Origin: Central Africa
Classification F.C.I.: Group 5 - spitz and primitive types
Classification UK: Group 6
Ancestry of the breed BASENJI probably goes back to old Egypt, because engraved sculptures of dogs resembling the Basenji look were found in the graves of the Pharaohs and also on the paintings beside the so called pharaoh hound dogs are pictured Basenji look alike dogs. The breed name BASENJI comes from language Bantu and means “born in the bush”. Originating from the Republic of the Congo Basenji is also sometimes called “Congolese dog”.
Basenji is a very remarkable dog. Although he does not bark he is able to make various noises often yodel like ones. He is very clean, definitely lively, happy, joyful but also stubborn and dominant dog. If living with other dogs in the same household one has to be ready for occasional dogfights while dominant individuals are trying to enforce their leadership of the pack. Generally they are nice to people but certainly all depends on the upbringing and training they receive and this should not be underestimated.
In Africa Basenji is being mainly used as a tracker dog and sometimes like a watch dog as well. In the Czech Republic it is a rare breed for the time being but its popularity keeps rising thanks to the pleasing appearance, cleanliness, absent “dog odour” and “barklessness”. Basenji coat is short, fine, smooth and therefore easy for up keeping. Most common colour is red and white where white should be on the feet, chest and tail tip. Other available colours: Pure black and white; black and tan, and white with melon pips and tan markings on muzzle and cheeks; black; tan and white; brindle (red background with black stripes).
Wrinkles appearing on forehead when ears pricked are a typical sign of a Basenji.
Ideal height at withers/ weight:
Copyright © 1996 - 2010, Sukova.org, a.s. Created by PLAYzone s.r.o.