Basenji Dog & Puppies

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" The Bark-less Dog "
Breed Origins:	Egypt & Central Africa -Zaire and the Congo. Dates back to antiquity
Breed usage:	Hunting Dog: Small Game - monkeys, small cats and small antelopes
Dog Weight:	21 - 24 Pounds
Dog Height:	16 to 17 inches to the shoulder
Cost of Puppies:	Cost of puppies varies depending on location, breeder and pedigree history

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Information, Facts & Information of the Basenji
The Basenji, the famous bark-less dog, comes from Africa and is a dog of medium size, lightly built and fine boned with a wrinkled forehead, erect ears and a curly tail which sits on it's back. This dog is also known by the other names of Zande dog, Congo dog or Congo terrier. The Basenji was bred originally to drive game up trees (monkeys and small cats). They were also used to also chase prey such as small antelopes into hunting nets or out into the open where their quarry could be shot with a gun or a bow and arrow. It's origins can be dated back for at least 5000 years to the Ancient World. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as Basengi.

Basenji Dog Names

The Basenji - A Sighthound
The Basenji Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. All of the Sighthound breeds originated in the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet the Basenji Hound is feisty, fastidious, playful and inquisitive. The strong instinct to chase and trail requires an excellent training program and firm control.

Information, Facts & History of the African Basenji Hound Dog
The Pharaohs of Egypt kept Basenji Hound and references to the Basenji's ancestors appear as hieroglyphics and are also found engraved in cuneiform ( written in wedge-shaped characters) on ancient pillars and tablets. The breed was discovered, however, by the Western civilisation on the African Congo with the Pygmy tribe of hunters in the Zande area of Africa. This explains the other names of Zande dog, Congo dog or Congo terrier that the Basenji was known by. The name Basenji, or “bush thing,” was eventually chosen reflecting their African heritage. The pygmies and other African natives used the Basenji as a pack dog. As the dogs were ' bark-less' often wore large bells around their necks which assisted in the task of driving quarry into nets.

Description of the African Basenji Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Basenji's coat is short, sleek & fine. The colour is normally pure black & white, red & white, black tan & white with tan pips & mask, black, tan & white. Brindle, red background with black stripes. The white should be on feet, chest & tail tip. White legs, blaze & white collar optional.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Basenjis
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Basenji, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Basenji may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
Fanconi syndrome
Basenji enteropathy

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

Dog photograph

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Description of the Basenji Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures & info
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Basenji dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Basenji compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of the Basenji dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Basenji Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Basenji Dog Breed
Basenji's require minimal grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information on Temperament and Character of the Basenji Dog Breed
Famous for being barkless but this does not mean that the African Basenji has no voice! These dogs are definitely not mute and make an amazing variety of noises which can sound like a mixture between a chortle, howl, shriek and yodel! Just to dispel the illusion even further the Basenji will occasionally bark - similar to a fox bark but just one or two at a time. The Basenji is elegant and graceful and a very independent breed of dog. They are feisty, fastidious, playful, inquisitive, intelligent, stubborn, and reserved. This breed of dog is easily house trained and completely lacks any doggy smell. Its hunting roots are very evident, as it loves to chase and trail.

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Basenji Dog Breed
The Basenji dogs and puppies are extremely active and require a substantial amount of exercise. It can live outdoors only in temperate climates and generally does best as an indoor dog with access to a yard.

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Basenji - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

African Basenji Puppies info
The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing Basenji puppies:

Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
Exercising requirements for the Basenji breed
Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
Family - child suitability
Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names

Age comparison between the Basenji Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Life Expectancy of the African Basenji Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 14 - 16 years.

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

Hunting and running down small quarry
Flushing out and Driving game
Vermin Hunting
Guard duties
Tracking

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Basenji dog breeding program successful.

The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Basenji dog - essential information but unique to this site.

Basenji Dog Breed

Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group
The Hound group of dogs includes the Basenji and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets. This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as Basengi. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:

Dog Breeds - ABC List
Dog Names & Breeds Site Index
Hound Dog Breeds