The Basenji is n’t your typical dog breed . This cagy fauna acts more like a cat than a dog with an aloof yet endearing personality . If you ’re prepared to dedicate the time demand to training and exercising your little spitfire , the Basenji may be the perfect companion for you .
Origin of the Unusual Basenji
Basenjis are considered one of the oldestdog breed , as their origin can be traced back to the height of ancient Egyptian civilization . The stock almost became extinct with the fall of Egypt itself , but a modest universe of Basenjis were preserved in the heart of Africa , where they were developed into a extremely skilled hunting breed .
Early attempt to import the breed to England and America largely fail due to bout of distemper . Eventually , a practicable genteelness duo was bring together in Boston , and the Basenji began to gain a footing with the American world .
Basenji Characteristics
There are many attribute that make this breed unique .
Physical Appearance
basenji are on the small side and are view to be one of the smallest hound breed today . They typically stand about 17 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 24 pound . Males are slimly larger than female . These dog are short - backed and slenderly taller on leg , with tails held tightly curled over the rear .
The overall picture is that of a thin but brawny canine who can move with speed , state of grace , and agility . Their heads sharpen to a medium duration gag and they have naturally upright ears . A Basenji ’s os frontale is cover in a series of wrinkles that can give these frankfurter quite a range of reflexion .
Very little training is required for this breed . The distinctive pelage is short and smooth and come in a variety of color and markings . Many of these dogs have white human foot or legs . you could find basenji in the comply coat form .
Temperament
These are extremely intelligent lilliputian domestic dog , but they by all odds have their own agenda . Basenji personalities are read to be more like cats than click , as they live to suffice no homo . Devotees find this quality one of the breed ’s strongest magnet .
This strain is often on high alert , which score them swell watchdogs , and while they are affectionate toward their owner , they tend to be aloof with strangers . They can become quite destructive if not given the attention they call for .
Exercise Requirements
A hackneyed Basenji is a happy Basenji . These dogs have moderate to gamy exercise need and can do out if they ’re not stimulated enough . They need bothphysicaland mental exercise in the word form of games , engaging walk , play sessions , and socialization .
Training
These hot dog are inherently different from other stock . Their highly independent nature nominate them fascinating creatures , but not very obedient ones . basenji are typically pitiable candidates forobedience trainingand are not easilyhousebroken . In fact , they lay out about twice the challenge to adequately train as a Jack Russell Terrier does , and anyone who possess a JRT will tell you they are n’t a breed for a tyro weenie owner .
That said , there is an irresistible charm about basenji that draws adventurous dog lovers to them like moths to the proverbial flame . Proud owner will really equate promissory note on the amount of damage and destruction their ducky have racked up . The simple fact is , your Basenji is far more likely to train you to put up with their nonconcentric behavior than you are to train them aside from it .
Health Concerns
These dogs are usually quite healthy , but as with most breed , they are susceptible to severalhealth concerns .
Responsible breeder make every effort to test affected dogs out of their breeding programs , and most offer a alternate guarantee in the event a pup develops one of these disorders later on .
Lifespan
Like many little dogs , Basenjis typically live retentive and full lives . Their ordinary lifetime is approximately13 years , although the oldest recorded Basenji lived to intimately 18 years old .
Fun Facts
The breed is largely know for the fact that it does n’t bark , or at least not in the usual sense . This in no direction have in mind the breed is a silent one . Most someone are capable of making a strange sort of yodel that is singular to the Basenji strain .
Buying or Adopting a Basenji
If you ’ve decided that the Basenji is the right cad for you , there are numerous style to go about acquiring one . You could purchase a Basenji from areputable breederor find a dog through a dedicatedBasenji rescue . Your local shelter or anational saving groupmay have purebred or mixed - breed Basenjis useable for acceptation as well .
Conclusion
So , now that you ’ve had an unveiling to the small ball of fire that is the Basenji , what do you retrieve ? Are you ready to conceive a entirely different dog breed , or are you genuinely intrigued by the Basenji ’s peculiar type ? If you still notice you ’d like to get to know the breed well , there ’s a clever Basenji out there for you .