One of the oldest known dog breeds, the basenji is recognized primarily for one unique feature--it can’t bark. Instead, it makes what’s known as a chortle, a cross between a yodel and a murmur. However, this breed has several other notable qualities, including agility, playfulness and independence.
The Hunter’s Companion--History of the Basenji
A native of Africa, the basenji originally served as a hunting companion to African tribesmen. This was the breed’s primary job until the 19th century, after which English explorers brought the dog back to Europe, where the basenji soon became a popular pet. The breed also seems to have been popular in ancient Egypt, with 5,000-year-old carvings of the basenji having been found in the tombs of pharaohs. In France, the Louvre museum has a stone statue of a basenji, dated 5,000 B.C., that once sat in a pharaoh’s tomb. The statue wears the hunting bell typically used by hunters to drive prey into the hunters’ nets. It is believed the dogs were gifts to the pharaohs from central Africa.
The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. Initially, all of the basenjis outside of Africa were descended from 12 original dogs. In 1987, several Americans traveled to Zaire and brought back 14 more basenjis, in the hopes of increasing the gene pool and reducing the likelihood of genetic abnormalities. The breed is still used by hunters in Africa, where they lure game into nets strung from trees.
A Small and Graceful Breed
The basenji is a relatively small dog, standing, on average, at about 17 inches at the shoulder and weighing approximately 20 pounds. It has a compact body sometimes compared to that of a deer, with a high, curled tail and a wrinkled forehead. It has short hair and an arched neck, and moves with grace and poise.
According to the standards set forth by the American Kennel Club, the eyes should be dark hazel to dark brown and almond-shaped. The ears should be small and erect, the nose should be black and the teeth should be aligned evenly. The body should have a short back, with a medium-width chest and a tail that sits high, bends forward and is curled to one side. The feet should be compact and oval-shaped, with the dewclaws usually removed. The coat should be red, black, tricolor or brindle, with white feet, chest and tip of the tail.
Independent, Intelligent and Active--The Basenji Personality
The basenji is an active, intelligent and agile dog. Playful and affectionate, basenjis are happiest around their human companions, although they do have an independent streak. They are known to be aloof around strangers, and living with a basenji takes commitment, patience and understanding on the part of owners. Because basenji are so intelligent, they need plenty of mental stimulation. If left alone with nothing to occupy their time, they may become destructive, and providing them with a more productive way to direct their energy is essential. They are usually easy to housetrain, but obedience training may be a challenge. However, basic obedience training is necessary to ensure that the basenji’s sometimes willful personality doesn’t overwhelm its human companions. Early socialization is important to ensure smooth relationships with humans, and puppies should be reared in an environment with plenty of human contact. Basenjis are also sociable dogs, who do well with older children but may not be as compatible with younger kids. And because they are wary of strangers, they make excellent guard dogs whose unmistakable vocalizations alert owners of trespassers. They’re also very fastidious, seemingly obsessed with keeping themselves clean. For this reason, many people compare their obsession with cleanliness to that of the cat.
Common Health Problems in the Basenji
Basenjis are a sturdy breed who typically live 13 to 14 years. There are only a few health problems known to be common to the breed, including:
Fanconi Syndrome, a kidney disease that strikes dogs usually between the ages of 4 and 8. With this condition, the kidneys do not reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients back into the body as they should, instead releasing them into the urine. The syndrome causes excessive drinking and urination and the presence of glucose in the urine. If left untreated, it can result in muscle wasting, acidosis and overall poor health, and the dog will likely die. However, the new treatments available have increased the likelihood of survival, and when the condition is caught early enough, many dogs do quite well. The disease can be acquired or inherited, and seems to be more prevalent in basenji than in other breeds. In order to catch the disease early, it is usually recommended that owners test their dog’s urine for glucose every month starting at age 3. This can be done through the use of urine glucose test strips, similar to the ones used by diabetics.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a form of blindness that usually starts at around 4 or 5 years of age. It progresses gradually, causing the nerve cells at the back of the eye to deteriorate, leading to eventual blindness. There is no way to prevent or treat the illness, but owners can make the transition easier for their dog, by creating a safe home environment that the dog can navigate easily. The disease is diagnosed through a complete ophthalmic examination, including light reflex testing, staining of the cornea, tear test, measuring the pressure within the eye and a specialized examination of the entire eye.
In addition, basenji usually have only one heat cycle a year, unlike other breeds, who have two. Because of this, most litters are born between October and December. However, an increasing number of basenji are having two cycles per year.
Living With a Basenji
A basenji can be an excellent companion for someone willing to invest a great deal of time and energy into their training and socialization. They are intelligent, independent and overall healthy dogs who enjoy being around people and thrive in an environment with plenty of mental stimulation and human contact. With a history that dates back to ancient Africa and Egypt, the basenji has a long tradition of serving as a friend and companion to humans, a relationship that continues to grow and thrive today.
