Basenji (dog breed): description, photo, reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The Basenji is the only dog breed in the world that does not bark, does not cause an allergic reaction, loves children, is very smart.

Origin

Basenji is a breed of dog that has existed for at least six thousand years. Its homeland is considered to be Central Africa. The Basenji dog breed is valued by the locals for its agility and speed while hunting small animals. In addition, animals help to drive game in the net, equal in size to themselves, and warn the owners that a predator is nearby. The Basenji dog breed (photos of these pets demonstrate their strength and grace) has other advantages, which we will discuss below.

Mystical properties of the rock

Central Africans call these dogs jumping up and down. In addition to the standard security functions, locals believe that the basenji is a breed of dog that can drive away evil spirits and restore the owner's biofield. By the way, so did the pharaohs. Perhaps that is why these little dogs were treated so respectfully.

These animals lived in ancient Egypt. Burials were found there, in which the mummies of dogs of this breed are dressed inprecious collars, mummified with the addition of various incense. Everything indicates that the pharaohs were very respectful of the Basenji. After the fall of Ancient Egypt, everyone forgot about the dogs of this breed.

Distribution

The Basenji dog breed was brought to Europe at the end of the 18th century. But unfortunately, its representatives could not stand such a long journey of several months and died, arriving in the New World.

The next attempt to conquer Europe presented itself to these dogs only by the end of the thirties. It happened at one of the big exhibitions. Then this breed existed under the name "dogs of the jungle", which suited them perfectly by origin.

Since the forties, representatives of this breed have regularly won first places at all European shows.

Basenji in Russia

In Russia, this breed appeared only in the late nineties. Despite the fact that we still have very few representatives of it, all these few specimens come from very good manufacturers. Thanks to this advantage, Russian Basenji dogs can safely participate in international exhibitions and have excellent chances of winning them.

Features

Basenji is the only dog breed in the world that does not bark. And this feature is not at all connected with a physiological problem. Instead of barking, these dogs growl, giggle, groan, snort, howl and mumble. Some people think thatdog breed basenji sings. This impression is created due to her melodic howl.

Another big plus, in addition to the fact that Basenji dogs cannot bark, is the fact that their coat does not cause an allergic reaction in their owners. In addition, even the wet fur of these animals does not smell.

These little dogs love people very much, but at the same time they can protect themselves and their owner from other dogs, wild animals or other people at any time.

External characteristics

Basenji is a relatively short breed of dog. Males at the withers are 43 cm high, and bitches - 40 cm. The ideal representative of the breed should look as harmonious as possible. The legs must not be too long or too short in relation to the size of the body. With the right physique, males of this breed weigh at least 11 kg, and bitches - 9 kg.

Muzzle should not be too sharp. The length of the muzzle is about a third shorter than the length of the skull.

Spout is usually black. For exhibitions, a pronounced rim around the eyes is required.

The ears should not be set too high or too far apart. Correct ears are pointed.

The tail is folded into two rings and resembles a pig.

The neck, strong, muscular, at the same time looks very harmonious with all other parts of the dog's body.

Another feature of this breed is its coat. She is very silky and in the sun casts copperoverflows. In cold climates, the coat becomes coarser.

The basenji dog breed, the photo of which can be seen in this article, can be of four colors:

• Redhead with white spots.
• Black with white spots.
• Black with red spots.
• Redhead with black stripes.

Regardless of the base color of the paw, the tip of the tail and breast of the Basenji must be white.

Pets

The breed has a very gentle nature. These dogs love children. They are very clean. At the same time, they are smart, curious, playful and affectionate. With a whole range of such wonderful qualities, the basenji is the best pet.

These dogs are very hardy and are in good he alth. This is due to the fact that they were not artificially bred by man, but developed independently for centuries.

Basenji is a breed of dog that can be both a favorite of children, and an excellent assistant in hunting, and a guard at home.

These animals are very loyal to their owners and completely indifferent to strangers.

Tips for communicating with Basenji

The dogs of this breed have guarding instincts in their blood, so you can’t suddenly sneak up on them from behind. The Basenji may regard such actions as an attack and begin to defend itself quite aggressively. In order for a stranger to be accepted calmly by a dog, you need to slowly and confidently approach it and let it smell your hand.

Excellent memory from an early age is one of the distinguishing characteristics that the Basenji dog breed has. The description of the nature of these animals by many owners indicates that, while still very young, they remember the bad or good attitude of individual family members towards themselves and do not forget about it all their lives.

The owners will not be superfluous to know that basenjis love to eat delicious food and sleep in a cozy, soft bed. Moreover, it can be both their personal bed and the master's one.

Dogs of this breed do not like water very much. The absence of wool smell saves them from the need for frequent washing.

You need to feed the basenji with a variety of foods, consisting of meat, cereals, vegetables, herbs, dairy products. Of course, you need to make sure that the dog always has fresh clean water, because this is a very active breed and she wants to drink often.

Caring for your pet is easy. Due to the short coat and lack of smell, you should wash it only if the puppy is very dirty, and comb the coat from time to time.

Despite the complaisant nature of the pet, the love and trust of the basenji must first be won. After all, such a dog perceives the owner rather than as a master, but as a friend. Therefore, in order to live in harmony with your pet, you need to make a little effort from the very beginning and make friends with him. In no case should you resort to violence when raising a basenji, otherwise you can get yourself not a kind and affectionate pet, but a vindictive enemy. After all, dogs of this breed never forget anything anddo not forgive bad treatment.

At the same time, when raising a Basenji, you can't yield to them in anything. The dog must clearly understand that, despite the fact that you are friends with her, you are still the leader.

At first, when raising a puppy, you will have to make a little effort, each time proving your supremacy, but then the basenji will make an excellent, faithful and intelligent friend.

Breed fans

The basenji dog breed is very loved all over the world. Reviews about these animals are always only positive. These smart little protectors began to be valued and revered in antiquity. Representatives of the royal houses of Holland, Egypt, Monaco are very fond of dogs of this breed.

In their homeland, in Central Africa, these animals, as we have already said, have been highly valued since ancient times as hunters, guards, magical talismans of protection from evil spirits.

Reviews of breeders

It is almost impossible to hear bad things about this breed of dogs. Without exception, all the owners talk about the complaisant, kind nature of the pet, about his friendliness, devotion and intelligence.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Basenji is a very active breed and needs space and time to vent. These dogs are very curious, they will not get bored themselves and will not let their owners get bored.

Some breeders complain about dog disobedience. Cynologists explain this fact very simply: the dog lacks attention and education. As mentioned earlier, this is a very smart breed, so you can start training Basenji from early childhood, and without properapproach to training any animal will be uncontrollable.

Another common complaint from owners is that the dog chews on everything. This problem is also easily solved and is explained by the lack of attention from the owners and the lack of education. A puppy of any breed, when he is bored and has nowhere to throw out his accumulated energy, begins to entertain himself, chewing on everything that gets in his way. And the Basenji is a very strong and active breed, so you need to deal with it regularly, combining training, games and walks. If you do everything right, the dog will be happy and bring a lot of joy to his owners without spoiling anything around.