BASENJI
Breed Group: Natural Dog/Sight Hound
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 38 - 43 cms (14 - 17 in)
Average Weight: 9 - 12 kgs (19 - 26 lbs)
Coat Length: Short
Life Span: 13 - 14 years
Colours:Â Chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and chestnut red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, blaze, and collar optional. The amount of white should never predominate over primary color. Color and markings should be rich, clear, and well-defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between the black and red of tricolors and the stripes of brindles.
HISTORY
The history of the Basenji has been traced back to the Stone Age. Egyptian tomb engravings from around 3000 BC show Basenji-like dogs being kept as pets, sitting next to their owners and hunting alongside them. The Basenji came to the western world from Africa, mainly from the Congo (former Zaire) and the Sudan. They made their introduction into our modern world around 1880 being exhibited in a zoo in the UK. Afterward, there were several attempts breeding them in the UK, only to be successful around the 1930’s. In Africa, the Basenji is used as a hunting dog, rounding up the game and circling it thus keeping it penned until the hunter arrives to dispatch it. As silent hunters, they often wear bells around their neck or loin.
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L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.Â
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BASENJI
- They are a free spirit
- They are cat-like and independent
- They have an instinctual, logical way of thinking
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- It's difficult to walk them off lead in a non-fenced and/or non-controlled environment
- Their suspicious and aloof behavior towards strangers
- Their way of processing and contemplating every instruction given
YOUR BASENJI PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Reactivity towards people or dogs
- Redirected aggression
- Resource guarding
- Not coming when called especially when prey is involvedÂ
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
Being consistent and having a good sense of humor is needed with this breed!
UPBRINGING
Respect their independent behavior and set limits without force or intimidation. Treat them as a partner and not as a subordinate. Acknowledge their more primitive behavior, instinct, and independence within safe limits. Be clear and consistent but in a logical way or they will lose regard and trust in you.
LIFESTYLE
Basenjis can live in a smaller space as long as they have enough exercise and enrichment.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
The Basenji has an impressive sense of smell and sight. They love to track and hunt (though not always at the moment WE would like them to). Lure coursing, running on a race track, or a simple food scatter will trigger those senses.
EDUCATION
New Basenji owners may tell you their dog is not overly impressed with obedience, agility, or any other type of education, but their interests are in fact very versatile. It is your job to find out what activity triggers your Basenji ánd what they find rewarding to reinforce the behavior. They are very sensitive to harsh and 'rude' methods. Focus on training with positive reinforcement.
