The Basenji or Congo Dog is one of the strangest dog breeds in the world!
What we tell you about the little African in today’s article is definitely worth remembering.
The Basenji brings with them exceptional and unique characteristics and traits that can be both intriguing and, to some, off-putting.
Are you ready? In any case, the Basenji is born ready!
Basenji Wanted Poster
We start our article with a small overview of the peculiar Basenji:
Size male: 41 to 43 cm, female: 38 to 41 cmWeightmale: 10 to 12 kg, female: 9 to 11 kgColorsBlack and white, red and white, black, tan and white (some with tan markings), brindleLife expectancy12 to 16 yearsOriginDemocratic Republic of Congocharacter/temperamentIntelligent, curious, self-confident, independent, focused, playful, affectionateFCI groupGroup 5: Spitz and archetypal dogs, Section 6: Archetype, without working trial
Appearance – What does a Basenji look like?
The Basenji has a distinctive appearance. He looks cheeky, proud, elegant and almost a little arrogant.
Its fluid movements show that this dog is capable of outstanding performance.
The Colors of the Basenji range from solid black through black and white, red and white, tan and white to brindle (brindle on red).
The Basenji wears the white markings on the paws, chest and tip of the tail. A special feature are the tan markings above the eyes, also called melon seeds.
The Basenji fur is short, dense and very fine. In good health, his coat is shiny and gives him a graceful expression.
An adult male Basenji will achieve a maximum shoulder height of 43 centimeters at a Weight of up to 12 kilograms.
Bitches are a little smaller and more delicate with a shoulder height of up to 41 centimeters and a fighting weight of 11 kilograms.
History & Origin of the Basenji
The Basenji is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The first portraits of the Kongo dog were created as early as 2700 BC.
It is a Original type dogwhich still shows a very original behavior today.
Independence is in the genes of the self-confident four-legged friend.
For a long time, the Basenji lived in close proximity to humans in Africa, but mostly ensured their own survival.
It was not until 1870 that the British discovered the almost wild dog and the breeding of the small four-legged friend began.
Today, the Basenji enjoys great popularity around the world, although it’s definitely not a dog for everyone!
Essence & character of the Basenji
There is a real personality in every Basenji. He brings in high temperament, great joy of movement and a enormous endurance with.
The little dog from the bush is also known for his stubborn and independent way.
His behavior is partly «feline» and his upbringing challenging.
What is also special is that the Basenji barks little or not at all. If he lets his voice ring out, it is only monosyllabic and not very melodic.
Basenjis are affectionate and loyalwhen they are treated as equals by their caregiver. Subordination and unconditional obedience are alien to this dog.
The Basenji is sensitive, good-natured, attentive and intelligent. He also gets along with school-age children as long as they follow the rules for dealing with animals.
They feel most comfortable in their pack – for example with other dogs – and are don’t like to be alone. So you should not leave the affectionate Basenji alone for long.
They carry around a pronounced stubbornness, which they like to try to enforce.
Furthermore, the Basenji is a gifted hunter and runner.
Its overall package makes it a dog for enthusiasts and connoisseurs, but not for novice dogs.
Good to know:
The clever Basenji is considered a real escape artist. So you should never leave him unattended in the garden, because he could find or create a hole in the fence somewhere.
Climbing is also no problem for the athletic dog, nor is opening doors. Rest assured, a dog of this breed will always keep you on your toes!
attitude & upbringing
The stubborn, independent and sometimes peculiar behavior of the Basenji is in the attitude and upbringing quite a challenge.
The running dog would like to enter House with garden inhabit, but with enough variety and occupation can also in a city apartment to become happy.
Important:
Since the Basenji is a very original dog, good socialization as a puppy is extremely important. Only then can it become a relaxed companion in everyday life.
You can give a Basenji the basic obedience whether he will always reliably carry out your instructions is uncertain.
He likes to make his own decisions and regularly puts his owners to the test.
Health & Care
Not only is the Basenji’s behavior cat-like, but also its way of preening itself.
The dog from the Congo is considered very clean and easy to care for.
Its short fur requires little maintenance and sheds relatively little. But what your Basenji definitely needs is conscientious claw care.
You are also responsible for his Nutritional and general health status always to be kept in view.
Acquaintance Hereditary diseases in the Basenji include urinary tract diseases, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, progressive retinal atrophy and Fanconi syndrome or glucose-amino acid diabetes, a kidney disease that requires a special diet.
Despite many possible hereditary diseases Life expectancy for the Basenji between 12 and 16 years.
Is the Basenji right for me?
Wondering if a Basenji is right for you?
If the following statements apply to you, you should definitely get to know one or more representatives of this breed:
- You love the challenge!
- You are no longer a novice dog.
- You have plenty of time to keep an affectionate dog like this one.
- You lead a life in which your Basenji can participate almost continuously, because you should not leave this dog alone
- You can make friends with the headstrong nature of this dog breed and let a Basenji be a Basenji.
- You can offer your dog enough activity, exercise and variety.
- You have a financial buffer to treat possible diseases of your Basenji!
- You are not looking for a dog that follows you everywhere and is constantly subject to your obedience.
Basenji in Breed Portrait – Video
Fun facts about the Basenji
The Basenji is a really special dog. He exhibits traits you won’t see in any other breed of dog, such as:
- They are excellent climbers and escape artists
- Basenjis have a strange voice color and almost never bark, but they can yodel
- The Basenji is very clean and grooms itself almost like a kitten
- They have enormous amounts of energy and tend to be destructive if not exercised enough
Want to share more cool Basenji facts with us? Then leave a comment!