Group: Hound
Origins: This is an ancient breed from the rainforests in Central Africa going all the way back to 6,000 BCE. They were hunting dogs bred for their strong noses and eyesight. They also have strong links to Egyptian royalty, as they were gifted to Pharaohs as pets.
Weight: 20-24 lbs
Height: 41-46 cm
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Coat: Short and sooth fur, silky to the touch, low amounts of shedding
Colors: Tan, black, brindle, red, black and white, tan and white, tri-color
Tail: Tightly curled tail that rests on the back
Ears: Pointy and large
Health: Usually healthy, but prone to vision/eye issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, kidney issues, bowel and digestive problems, demodex mites, and seizures.
Barking: The Basenji does not bark because of the way their larynx is shaped. They are often quiet, but they may make yodeling, croaking, or other vocal sounds on occasion (see video at the end of chapter).
Environment: They can live in a house or apartment as long as they are given plenty of space to play and run around.
Popularity: Somewhat rare. Ranked number 81 on the American Kennel Club's most popular breed list.
Family Friendly? Yes, but they tend to form a close bond with one person rather than the whole family. They are typically not suitable in households with younger children and small pets, but they may be an appropriate fit for an elderly person if they are able to provide plenty of activities. Their relationship with other dogs can vary.
Temperament: Playful, curious, energetic, smart, confident, loving, independent, and very unique.
Training: Difficult. They can be stubborn and get easily distracted.
Care: They should be given at least one hour of exercise per day. When outside they need to be inside a tall fence or kept on a leash due to their prey instincts and climbing abilities.
Hypoallergenic: YES (note: Dogs that are considered hypoallergenic are safer choices for people with allergies. It is not guaranteed that people won't get sick.)
Other Names: African Barkless Dog, Congo Bush, Belgian Congo, Congo Terrier
Famous Basenjis:
- Rukuba is a basenji in Nyanga mythology.
- Anubis is a dog featured in the 2015 movie Tales of Halloween.
More Facts:
- They can run up to 35 miles per hour.
- They are excellent climbers! They can even go up trees and barbed wire fences.
- They will groom themselves similar to a cat, leading them to have minimal odors.
- Puppy Basenjis are only born once a year because females have a mating season. Because of this, they can be expensive to adopt.
- The African name for the breed is M'bwa m'kube M'bwawamwitu. This means "the jumping up and down dog."
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Big Book of Dog Breeds
No Ficción🐕Purebred dogs listed from A to Z.🐩 Readers will learn all about over 100 different types of dogs ranging from large breeds like the Saint Bernard and small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier. The breeds included in this book will be both popular...
