Dog Breeds > The Basenji
The Basenji
If you are thinking about having a dog in your house, the breed of Basenji might strike your interest. This wonderful dog has silent nature so you don’t need to worry about it being so noisy especially at night. However, don’t be surprised if you hear the Basenji’s unusual yodel-like bark because that is the real sound of their bark.
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Fascinating Facts
According to some historians, the Basenji may have originated from Africa and have lived among humans thousands of years ago. Also known as the African Barkless Dog, the African Bush Dog and the African Dingo, the Basenji is prized for their intelligence, speed, courage and most of all, their silence.
Physical Appearance
The Basenjis are elegant-looking, small, short-haired dogs with pointed ears and curled-tail dog breed. Sometimes they are compared with a small deer. When the Basenjis are young, they have a very prominent wrinkled forehead. They also have almond shaped eyes. The Basenji’s normal size is 15-17 inches for height and 20-26 lbs for weight. They are also known for having fur that is colored black, reddish-brown or white, and they sometimes come in tricolors.
Grooming
The Basenjis are easy to groom and do not have a fashionable fur. That’s why some owners tend to put some clothes on them.
Mood
The Basenji is noted for its being silent and sometimes aloof. Although this dog breed shows this kind of temperament, it is actually very playful and can easily develop close and strong relationship with its owner. Another one of the Basenji’s peculiar attitude is its being reserved, inquisitive and its cat-like behavior of cleaning itself. Because of its very apparent hunter traits, it chases anything that moves that crosses its way.
With Children
The Basenjis are very suitable for families with children because of its playful nature. The owners especially the children do not have to be afraid or worried about noisy barks because the Basenji seldom barks.
Training & Exercise
Owing to its hunter nature, the Basenjis can be easily trained especially if the trick involves running. Another one of its astonishing attribute is its habit of standing on its hind legs. Whenever it sees something that it could lean on, expect that it will stand on its hind legs. If you are letting your Basenji out for a walk especially on a very busy street, do not unleash them because it will surely chase anything that moves fast such as cars.
Health & Life Expectancy
The Basenji’s lifespan is normally 12-14 years, depending on the manner of care of owners. However, there are some serious health risks that the Basenjis carry that the owners should be aware of. According to the recent study of the UK Kennel Club, the most common illness that the Basenjis suffer is the PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and other kind of blindness. The Basenji is also prone to liver cancer hypothyroidism.
Furthermore, you cannot expect them to procreate as much as you want because the Basenjis reach the estrus or breeding season only once a year.
There are many dog owners who find the Basenjis interesting and adorable. You could avoid your Basenji from being silent and aloof with the right amount of mental and physical stimulation. Surely, with its feisty and very active nature, you will never be bored with the Basenji’s company.
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