The Basenji is a Barkless but not Silent Dog
Curious And Avid Chewers, These Dogs Are Also Very Loyal
Jun 8, 2009
Known as the "Barkless Dog," Basenjis are by no means mute dogs. They produce a wide variety of sounds described as yodels, chortles, or crows when they are happy. Each dog has its own repertoire. Although they do not bark, they do growl, whimper, and whine.
The Active Basenji
Basenji curiosity makes this breed very active. They love to play, and they love to chew. New owners learn quickly to put away anything accessible. They also learn that a tired dog is a good dog and a dog that won't chew. The courageous Basenji, hunters by breeding, require a high amount of activity to keep them occupied. But, they are not bouncy dogs.
Basenjis chase squirrels, cats, rabbits, and anything else they see. It's important to keep them on leash unless they are in a secure area because Basenjis love to run. Even then, an owner takes a chance leaving them alone in a fenced yard. Basenjis are accomplished escape artists with tree climbing being a specialty. A six-foot fence is nothing for them to clear, so leaving them unattended in the yard is not a good idea. Crating the Basenji is a must.
Basenjis and People
The adaptable Basenji tolerates children well and early socialization helps turn dog and child into playmates that wear each other out. When meeting strangers, Basenjis are aloof and prefer to make the first move towards friendship. Strangers should keep fingers away from the dog's face until attention is invited.
Female Basenjis are more dominant towards other dogs in the home, even other female dogs. Males are aggressive towards other male dogs. For a solo Basenji home, a neutered male is suggested. If two are desired, either get two as pups or mix the sexes. With a hunting background, other types of pets in the home is not ideal unless heavily socialized and supervised.
A large, intimidating dog they are not. But, Basenjis protect their den and turf to the bitter end. They make one of the best watch dogs. Overall, to keep up with this perky and spirited breed requires active owners, not sedentary ones.
Basenji Physical Characteristics
They measure around 17 inches and range between 15 and 30 pounds and have a unique high curly tail. Basenjis keep themselves very clean with their own grooming methods. These catlike dogs are very finicky about their appearance. They groom themselves regularly. So, they do not generally have any doggie odor. This makes them good candidates for house dogs. With its equatorial African heritage, the breed does well in heat but poorly in the cold.
Training a Basenji
Basenjis have a reputation for being difficult to train. These dogs learn quickly, they simply consider the pros and cons of responding. They will know all the commands they are taught. But, they usually think before obeying. The trainer's job is to offer a good enough reason why they should do what they are asked. Positive reinforcement techniques work best. The need for socialization is very high. Without exposure to many different elements, Basenjis become snappish, shy, or aggressive. At the other end of the spectrum, Overindulged Basenjis develop a dictator complex which often leads to aggression.
Basenjis have a life expectancy of 13 years, and can have inheritable health problems. A responsible breeder supplies information about these diseases in their breeds as well as photocopies of eye reports, OFA certificates, and printouts of blood tests.
One of the oldest Egyptian breeds, the breed lapsed into obscurity when Egyptian civilization declined and fell. Preserved in Central Africa, the natives used the Basenji for pointing, retrieving, driving game into nets, and hunting wounded quarry. Their ability to be silent was a great asset in a successful hunt.
 |
