DogTime participates in the Chewy affiliate program to earn fees for linking to products on Chewy.com. You’ll need to commit to plenty of walks and playtime. These dogs use both scent and sight to hunt and were originally used to flush small game into hunters’ nets and to control village rodent populations. They cannot be left in a yard with food and water. You can find a great jacket for your dog here! Basenjis are also escape artists. Woof! When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc". Basenjis are rare, ranking 84th among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC, so expect to spend time on a breeder's waiting list if you decide this is the dog for you. Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. DogTime recommends this dog bed to give a good night’s sleep to your medium-sized Basenji. Brush your Basenji's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. That recognition won't apply to cats or small animals he sees outdoors, however. The Basenji is described as a mischievous and lively breed with a “barkless” feature to their personality. If this is the breed for you, opt to adopt if possible! Basenji. The only time he might enjoy getting wet is on a really hot day. Pumpkin slept with me on the couch with her head tucked under my chin. The owners mistake the adjective "quiet” to mean inactive instead of noiseless; thus, they become harassed by an active, though relatively silent, dog. In other words, don't let him get fat. The ears are straight, small, erect and open in the front. attitude, in which case you'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests. The first successful importation occurred in the 1930s both in England and the United States. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. It is far more slightly built and longer-legged than most other primitive breeds, giving it a good amount of speed and the ability to perform the double-suspension gallop. Patience and a sense of humor are essential to living with a Basenji. Basenjis are medium-sized dogs, measuring 16-17 inches at the shoulder and 16-17 inches from chest to buttocks. Go with a low-sensitivity dog. Not all Basenjis will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. He's an accomplished escape artist, and an unwatched Basenji will soon become a missing Basenji. A wrinkled brow gives him a quizzical and sometimes mischievous expression. Some breeds sound off more often than others. Basenjis are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. That means he's intelligent and independent, but also affectionate and alert. It is very active indoors and a small yard will do. Effortless: The Basenji requires minimal grooming. Your best bet is to keep training interesting. He can be aloof with strangers, and he shouldn't be trusted around cats or other small animals unless he's been raised with them and you're sure he recognizes them as family members. Basenji Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. Adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to your pet's diet can help them feel better and improve their overall health! Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase--and sometimes kill--other animals. If your dog has tummy troubles, adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to their diet can help your dog feel better and improve their overall health! Other Names. They're easy to prepare for the show ring and have no need for trimming or complicated grooming. Dogs come in all sizes, from the world's smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they're compatible with you and your living space. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. Always keep your Basenji on leash unless you're in a securely fenced area, and don't count on any type of fence to keep him confined. Females will be slightly smaller on average. The Basenji is not a dog who can be left unattended in the backyard. The lure is tied to a line that is run by a series of pulleys as the dogs give chase. Basenji life expectancy: High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. ", Perrin the Basenji at 1 ½ years old on a camping trip, Cairo the tricolor Basenji at 18 months old, Hope the Basenji puppy at 6 weeks old with her littermates, "This is EV, an 8 week old Basenji puppy being a very bad baby, but doing what Basenjis do best, escaping. Basenji puppy development from birth to full maturity typically spans 14-16 months. In the correct Basenji any arching over the loin should be very slight and the rear of the dog should not be higher than the back. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch. An adult Basenji who's unfamiliar with children is most suited to a home with children who are mature enough to interact with him properly. Many health problems are related to digestion and issues in the gut. Basenjis can live up to 14 to 16 years with proper nutrition and care. Trim nails regularly if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally. Basenjis need daily exercise to release mental and physical energy. This breed sheds little to no hair. The Basenji is happiest when it is kept with two or three other Basenjis; they will not fight among themselves. You may also want to consider adopting a senior dog, as they tend to be less demanding of your time and energy. Phemister's Bois was the first Basenji registered with the AKC, in 1944. