By definition, a Basenji is a small hound approximately 16 to 18 inches in height and weighs approximately 22 to 24 lbs. They are elegant, graceful and extremely versatile. They have a short silky coat and pliant skin which lacks the usual doggy odour whether wet or dry. He is found in the colours of red and white; black and white; and black,
tan and white, all with white feet, white tip on tail and white chest. His head is held high with forehead furrowed with the most appealing wrinkles They have high set, pricked ears and dark almond eyes. Their tails are tightly curled, held high either side of the hind quarter, and they do not bark. The lack of bark is often thought to mean lack of voice, but this is definitely not so. The Basenji has an amazing vocabulary of sounds, particularly his
"yodelling". These sounds are usually uttered when happy, or caught in the act of some mischievous devilment.
As a watchdog, the Basenji is more positive in its approach than a normal barking house pet. He will raise his hackles and let out an unnerving rumble at the sound of impending danger.
The Basenji has a very high degree of intelligence and reasoning powers, and each Basenji has his own characteristics and personality. They are known to cry real tears, climb trees, hug like a bear, stalk birds, and being unbelievably fastidious, clean themselves like a cat.
Along with their intelligence, these remarkable little dogs love attention and are very affectionate and protective with children. They are claimed to have the gameness of a Bull Mastiff, but the gentleness of a Labrador.
He has a history which dates back to approximately 8000 BC. It is proven by paintings, carvings and hieroglyphics that the Basenji did exist in the early days of the Pharaohs, and in fact, are older than the Pyramids themselves.
It was not until 1895 that Western Civilization discovered the Basenji in Africa in the Congo regions, being used by the various tribes as a hunting dog. They are a most highly prized possession of these natives even today, as without his little dog, the native loses his prestige as a hunter.
In modern civilization today, particularly in America and Canada, he is regarded as a top hunting dog as he is swift, bold and has a keen sense of sound and scent. They are not gun shy and can point for over 80 yards, and because of their speed, they are fine and keen racing dairies too.
All Basenjis have the same creed: to adore, amaze, exasperate and enrich the lives of those humans lucky enough and perceptive enough to own them. Respect them for their independence as they are one of nature's creations, and remember that the Basenji is a free spirit and will] resist attempts to dominate this independence. Love them as you would a child, and in return, you will receive a devotion and respect seen in no other breed of dog. But, be it the show ring, hunting, racing or just lounging in your favourite chair, this little dog who once served pre-historic man will be adored bay you
THE BASENJI - AFRICAN BARKLESS DOG.
As a specialty club with an unusual breed of dog, the Basenji Club of Victoria is concerned that prospective owners of our breed understand this dog's remarkable nature. To own a dog is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. To own a Basenji is not only a responsibility, but a privilege.
Let us first look at the characteristics that make up a Basenji - he should be a lightly built, finely boned aristocratic looking animal, high on leg compared to length, poised, alert and intelligent. The wrinkled head with pricked ears should be carried on a well arched neck - the deep brisket should run up into a definite waste and the tail should be well set and tightly curled, presenting a picture of a well balanced dog of gazelle like grace. Basenjis come in three colours - red and white, black and white and tricolour.
The Basenji is probably closer to the wild dog of the jungle and the desert than any other domesticated breed. This makes him unique in the world of dogs. For over 8,000 years the Basenji has developed in a natural way alongside man but never under man's domination - instead he treats man as a colleague. He loves his owner and his owner's family, but will not ecstatically welcome visitors, unless he considers them worthy of attention.
Basenjis do have a very independent nature and because oŁ this can sometimes be hard to live with. They can be willful and disobedient if not trained correctly. They are too intelligent to be forced, so do not try to break his will. You must be firm, but just, to get the best results from your Basenji.
A Basenji is a Basenji and nothing will change this. He is a natural hunter with the ability to make the best use of sight, scent and sound, all of which tends to have its disadvantages. Although he is extremely intelligent, his strongly developed hunting instincts can be his undoing. If a car happens to be in the path of a scent he will not see it and this has resulted in an alarming number of Basenjis being killed It is for this reason that it is important to have good fencing.
Despite the above criticism, to the dog-lover who has the patience and tolerance to really understand the Basenji;, he can be the most affectionate, lovable family companion. He is easily house trained, fastidiously clean, and with a total lack of doggy smell is hard to beat as a house pet. They will greet each and every member of the family with the same enthusiasm upon their return home from work, school or whatever. Their own particular noise is best described as a mixture of a chortle and a yodel.
Some people buy a Basenji because they do not hark. True, they do not bark, but they can make all other 'doggy' noises, and can conceivably kick up quite a fuss if lonely or un-cared for. Under these conditions they will think of every mischievous thing that can be done to attract attention.
A Basenji owner really needs to understand his dog's nature to get the full enjoyment from him. When you do understand him he is a joy to have.- Whether he is looking into a fire with pricked ears and worried frown, cleaning himself like a cat, racing after game or just settling down on your bed for the night, he is a delight to watch.
To quote the famous pioneer and breeder of Basenjis, Miss Veronica Tudor-Williams:
"To see a Basenji is to admire it, but to know it is to love it, and I think the qualities which arouse this love, so that no other breed can take its place, are its affectionate and impish ways, and its almost uncanny sense of fun."
