Basenji Dog
The Basenji dog breed is a small but striking hound breed. The Basenji
breed's really striking characteristics are a slim body and long legs,
made even more prominent by a coat of short hair. But those supermodel
attributes are balanced by a wrinkly-fleshed forehead and curled tail.
Basenjis' lithe bodies make them both gracious and swift. Perhaps most
endearing to Basengjis' next-door neighbors is the fact that they tend
not to bark. One of the oldest dog breeds, Basenjis have even been
depicted on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs.
Here are the characteristics of the Basenji breed as determined by the
American Kennel Club's published breed standard.
Basenji's Behavior
Recommended for: hunting, pet
Basenji dogs tend to be independent and can even seem aloof around
strangers. But they're affectionate with their families. Though
Basenjis normally don't bark, they can make a variety of sounds,
including whines and squeals. They can also emit a unique yodeling
sound (according to Wikipedia).
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual
dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before
bringing them into your home.
Basenji's Physical Characteristics
Size: males: 17 inches; females: 16 inches
Coat: short and fine.
Color: Chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and chestnut
red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red)
Eyes: Dark hazel to dark brown, almond shaped, dark rims
Ears: Small, erect and slightly hooded
Skull: flat and medium-wide
Muzzle: shorter than skull
Nose: Black
Tail: curled and bent forward
Basenji's Origins and History
Here is some basic history of the Basenji dog breed according to Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: The Congo
Original purpose: as hounds, Basenjis chased wild game into nets.
Name: also called: African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango
Angari, Avuvi, Congo Dog, Zande Dog.
Historical notes: According to DNA analysis, the Basenji dog breed is
one of the world's oldest dog breeds. The Azande and Mangbetu tribes
from the northeastern Congo region describe Basenjis, in the trade
language of Lingala, as "dogs from when we were wild" or "dogs from
long ago". There are even depictions of Basenjis painted on the walls
of some ancient Egyptian tombs. Over time, Basenjis disappeared until
they were only left in the Congo. In the 1930s several Basenjis were
brought to England. Today, almost all Basenjis in the West descend
from these dogs, along with a handful of others who came to England
and the USA from the 1930s to 50s. As Basenjis became one of the USA's
most popular breeds, there were more and more concerns over
inbreeding. In the 1990s, some Basenjis were brought from the Congo to
the United States and bred.
Basenji Dog