The Basenji breed was bred in Africa. It looks like a small dog, comparable in size to the fox terrier, has a sporty physique and a smooth short coat of various colors. In addition, often on the paws, on the chest or on the tip of the tail, you can see white marks. On the forehead of this breed there are deep wrinkles, which creates an anxious look to the muzzle.
In addition to the Basenji, the breed also has other synonyms: Voiceless Dog, African dog barking dog or African Bush Dog, also a dog from the Congo Dog), or Zande Dog
This breed of dogs has its own characteristics of appearance. Their ears are straight and standing upright, somehow resemble the ears of a German shepherd, and someone says that the basenji looks like a small deer. The tail is high and wrapped to the back, and the eyes are almond shaped and a little tricky.
The breed of Basenji dogs was bred for hunting, so this dog loves to run and hunt for some small animals. So do not be surprised if the Basenji runs after some beast for a walk. But do not because of this keep this dog on a leash, it is likely to be offended and will ignore the owner. Like any hunting dog, the basenji distinguish their legs, they are long and somewhat reminiscent of the rhythmic gait of a horse. If this dog rushes to the full ghost, it creates the feeling that it runs at a gallop, while the paws almost do not touch the ground.
And one of the main features of the Basenji breed is of course that they never bark. Naturally, they are not dumb and therefore occasionally can afford a quiet, short howl or barking. If this dog is left alone at home, it will be upset, begin to whine and slightly bark, and barking it, in some ways, looks like a woman or a cock crowing.
If we talk about the nature of the Basenji, then this breed is difficult to learn. These dogs are very stubborn, although they have a sincere desire to please the owner. The behavior of the owner with such a dog should be tough, but not aggressive and not evil. If compared with other breeds, the Basenji is a very destructive breed, they can organize pogroms anywhere in the world. If he is left alone, he will certainly strive to get out onto the street. Therefore, before you get yourself this pet, you need to think very carefully, this breed is very independent and stubborn.
History of the breed
The history of this breed is rooted in ancient African legends, it stands out for its grace, impeccability, perfection and harmony. This silent, but brave dog accompanied the pharaohs, also very much helped the pygmies in the struggle for life. This breed is found in the pages of fiction in the US and other countries, without changing with time, it remained all the same unusual and similar to its brothers from the distant past.
In Europe, Basenji gained popularity in the late nineteenth century, and before that the whole history of this breed was associated with Africa. These dogs seemed so unique in Europe that they were briefly put on display in the zoo for a short time, and this was awarded only to some breeds. In this connection, the basenji are compared to the dingo dog, drawing parallels between them.
Before this breed was established in Europe and the USA, the Basenji breed has overcome many difficulties, including the high mortality of dogs due to infectious diseases. But everything was overcome, many fell in love with this unique, different from other breeds, an African non-moving dog from the forest of the tropics, the Europeans understood the nature of the Basenji and he did not leave them indifferent.
Character
If we talk about the nature of the Basenji dogs, we can distinguish several basic features. Definitely, these are intelligent dogs, they have a very developed hunting instinct, they like freedom, but they can undoubtedly become a close and sensitive friend. They are very adaptable to the conditions of their maintenance, even if they are very different from those in which they were originally contained - the conditions of the Pygmy village. Although they are freedom lovers, they do not tolerate loneliness at all, they need constant movement and at the same time the classical method of dressing absolutely does not suit them, which, in turn, led to the opinion that they can not be taught anything, but this is a false opinion. They are also very vulnerable and do not tolerate a bad attitude towards themselves. Basenji do not want to be the shadow of their master and follow him anywhere, which was usually required of dogs. Despite such a feature, they are ready to cooperate and truly be friends with the owner, it is with this respect that the Basenji will become an ideal close friend. That's why these dogs are often called cat dogs. If the owner does not take enough care of his pet, walking around a little, not communicating with him, being rude and yelling, the dog will react to it, her behavior will become destructive, thus they want to attract attention, and one must be careful, because in this state they are able to escape.
If this breed is brought up the way it requires, treat it kindly, affectionately, then the basenji will necessarily become the best companions who can make a company on any trip, the more they like traveling.
Care
The most important requirement, of course, is a long walk with no leash. This is sometimes difficult to perform due to conditions on the street, when there is a danger in the form of transport, because the Basenji are absolutely not afraid of vehicles; many of the dogs, in connection with the instinct of a hunting dog, begin to pursue a moving object, and this very often leads to a tragic end, so many dogs at an early age die precisely in a collision when they pursue a car.
In addition, the Basenji have a preference for joint walks, when there are several dogs of its breed. In such a company they cheerfully and actively release the accumulated energy and communicate with each other, and if you remember that this is a hunting dog, which means that the pack is a natural condition for the Basenji. Therefore, sometimes the owners of the Basenji plant not one, but several dogs of this breed. It can also help the dog smooth out her sense of loneliness.
Habitat
The conditions of detention can be different, they feel good and in a spacious apartment where he can perform exercises, and on the street. Do not forget that as soon as the Basenji begins to feel lonely, he will begin to gnaw furniture and other things in the apartment. Basenji can be compared to a hyperactive little child.