This animal bleats but isn't a sheep; chirps but isn't a bird; meows but isn't a cat; and yodels and chortles but isn't a human. So what is it? It's a dog -- a basenji, to be exact. This breed may not be able to bark, thanks to a throat structure that differs from other dogs', the basenji can nevertheless make plenty of sounds! Basenjis, believed by some to date back to ancient Egypt, were long used as hunting and guard dogs by Central African tribes. The breed was unknown in Europe and the U.S. until the 1870s, when it was discovered and imported to the West by British explorers. Characteristics - Small (average 17" at the shoulders)
- Independent
- Intelligent
- Playful
- Easily bored
- Curious
- Not prone to shedding
- Fond of running
- Loving yet aloof
- Affectionate, but not fawning.
Cat or Basenji? Basenjis possess several traits that are more common to cats than to dogs: - They have no dog smell, even just before a bath.
- They will sit and groom themselves for hours.
- They love basking in sunlight and other heat sources.
- They generally hate water.
Because of the breed's high intelligence and independence, training can be a challenge. A basenji must be trained on his own terms -- five or 10 minutes a day may be all that is needed. Once he gets bored, he will be ready to move on to something new. And he will reason that if his performing steps A, B and C pleases you, then just skipping directly from A to C will please you even more! The basenji's personality also makes it wise to keep him in a crate when you're away from home. Otherwise, he will find ways of entertaining himself in your absence -- ways that may not always meet with your approval! When you're at home, commit to daily walks and plenty of playtime, and by all means keep him on a leash. He's a sight hound, and he will chase anything that moves -- and he won't come back until he's good and ready! Basenjis can suffer from some characteristic health problems, including Fanconi syndrome, a potentially serious kidney disease that can be mistaken for diabetes. The breed comes in four color ranges: - Red-and-white
- Black-and-white
- Tricolor
- Brindle-and-white.
To find a good basenji puppy, check out both of his parents and the environment in which he was raised. Also, it's always a good idea to read up on a breed before you decide whether it's the right one for you. Web site resources for Basenjis: American Kennel Club Frequently Asked Questions about Basenjis
RESOURCES :
The Secondhand Basenji Handbook
Model: 0965848817
Author: Maria W. Cotter and Patrick, J. Cotter
Windigo
July 1999
The Basenji : Out of Africa to You
Model: 0944875696
Author: Susan Coe
Doral Publishing
August 1, 2000
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