Basenji: history, characteristics, education and cost

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History

The Basenji is an ancient breed originating from Central Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is also known as the Congo Terrier or Nyam-Nyam Terrier.

The first mentions of the breed date back to ancient Egypt, where the Basenji morphology was often depicted on tombs of pharaohs. These dogs were used as hunters, guardians, and companions. The Egyptians considered them sacred.

In the 19th century, British explorers rediscovered this breed, which accompanied African tribes, and began to import it. It quickly gained popularity among dog breeders, but importing new specimens was difficult as they were particularly affected by distemper.

In the early 20th century, efforts were made to establish a lineage in England. The breed was subsequently introduced to the United States in the 1930s and then to France in 1966. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943, and then by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1964.

Physical

The Basenji is a small dog. Females weigh between 9 and 10 kg, males between 10 and 11 kg. The height varies between 40 and 41 cm at the withers for a female and between 42 and 43 cm for a male.

The Basenji has a harmonious body, with a short and horizontal back and a chest well let down in the sternal region. The ribs are arched and oval. Its ears, of small dimensions, are pointed, erect, attached high, and forward.

Its head reveals fine and abundant wrinkles on the forehead when the dog pricks its ears. Its skull, moderately wide, is flat, well chiseled, and tapers towards the nose. As for its eyes, they are almond-shaped and dark in color.

Its tail, set high, curls in a tight loop over the spine. Overall, the Basenji has well-developed musculature, a deep chest, and powerful hind legs that enable it to run at high speed and jump with agility.

Finally, its short, shiny, and fine-textured coat covers a very supple skin. It can be two-tone (pure black and white, red and white, black and tan, fawn and white, white with tan patches and markings on the eyes, muzzle, and cheeks); solid black or brindle, that is to say that the coat is characterized by black stripes on a red background. The feet, as well as the chest and its extremities, are white.

 

Character

The Basenji is an intelligent, lively, and independent dog. This dog, who does not like solitude, is often described as being very attached to his family. He tends to be reserved with strangers but is particularly affectionate with members of his household.

It should be noted that, although the Basenji does not tend to bark, it emits a particular cry reminiscent of clucking or the vocalizations of Tyrolean singers. Finally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale describes it as being a dog of remarkable cleanliness in every way.

Health

These dogs can typically live between 12 and 14 years. They have a slight tendency to be overweight, so it will be important to respect your pet's daily nutritional needs without exceeding them. Basenjis can have food sensitivities, so it is important to choose quality food and consult a veterinarian for dietary recommendations. During a litter, the number of puppies varies between 4 and 6 on average.

There are different hereditary diseases that these dogs can suffer from:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia: This is a poor fit of the joints, causing pain and therefore making it difficult for the dog to move as it ages, as well as early osteoarthritis.
  • Hypothyroidism: This is a disease of the thyroid gland characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which can cause fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and other systemic problems.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy, which affects the animal's retina, is incurable, unfortunately, but painless. The cells transmitting the colors and brightness of exposure to the brain die; this eventually leads to the animal's blindness. Blind animals can still adapt well to it if they are accustomed to their environment. You just have to keep an eye on him constantly outside.
  • Fanconi syndrome: This is an inherited disease that affects the kidneys and can cause serious health problems. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and fatigue.
  • Atopic dermatitis: This is a skin condition that can cause itching and irritation. Symptoms include redness, rashes, and hair loss.

To protect yourself from these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, we recommends dog insurance.

Interview

Their short coats don't require regular grooming, but occasional brushing can help remove dead hair and keep their coat shiny. Use a soft brush to gently groom their coat.

The Basenji's erect ears need to be cleaned regularly to prevent wax buildup and infection, especially after walks. Use an ear solution recommended by your veterinarian, and gently clean the ears with a cotton ball. Be sure to monitor the growth of their claws, and do not hesitate to trim them with a suitable instrument when they become too long.

Basenjis are prone to dental problems, so it is important to brush their teeth regularly with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also give them chew bones or dental toys.

Finally, they are active dogs that need a sufficient amount of exercise each day. Daily walks and regular play sessions can be enough to satisfy them. They can also participate in dog sports, such as agility.

To buy a Basenji, expect to pay between €500 and €1,000 on average. The annual maintenance budget is between €900 and €1,000.

 

Education

Training a Basenji can be a bit difficult due to its independent and stubborn nature. However, with regular and rigorous training, it will be possible to have an obedient and balanced animal.

It is important to start training your Basenji at a young age to establish positive habits and routines from the start. They need a consistent and firm owner. Positive training methods, such as clicker training, can be very effective in training a Basenji. They focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted behaviors.

Their tendency to be wary of strangers can be problematic. It is important to socialize them so that they feel comfortable in a variety of situations, but also with different humans and animals.

Breed specificities

Their unique vocal anatomy means that they are unable to produce traditional dog barks but are capable of producing a variety of sounds, such as growls, whines, and screams typical of the breed. Their inability to bark traditionally makes these dogs a particularly attractive choice for apartment owners or people living in residential areas, where noise is a problem.

Finally, these dogs have a playful personality and can be a lot of fun to watch.

A word from the veterinarian

There are early detection methods for certain diseases. You can ask your veterinarian to perform X-rays to detect dysplasia and have appropriate treatment for your pet.

Eye conditions are often first noticed by the owner, so they should be observed regularly and any changes reported to your veterinarian. For Fanconi syndrome, there is a DNA test, which is most often performed directly by the breeder.

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