Breeders | Clubs | Profile | Graphics | Rescue | Shirts | Free Basenji Pictures
Basenji Information
   |
The Basenji is commonly known as the "Barkless Dog"- they do not bark, however they do let out an ear piercing screech when unhappy.
Basenji's are highly priced in Africa for their intelligence, speed, hunting power, as well as their silence. Though one of the oldest breeds, to this day they are still used in Africa.
In 1937 a pair of Basenji were brought to New York. They had a litter of puppies but they had all contracted Distemper and all but one male died from the disease. Shortly after that, a female was brought to Boston and the surviving male from New York was mated with her. This resulted in the very first litter of Basenji puppies to be raised to maturing in America.
In 1942, the Basenji Club was founded and two years later the breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club. Though the breed has never been highly popular, the breed does have a strong following and those who own them are very stuck on the breed.
The Basenji isn't a very large dog. Males should be 17 inches tall and weigh about 24 pounds, females 16 inches tall and weigh 22 pounds. Their coat is short, fine, and very shiny. Their colors can be red, pure black, tricolor, and brindle. They do shed, but brushing them a couple of times a week will really help cut down on this problem. They are considered to be a 'wash & go" type breed- low maintance- since no actual grooming is required. Nail trim and ear cleaning, bathing as needed.
They're very intelligent dogs, fairly independent and also affectionate to their families. They are usually aloof with strangers and will usually appear to be somewhat 'snobbish' to those they don't know.
Usually Basenji's aren't aggressive, however there are some who can be. This can happen in literally any breed, depending on the amount of socialization that the individual puppy is given, and the temperaments of the parents. It's very important to socialize your Basenji beginning at a young age to get him used to new people, sights and sounds. Not doing so could possibly result in your Basenji being aggressive.
Health concerns with the Basenji include Fanconi Syndrome, which is a disorder in which the proximal renal tubules of the kidney do not properly reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients back into the body, but instead "spill" them in the urine. Symptoms include excessive drinking, excessive urination, and glucose in the urine. If Fanconi is left untreated, muscle wasting, acidosis, and poor condition will also occur.
IPSID (Immunoproliferative small intestinal disease, malabsorption, immunoproliferative enteropathy of Basenjis, IPEB, etc.) , which is a chronic intestinal problem with symptoms including diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, and, if unchecked, potentially death. Its frequency and mode of inheritance are unknown. Age of onset varies widely. It is an autoimmune problem, associated with the proliferation of lymphocytes and plasmocytes in the intestine. The mode of inheritance is not yet clearly understood, but it appears to be a hereditary problem.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye condition in which the retina begins to deteriorate, causing visual loss and generally leading to blindness.
Pyruvate-kinase deficient hemolytic anemia was first diagnosed in Basenjis in the 1960's. Before then there were many Basenjis who had died of a then-unknown form of anemia. Research began in the 1960's, with a carrier test available in the early 1970's.
Other health problems the breed could have include Hip Dysplasia, cataracts, corneal dystrophy as well as other eye problems, thyroid problems, and umbilical and inguinal hernias.
When purchasing a Basenji puppy, be sure to discuss these problems with the breeder to see if they have had any of the above problems in the line and if they do health screenings to help prevent these problems.
Ad rate is $15 per month.
Build Your Ad Today!
