Basenji

No bark? But just an 'arrh'. This dog can't bark - at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, the Basenji lets out a sound that resembles a yodel, thanks to the unique shape of its larynx. But there's more to the Basenji than its unusual vocalization. The breed is one of the oldest of the dog breeds. If you had to create a list of the most ancient dogs, the Basenji would surely be at the top of it.

The Basenji is said to have originated in the central African countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Cameroon, and former Rhodesia, Zambia (then called). Pictures of these dogs were found in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, where they were depicted as companion and hunting dogs.

The first Basenjis were brought to the United States in the late 1930s and were registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1943.

The name 'Basenji' means 'village dog' in the languages of the western region of the Congo basin (Lingala Language). These dogs were used for hunting, guard work, and companionship. They run remarkably fast, making them perfect for hunting small game.

Hunting with Basenjis is highly efficient. The dogs locate the game, form a 'ring' around it, and keep it at bay until the hunter comes to finish the job. Special training methods are used, including muzzling the dogs.

The dog's uniqueness does not end with a bark. This breed is clean, and one of its nicknames is 'barkless dog' or 'barkless hunter'. Its original name in Africa, 'gaze', means 'a dog that does not bark'. All these factors - its vocalizations, strong personality, and cleanliness - have aroused the interest of dog lovers and adventurers. The beauty of the Basenji - its elegant lines, unique appearance, and wonderful gait - is equally captivating.

The Petersen family of Cleveland, Ohio, is credited with the introduction of the Basenji into the United States. In 1936, the Petersens brought two males and one female, all of red and white color, from Africa. These Basenjis were kept in a zoo-like structure and visited the zoo only for special occasions. Most of them were not able to adapt to living with people, and the mating did not produce any offspring. Subsequently, other Basenjis were imported, some of which produced puppies.

The first Basenjis born in the USA were the puppies of the import 'Louise the Lady' (Mrs. Gardiner). The second litter born in the United States was from 'Bulu', imported by Mr. and Mrs. Steven Green Hargreaves. Eventually, the dogs from these two bloodlines became the ancestors of all Basenjis in the USA.

2. History and Origin of Basenjis

The history of the Basenji breed is quite fascinating and full of adventure. As Central Africa's oldest domesticated dog breed, the Basenji has its roots in the historical hunting dogs of the ancient Egyptians. Their ancestors have appeared in carvings of dogs resting on pillows from about 4,500 to 5,000 B.C. The breed originated in the Middle Congo area and was discovered by European explorers such as Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone in the late 1800s. Originally taken to England, it was introduced in the USA in the early 1930s as a curiosity by William Henry Sheppard, resulting in several imports.

Though quite popular, the breed faced challenges—around 90% of Basenjis imported to the US in 1936 and 1937 were found to have a kidney disease endemic in Africa. A breeding program was subsequently started, but Basenjis were not popular in the United States until the early 1950s when an American-owned kennel in Kenya began exporting them. Today, the Basenji is bred by fanciers worldwide, recognized by such clubs as the American Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale (European KC), and The Basenji Club (UK). Nicknamed the "barkless dog," Basenjis lack the larynx needed to bark, producing a variety of sounds such as growls and howls. Basenjis are affectionate, lively companions with a cat-like grooming behavior.

The breed has undergone several name changes throughout history. The Basenji's first name was "Bantu," the name of an African language, though the Bantu language has many dialects. The Basenji were given the name "Basenji" because it means "house dog" in the Bantu dialect. The French name "Bongos" and the German name "Dokia" were given by the first Europeans to study the breed, but these names have never been used in England or America. With different types of African dogs, the breed fell into one of two classifications: the hunting dogs (the Basenji being one) and the herding dogs. Other names for the Basenji include "African barkless dog," "Congo dog," and "Zande dog."

3. Physical Characteristics and Traits

The Basenji is a remarkable canine breed, characterized by its distinct appearance and unique physiological traits. It is a small to medium-sized, muscular dog with a tightly curled tail and an elegantly arched neck. The Basenji's eyes are luminous and triangular, projecting an alert and inquiring expression. The ears are erect and pointed, resembling a fox's ears, and these dogs have a flat, furrowed skull. The thin, long legs are set slightly apart, giving the breed a graceful gait. The Basenji's coat is fine and smooth, with a variety of colors, including chestnut, red, dark brown, or black, often accompanied by white markings.