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Central Africa (Zaire and the Congo) Ask an expert. His vocalizations range from a delightful yodel to a hair-raising scream, as well as the usual growls, whimpers, and whines made by all dogs. You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Basenji is $17,435. Basenjis aren't known for being especially fond of children, but with their high energy level, they can be good companions for older children. Highly energetic, originally used as a hunting companion in Africa It has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and of cleaning itself like a cat. The Basenji is a hunting dog and needs daily exercise. Train him with kindness and consistency, using positive reinforcements that include food rewards and praise. Some dogs are perpetual puppies -- always begging for a game -- while others are more serious and sedate. That said, their size precludes them from being an actual guard dog. Take a look and find the right sized dog for you! The Fédération Cynologique Internationale places the breed in its group five, and the United Kennel Club places the breed in its Sighthound and pariah group. Calm, but firm, confident and consistent, Basenjis who have meek or passive owners, or owners who are not consistent with the rules will become demanding. He shouldn't need a bath more than every few months. The first traces of a dog similar to the Basenji are found in Egyptian tombs and wall drawings of five thousand years ago. The Basenji averages about 15 inches tall from the shoulder and weighs about 18 to 22 pounds. With his unique appearance and personality, the Basenji is not the breed for everyone, but for those who appreciate this little dog's attitude and intelligence, he can be the ideal companion. Basenjis are very clever at getting their own way; they succeed less by obstinacy than by charm, and therefore need an owner who displays natural authority. The Basenji is known for not barking, but that doesn't mean he's silent. For more on feeding your Basenji, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog. In it, they follow a lure — usually a white plastic bag — over a course in a field. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Basenji. 20-24 lbs. Males stand 17 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 24 pounds, females 16 inches and 22 pounds. If you're going to share your home with a dog, you'll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. Also called the Congo Dog, it was first introduced to England in 1937. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Height: Males 16 - 17 inches (41 - 43 cm) Females 15 - 16 inches (38 - 41 cm), Weight: Males 22 - 26 pounds (10 - 12 kg) Females 20 - 25 pounds (9 - 11 kg). If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. The shelter labeled her as a “Terrier-Basenji” mix. You can keep your senior dog active well into old age by providing them with joint supplements to fight the symptoms of arthritis. The Basenji (also known as an “African Bush Dog”, “Congo Dog”, or “Congo Terrier”) is an ancient breed which can be seen depicted on stone tablets in Egyptian tombs. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. Said to have originated in Africa, they became highly revered in Egypt. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult. Find Basenji Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Basenji information. His metabolism is unlike that of any other domesticated dog, and like wild canids the female Basenji only cycles once a year compared to twice a year for other domesticated dogs. This breed loves the chase and may ta… Short, neatly trimmed nails keep your legs from getting scratched when your Basenji enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it. They will defend their people and property when challenged. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills. The Basenji is highly intelligent, but he has a stubborn streak a mile wide. Enrolling your young Basenji in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. His markings stand out clearly and never look muddy. Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. See Dogs Not Well Suited to Apartment Living, See Dogs Who Are Good For Experienced Owners, Click here to see Dogs Poorly Suited For Cold Weather, See Dogs Who Are Less Friendly To Strangers, Click Here To See Dogs Who Shed Very Little, Medfly Brigade Basenji Rescue of California. Bred to hunt, the Basenji is a cat-like sort of canine: this dog is a curious, clever, and strong-willed loner who keeps to herself. © 2021 All rights reserved. They can also be very destructive in the house.". If you keep an immaculate home, you will appreciate that Basenjis shed very little. They have a tendency to become fat and lazy unless the owner is consistent about it. Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. He may think first and then obey, or he may decide there's really no good reason to do as you ask. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. There are many Basenjis in need of adoption and or fostering. Please note this is an estimate based on typical growth patterns for Basenji … You should also pick up this dog brush and massager for your short-haired pup! Also called the … Another feline characteristic of the Basenji is his dislike of rain. Basenji is the most ancient type of dog breed available. This is a small to medium sized smooth coated dog with a distinctive tightly curled tail. Facts: Just make sure you can provide enough exercise to meet their high energy levels. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work. A good hunting Basenji was valued more than a wife by some tribes in Africa, not only for his hunting skill but also his resourcefulness and ingenuity. 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