Basenji Dog Breed

Please consider adopting your dog, cat or any other pet from a rescue site available on the web.  These pets need a second chance to have a happy life in a loving home.  I mention 2 sites to search, however there are hundreds to select the pet that you are looking for to join your family.  “RED” stands for rescue every dog so click on http://www.rescueeverydog.org  or http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com.  It is with the help of many web sites I am providing you with this detailed information. I appreciate the American Kennel  Club, Wikipedia, http://www.ilovedogs.com and http://www.allsmalldogbreeds.com

Basenji is a canine originating in the Congo.  They are also called African Bush Dog, African Bark less Dog, Ango Angari,  Avuvi,  Congo Dog and Zande Dog.   If this breed looks familiar to you, it is because this is one of the oldest breeds  dating back to ancient Egypt.   The pictures you have possibly seen were of this breed.  This small dog is not completely without sound, however does not bark.  The unique sounds this canine makes can be compared to a yodeling, a whine along with a squeal.

The category of this small dog is hound which comes with a distinct behavior all its own. Don’t expect this breed to be a watch dog, since the bark to warn you of strangers coming will not happen.  They are a little aloof around people they do not know,  remaining extremely friendly and lovable to the owners and children of all ages.  The trait of a Basenji to be a great companion is a strong one with some stubbornness making them on the difficult side in training lessons.

The coat can be brown, beige, with white or black with white markings, tri-color and red.   Short hair on the body, a wrinkled face and curled tail are details of this dog.  The slim body and long legs make this a swift runner. Caution needs to be stated for an owner to be aware of this so their pet is not allowed to run without a leash. Independence of the Basenji will be evident in a yard if left alone for any length of time since they can and will jump a fence or climb it. 

Your Basenji has a height of 17 inches tall as well as an abrupt muzzle, black nose and small stand up ears.  The weight on average is 21 to 26 pounds allowing this canine to gracefully run and jump with extremely good agility.  Grooming is low maintenance with occasional brushing of the short hair. Basenji dogs can easily live in confined small apartments if exercised daily

Photo is courtesy wikipedia

The lifespan of the Basenji is almost 14 years allowing you to have this energetic, playful companion a considerable length of time.  They do not mingle well with non canine pets, so bringing them into a home with a cat or cats should not be done.  For a small dog, the strength of the Basenji is remarkable.