creeping tan), and piebald marked dogs.
Temperament of the breed
The Basenji is alert, affectionate, demanding, energetic, and curious. Basenji love to play and makes a good pet, as long as it is handled regularly from an early age and the owners are very patient. Basenji are very intelligent, but does not respond well to training due to being extremely independent. Basenji are also very mischievous and can cause damage if left alone for long hours. Basenji can be reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. It should not be trusted with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate children. The Basenji dislikes wet weather. Basenji likes to chew, so giving it lots of toys of its own would be a good idea. The breed likes to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences. Basenjis are very clever at getting their own way; they succeed less by obstinacy than by charm. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play. Its strong desire to play can lead to behavior problems if left alone. Most Basenji problems usually involve a mismatch between owner and pet. The owners mistake the adjective "quiet' to mean inactive instead of noiseless; thus, they become harassed by an active, though relatively silent, dog.
Basenjis often stand on their hind legs, somewhat like a meerkat, by themselves or leaning on something. This behavior is observed when the dog is curious about something.
Health Concerns of the breed
Many basenjis also suffer from PRA, which causes blindness and Fanconi's syndrome which can cause kidney failure.
Basenjis have a median longevity of 13.6 which is 1-2 years longer than the median longevity of other breeds of similar size.
Basenjis sometimes carry a simple recessive gene which, when homozygous for the defect, causes genetic Hemolytic Anemia.[8] Most Basenjis today are descended from ancestors that have tested clean. When lineage from a fully tested line (set of ancestors) cannot be completely verified, the dog should be tested before breeding. As this is a non-invasive DNA test, a Basenji can be tested for HA at any time.
Basenjis sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia, resulting in loss of mobility and arthritis-like symptoms. All dogs should be tested by either OFA or PennHIP prior to breeding.
Malabsorption, or immunoproliferative enteropathy, is an autoimmune intestinal disease that leads to anorexia, chronic diarrhea, and even death. A special diet can improve the quality of life for afflicted dogs.
The breed can also fall victim to progressive retinal atrophy (a degeneration of the retina causing blindness) and several less serious hereditary eye problems such as coloboma (a hole in the eye structure), and persistent pupillary membrane (tiny threads across the pupil).
Fanconi syndrome, an inheritable disorder in which the kidneys fail to reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients,[6] is unusually common in Basenjis. Symptoms include excessive drinking, excessive urination, and glucose in the urine, which may lead to a misdiagnosis of diabetes. Fanconi syndrome usually presents between 4 and 8 years of age, but sometimes as early as 3 years or as late as 10 years.[6] Fanconi syndrome is treatable and organ damage is reduced if treatment begins early.[6] Basenji owners are advised to test their dog's urine for glucose once a month beginning at the age of 3 years.[6] Glucose testing strips designed for human diabetics are inexpensive and available at most pharmacies.
Litter size: 4 puppies
Life span: 12-15 years