These dogs exhibit a dignified and proud demeanor, with an inclination to observe rather than actively engage with something unsettling in their environment. A strong-willed and fiercely independent breed, Basenjis take pride in their actions and seldom look back to check for instruction after being excused from a stand. Basenjis are exceptionally intelligent and find innovative ways to express their cleverness. However, a Basenji is neither mischievous nor disloyal, and it can be challenging to develop mutual respect and attention with passive trainers.

Being bred as working dogs, Basenjis tend to have a proclivity for digging, tracking, stalking, and hiding things. Despite their keen hunting instinct, Basenjis have been known to peacefully coexist with household cats. Like most terriers, the Basenji employs its inventive talents to outwit and circumvent the measures of control imposed by its masters—the most effective being the establishment of a close bond and mutual understanding. A Basenji is a delightful and satisfying pet once it places its faith in a person.

3.1. Behavioral Traits and Temperament

A more elegant and neat description of the section may help readers understand that each breed class has unique advantages and disadvantages. Individual dogs can vary widely within a specific breed; thus, many breed characteristics, which describe tendencies, may not apply to a specific dog but apply to the average dog of that breed. Before acquiring a Basenji or any dog, individuals should become familiar with the breed.

Basenjis are agile, gracefully built, darting dogs. Their unique aberrant barkless condition and cat-like traits of nonwetting, washing face, cleanliness, and acrobatic skill make them a distinctive breed. They are regal and intense, quick-witted and cat-like in many of their activities, blends of elegance and style that entertain those who observe them. Despite being often labeled as stubborn, it is this intelligence and independence that make a Basenji respond to patient, consistent training. Basenjis tend to bond closely with a single person. They can be inquisitive and snoop in everything, being known for their infiltration of gardens. Snatching food with remarkable dexterity is a noted trait. Basenjis are not lap dogs and cannot spend long periods cuddled in laps. They tend to stay close to the person they want to steal from. Because the Basenji is a hunter, they cannot be trusted unsupervised with other pets, especially small animals.

Basenjis are free-minded and possess an air of independence. They think things over carefully before action, and at times may need an extra push. They should never be mistaken for being slow or dim-witted, as this air of independence can be mistaken for being not very bright. Basenjis are different from herding, retrieving, or even companion breeds, best understood by thinking of them in the context of their historic development where the Basenji and various primitive breeds led a similar lifestyle for many thousands of years and shared many common characteristics. They never crowded their owners and always maintained a degree of distance. Basenjis possess a strong hunting instinct and prey drive, excelling at everything fast, furred, feathered, or otherwise edible.

4. Care and Training

Basenjis are relatively easy to care for and maintain because they are naturally clean animals. They usually do not have a distinctive doggy smell. Their short coats are also easy to groom and maintain. While some owners use a rubber curry comb or grooming glove, this is not necessary. Weekly brushing minimizes dust and scattered hair, but otherwise, the coat is self-cleaning.

Basenjis are generally a hardy breed, but like all dogs, they do have some health issues. Basenjis' tightly curled tails are a sign of this trait. This trait is also used as one of the breed identification. While many Basenjis have tight curls, some may have loose curls or left tails. Basenjis do not have the doggy odor present in many breeds but may have a unique odor due to a lack of a major coat. In addition, Basenjis often wring their mouths in a "cough" manner that symbolizes doggy expression. This sound is not a bark but rather a twisted, wrinkled bark.

Basenjis have a high energy level and a strong prey drive. They are good jumpers and should be kept in fenced yards or leashes away from open fields. To keep a Basenji occupied, a secure outside area needs to be provided. Basenjis love to investigate, so outside areas should contain diversion ways, such as toys or makeshift places to ambush. A Basenji should never be chained or tethered outside, as it will likely either escape or chew on its leg.

Basenjis are intelligent and confident, so they require firm, consistent training. If training is not consistent, then the Basenji will become assertive. In addition, younger Basenjis should be made into very good companions by undertaking puppy kindergarten classes at six months of age.

Rewards should be given liberally when training Basenjis to reinforce desired actions. Basic obedience, queuing, and house training can usually be taught without too much difficulty. However, training in dog sports such as agility or tricks may be more difficult. In agility, jumpers are usually more difficult to train than handlers, as Basenjis may run past tunnels or other obstacles to go investigate litterbugs or spots brought by other dogs.