Basenji Dog Breed Information You Must Know

History of the Basenji

The Basenji is one of the oldest dog breeds. African peoples used these dogs for hunting before recorded history. Some similar-looking dogs are in artifacts of ancient Egypt.

During the 1800s, attempts to establish the breed in England failed because the dogs died of distemper or other diseases.   However, during the mid-1930s, quite a few dogs survived in England and the United States.

Those dogs became the foundation stock for breeds outside of Africa. In 1942, the Basenji Club of America, Inc. soon became the official AKC Parent Club. The Kennel Club of England recognized the breed in 1937.

Arrival in England

In 1895, a breeding pair was brought to England, but they passed quite quickly. In 1937, a different pair was shipped to England. The previously undiscovered breed stirred the dog-loving British public so that police were brought in to manage the crowds. They were displayed as natural curiosities. But once more, disaster struck: only the male, Bois, survived from the female and a litter of puppies.

Basenjis and certain breeds of pariah dogs have a lot in common. In contrast to other dog breeds, which may have two or more breeding seasons each year, Basenjis only go into heat once a year, like dingoes and New Guinea singing dogs. Before You Get A Puppy, Ask 12 Essential Questions

In addition to howling, yodeling, and other vocalizations above the distinctive bark of contemporary dog breeds, basenji lack a distinct odor. The Democratic Republic of the Congo provided the original foundation stock for the breed.

Recognition by the AKC

The breed grew in popularity and became a very common household pet during the last part of the 20th century.  The breed was officially accepted into the AKC in 1943.  Its popularity diminished somewhat, and in 2021, it ranked 87 on the AKC’s list.

They have excellent speed and eyesight. It hunts by sight, which makes it a sighthound. The AKC placed the Basenji in the Hound Group.

Personality

Basenjis often display behaviors that are similar to Terriers. They are very smart, curious, clever, and sometimes stubborn. Many owners compare its attitude to that of a cat, which is reserved, and independent.

This dog breed loves to chase and hunt any chance it can get. It needs plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and playtime. This breed does not bark like other dogs. When it does bark,  it sounds like a sort of yodeling sound.

Though bright, these dogs can be difficult to train because of their stubbornness. If you give them enough time, attention, and socialization, they make good family pets. Families with toddlers may wish to wait till the children are older before getting this breed because they don’t tolerate having their ears or tail tugged.

If you are considering adopting this dog breed, , the AKC Marketplace is the only website that solely lists puppies that are 100% AKC from litters that have been registered with the AKC.  The breeders who have produced and cared for these puppies are required to abide by the standards and restrictions set forth by the AKC

Living With Your Basenji

The Basenji is a relatively easy dog to maintain. It will help if you keep your dog indoors with the family at night. During the day, however, this dog loves to have the freedom to roam around outside. If you have a large fenced-in yard, let your dog play outdoors. Make sure it has plenty of water and shade during hot weather.

This breed is watchful, enthusiastic, inquisitive, and reserved around strangers. The Basenji has a propensity to develop an emotional bond with a single person. Your dog might not get along with animals that aren’t dogs. Like cats, Basenjis hate the rain and frequently refuse to go outside when it’s raining.

Training

For all breeds, early socialization and puppy training lessons are advised, but Basenji’s abundant energy, intellect, and propensity for mischief are absolutely essential.

Basenjis are frequently referred to as “catlike,” which would not seem to be good news for training. However, when given a supportive and rewarding environment and given positive training methods, they do learn quickly. Training sessions should not run longer than five or ten minutes because people lose interest in them soon.

They enjoy climbing and can readily climb chain-link or wire fences.

Grooming

They are meticulous animals. Their easy-care short coat typically only needs a fast once-over once a week with a soft-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove.

Oils from the skin are spread throughout the coat by brushing, which keeps it supple and attractive. Basenjis don’t have a “doggy” smell, and unless they get especially dirty, they rarely need to be bathed.

As with many breeds, their nails should be cut regularly since excessively long nails can hurt the dog and make it difficult to run and walk.

Health Information

Basenji dogs have a lifespan of between 12 and 13 years. Major health concerns include [wiki]enteropathy[/wiki], progressive retinal atrophy, and [wiki]Fanconi syndrome[/wiki]. Minor concerns include umbilical hernias and hypothyroidism.

They are exceptionally prone to Fanconi syndrome, an inherited condition in which the renal (kidney) tubes fail to reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients.  Excessive drinking, frequent urination, and glucose in the urine are symptoms that could cause diabetes to be misdiagnosed.

Fanconi syndrome

Fanconi syndrome often manifests between 4 and 8, though it can also occur as early as 3 or as late as 10. If treatment is started as soon as possible, organ damage from Fanconi syndrome can be minimized.

Other Health Issues

There is a simple recessive gene that, when present in homozygosity, results in hereditary hemolytic anemia in some Basenjis.  The majority of Basenjis in the present day have clean ancestors. The dog should be tested before breeding if genealogy from a fully tested line (set of ancestors) cannot be entirely proven. A Basenji can be tested for HA anytime because this is a non-invasive DNA test.

Basenjis occasionally get hip dysplasia, which causes loss of movement and symptoms resembling arthritis. Before breeding, all dogs should undergo testing for potential health problems.

The Basenji Club of America is the AKC’s parent club for this breed.