Basenji
Overview
The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that originated in central Africa. They are considered in North America to be a member of the sight hound family; most kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club (KC) of the United Kingdom classify it as a hound. The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname "Voiceless Dog." Although Basenjis do not bark per se, they can mimic sounds, and thus are able to mimic barks if raised among barking dogs. In behavior and temperament they have some cat-like traits.
Basenji Quick Facts
- Weight: 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg.)
- Height: 16-17 inches (41-43 cm.)
- Coat: Smooth, shiny
- Activity level: High
- Learning rate: High
- Temperament: Alert, affectionate, demanding, energetic, curious, playful, intelligent, hyperactive, potentially mischievous
- Guard dog ability: Low
- Watch-dog ability: Low
- Litter size: ~4-6 puppies
- Life span: ~10-12 years
The Basenji is one of the oldest breeds of dog. They originated in Africa, and have been venerated by man for thousands of years. Basenjis can be seen on steles in tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, sitting at the feet of their masters, looking just as they do today, with pricked ears and tightly curled tail.
The Basenji had almost disappeared from the West when Europeans came across it in the Congo in 1895. There, the Basenji was prized by locals for its intelligence, courage, speed and silence. They were assistants on hunt, chasing wild game into nets for their masters. The Azande and Mangbetu people from the northeastern Congo region describe Basenjis--in the local Lingala language--as "mbwa na basenzi", meaning "dogs of the savages", or "dogs of the villagers". In the Congo, the Basenji is also known as "Dog of the Bush." The dogs are also known to the Azande of southern Sudan as Ango Angari. In Kiswahili, another Bantu language, from East Africa, mbwa shenzi translates to "wild dog". Another local name is m'bwa m'kube m'bwa wamwitu, or "jumping up and down dog", a reference to their tendency to jump straight up to spot their quarry.
Several attempts were made to bring the breed to England, but the earliest imports succumbed to disease. In 1923, for example, Lady Helen Nutting brought six Basenjis with her from Sudan, but all six died from distemper shots they received in quarantine. It was not until the 1930s that foundation stock was successfully established in England, and then to the United States by animal importer Henry Trefflich. Thus nearly all the Basenjis in the Western world are descended from these few original imports. The breed was officially accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1943. In 1990 the AKC stud book was reopened to several new imports at the request of the Basenji Club of America. Basenjis are also registered with the United Kennel Club.
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