Silent African: description and photo

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

Among dogs, there is one very interesting breed called basenji, or silent African. It was formed naturally, without human intervention, several thousand years ago. A distinctive feature of the Basenji is that these dogs, instead of barking, make purring sounds similar to snorting or stifled laughter.

Appearance

The African Silent is a dog with a muscular body with light bones and high legs. Her body is proportional, with a wide straight back and a deep chest. The head is set high, which gives the animal a proud look. The tail is tightly twisted into a ring that fits snugly against the croup. Ears erect, slightly tilted forward. There are characteristic wrinkles on the forehead, which are especially well manifested in puppies. Dark almond-shaped eyes make the dog look expressive and intelligent.

The short coat is smooth, silky to the touch and very dense. It has a number of advantages - it does not shed, does not cause allergies, in addition,even with high humidity, it does not have an unpleasant odor. The color can be black and white, red and white, brindle or tricolor when black and white are combined with red and tan. All markings - with clear boundaries, well formed. Whatever the color of the Silent African, the description of the breed requires that the paws, the tip of the tail and the chest be white. Height at the withers is 40-43 cm, weight - from 9 to 11 kg.

History

Tracking the rock began about 5,000 years ago. Africa is the birthplace of these dogs. Their images in the form of bas-reliefs, statuettes were found on the tombs of the pharaohs. Embalmed dog bodies soaked in incense were discovered during excavations next to their masters. This suggests that the African silent is a breed that has been very revered. And today, on this continent, the basenji is considered a family amulet, an animal that brings happiness and joy. Researchers who arrived in the Congo at the end of the 19th century drew attention to dogs with amazing hunting abilities, driving game into nets. From Africa, several individuals were taken to England in 1885, but, unfortunately, did not survive. Nevertheless, it was in this country that the African silent breed standard was subsequently approved, which is still valid today.

The next attempt to take out the dogs was more successful. It took place in 1937, when the Basenji first appeared in the United States, and later in Europe. Gradually, residents of many countries were able to get acquainted with this breed, who fell in love with self-confident andfearless dogs. In 1988, the World Canine Organizations officially approved it.

Character

During the entire breeding period, the dogs have earned an excellent reputation. Basenjis are distinguished by an accommodating character, but at the same time they do not show subservience. Infinitely devoted to their master, they are at the same time respectful of other family members. Non-conflict, try not to get into a fight, even if it is provoked by someone. This speaks of a high degree of poise, which the silent African can boast of. Owner reviews about this breed are mostly positive. The owners are usually very pleased with the behavior of the dog and note the complete absence of aggression in its character.

Many of them are attracted by the extraordinary cleanliness and neatness of the basenji. After each meal, the dog diligently wipes its muzzle, and takes care of its hair with the help of the tongue, constantly licking it, as cats usually do.

The African silent dog breed is a hunting dog, so its representatives have a very sensitive sense of smell and a developed instinct of pursuit. If you have to chase prey, then you must certainly overtake it. Moreover, the dog is so passionate about it that it can get lost.

Family Relations

The African Silent Dog is an ideal dog for a home with small children. They easily find a common language with each other, participate in joint games. True, the representative of this breed is not one of those that allow you to do everything with yourself.anything, so leaving her alone with a child is not worth it.

The basenji will get along with other animals in the house only if they allow him to dominate. Then the relationship between them will be friendly and even develop over time into a strong affection. At the same time, the size of a friend does not matter at all - an African silent will be friends with a huge dog, which is much larger than himself, and with a hamster. You can keep several of these dogs at the same time.

Features of the breed

The main thing that distinguishes Basenji from all other dogs is the lack of barking. There are two versions to explain this feature. According to one of them, it is believed that when hunting in conditions of almost absent vegetation, the game did not need to be lured out of the forest, but it was necessary to sneak up on it. Therefore, dogs gradually forgot how to bark as unnecessary. Another version explains the absence of barking by the fact that the African silent is a very old breed, formed from ancient dogs that did not yet know how to bark.

These animals are unusually mobile and very active, as befits real hunters. They are constantly looking to run somewhere. This is a vital necessity for them. At the same time, the dog behaves quite calmly and quietly in the apartment. But as soon as she gets out of the house, her full life potential is revealed.

South African silent is very negative about bathing. Perhaps this is due to genetic memory, reminiscent of living in the water crocodiles. So it's not worth itforce the pet to swim.

The Basenji is sometimes called a cat-dog. And there are reasons for this. In addition to amazing cleanliness, their behavior in the house is very similar: just like a cat, the silent African moves smoothly and silently, makes rumbling sounds, washes his paw and can even go to the tray.

Care and maintenance

The dog's small size, inability to bark and extreme neatness make it one of the most suitable breeds for living in an apartment. Caring for her is practically no different from caring for any other pet. The basic hygiene procedures are reduced to wiping the eyes, trimming the nails and cleaning the ears. The short coat does not need to be brushed, just an occasional rubbing with a stiff glove is enough to get rid of dead hairs.

You can wash them only in case of emergency - probably no one is so afraid of water as a silent African. The description of the dog above explains the likely causes of this fear. In order for the pet not to freeze on a walk in severe frost, you can buy special clothes for it. Regular pest control procedures and timely vaccinations are essential.

It is worth considering that these dogs are very active, easy-going and need long daily walks. It's almost impossible to tire them out. At home, the Basenji will be a quiet and calm dog only if it is properly walked. Otherwise, he can splash out his energy, messing around in the apartment.

Feeding

Despite the incredible mobility, the silent African has a tendency to obesity. Reviews about the breed of the owners of these dogs note the exactingness of food in their pets. Many say that they have no sense of proportion. Basenjis can eat as much as is offered. We have to watch the portions in moderation. Lean meats must be present in the diet. In addition to it, they include some fish, offal, cereals in the menu. Occasionally, not more than once a week, bones can be given. Puppies need dairy products and cottage cheese.

Use ready-made dry food in the basenji diet is not recommended. Food from the master's table is not suitable for these dogs. S alty, smoked, spicy, fatty and sweet foods are contraindicated for them.

Education and training

An African silent can become a real friend and companion for a person. The description of this dog marks its high mental abilities and ingenuity. However, no matter how smart a dog is, it must be educated and trained. Basenjis are quite easy to train and understand commands perfectly. For them, the approval of the owner is very important, so a kind word and praise is the main method of training. In addition to training the dog to respond to his name and approach the owner, it is very important that the pet learns forever that nothing can be picked up from the ground. The Silent African belongs to the breed of dogs that love to "jack up", that is, on occasion they will not miss the opportunity to grab some carrion or an old bone.

Unacceptably rude during traininghandling the dog, raising the voice. Praise should follow for each execution of the command. The memory of these dogs is excellent. They are able to learn all the commands the first time.

He alth

Due to the fact that the breed was formed in natural wild conditions, its representatives have excellent he alth. However, there is a predisposition to certain diseases. The most common symptoms in these dogs are retinal atrophy, cataracts, protein-losing entropy, and urolithiasis.

A visit to the veterinarian is recommended about every six months, so that if a he alth problem is detected, treatment can be started on time.

Today, the African Silent is still considered a rather rare breed. A nursery that breeds it can not be found in every city. The cost of these dogs can not be called low. Therefore, when deciding to buy a Basenji puppy, it is best to contact a monobreed nursery, where experienced breeders will assist in choosing a future friend and raising him.