Basenji

[Troy]

Basenji

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=104 )

Group: Group 4 (Hounds)

General Appearance: Lightly built, finely boned aristocratic-looking animal, high on leg compared with its length, always poised, alert and intelligent. Wrinkled head, with pricked ears, proudly carried on a well-arched neck. Deep brisket runs up into a definite waist, tail tightly curled presenting a picture of a well balanced dog of gazelle-like grace.

Characteristics: Barkless but not mute, its own special noise of mixture of a chortle and a yodel. Remarkable for its cleanliness in every way.

Temperament: An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with strangers.

Head And Skull: Flat, well-chiselled and medium width, tapering towards nose, with slight stop. Distance from top of head to stop slightly more than from stop to tip of nose. Side lines of skull taper gradually towards mouth, giving a clean-cheeked appearance. Fine and profuse wrinkles appearing on forehead when ears pricked, side wrinkles desirable but not exaggerated into dewlap. Wrinkles more noticeable in puppies, but because of lack of shadowing, not as noticeable in tri-colours; black nose desirable.

Eyes: Dark, almond-shaped, obliquely set, far-seeing and rather inscrutable in expression.

Ears: Small, pointed, erect and slightly hooded, of fine texture, set well forward on top of head, tip of ear nearer centre of skull than outside base.

Mouth: Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Strong and of good length, without thickness, well crested and slightly full at base of throat with a graceful curve accentuating crest. Well-set into shoulders giving head a 'lofty' carriage.

Forequarters: Shoulders well laid back, muscular, not loaded. Elbows tucked in against brisket. When viewed from front, elbows in line with ribs and legs should continue in a straight line to ground giving a medium front. Forelegs straight with fine bone and very long fore-arms. Pasterns good length, straight and flexible.

Body: Balanced with short, level back. Ribs well sprung, deep and oval. Loin short coupled, deep brisket running up into definite waist.

Hindquarters: Strong and muscular, hocks well let down, turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles.

Feet: Small, narrow and compact, with deep pads, well arched toes and short nails.

Tail: High set, with posterior curve of buttock extending beyond root of tail giving a reachy appearance to hindquarters. Curls tightly over spine and lies closely to thigh with a single or double curl.

Gait/Movement: Legs carried straight forward with a swift long tireless swinging stride.

Coat: Short, sleek and close, very fine. Skin very pliant.

Colour: Pure black and white, red and white, black tan and white with tan melon pips and mask, black, tan and white. Brindle, red background with black stripes, the more clearly defined the stripes the better. The white should be on feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, blaze and white collar optional.

Sizes: Ideal height:

Dogs 43 cms (17 ins) at withers

Bitches 40 cm (16 ins) at withers

Ideal weight:

Dogs 11 kg (24 lbs)

Bitches 9.5 kg ( 21 lbs)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Basenji

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Basenji

Basenji Breeders

Basenji Puppies For Sale

[rajacadoo]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

We have only just started in the breed, over the last 2 years... I own a 2yr old male and a 1 yr old bitch.

3. How common is it in Australia?

I am unsure of the numbers of Basenjis in Australia. I do believe the numbers in both show homes, and as much loved pets, is increasing though...

4. What is the average lifespan?

The average lifespan is between 12-14 yrs, but do know of dogs who have survived into their late teens.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

The standard of the Basenji calls for them to be aloof, (or at least allows for them to be aloof...), and some are this way inclined. I find them to be aloof with some people but, not with others... Dont know why !!! They have been classed, by some studies, as one of the dumbest breeds around, but NOTHING can be further from the truth. More often than not, they are just too smart for their own good. The Basenji lives for doing things in its OWN way, when it suits them, and when they can work out exactly whats in it for them... They will ponder the decision, then either 'obey' or not... Not dumb, just figuring out if its what THEY want to do... They are affectionate with their own family, and with my 2 that means 'when it suits, thank you" !!! They are not the dog for some people, but, if you can live with a strong willed, independant, sometimes stubborn, medium sized "devil", then, maybe it is the breed for you

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Basenjis will accept whatever excercise you are able to give them, but, generally speaking "a tired Basenji is a good Basenji"... If the weather is foul, (i.e. too wet, too cold, too sunny, too windy, too snowy etc, etc...), they will generally not to toilet outside, let alone want excercise If you cant excercise them daily, they wont hate you, but, they just might make you pay for it in other ways :rolleyes:

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

A simple answer is NO... They are such a primitive breed, that first time dog owners often feel quite overwhelmed by their 'wild' behaviors, such as their independence, stubborness, constant desire to see what is outside the front door, or backyard etc, etc... The are well known for their 'escapades', and have absoluely no road sense, or fears of large moving objects on the roads !!! So many that escape, are found dead on the road. They have an incredibly high stat for this.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Again no... They are not the type of dog to be left in the backyard/crate, while work and school call people away from home, for many hours a day... JMHO of course... They are easily bored, and when bored, destruction will often follow, or they escape.

9. How much grooming is required?

Grooming, what grooming .... For the pet dog, they only need a light brushing, once or twice a week. During their moulting, (and they sure do drop their coat, I can tell you, I was amazed at the amount...), a daily wipe over with a damp towel, is really all thats required.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Not at all. They really dont jump up a lot, and they will respond to training, (only if it suits I might add !!!), to not jump. Ours very rarely jump up, and they are so light footed, that you rarely even feel them, let alone be pushed by them.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

This is quite a controversal point within the breed, at the moment... I guess the disease that is foremost in the breed, is Fanconi disease. This is a disease of the kidneys, and, is fatal. We are lucky in that as of July 07, a DNA marker has been found, and this disease can be monitored, and with careful tested breedings, we need never produce a Fanconi affected dog again... Other probems that are slowly creeping into the breed, is hip and elbow displasia, patella issues, cardiac issues. Another nasty disease that affects our breed, is Hypothyroidism, which is quite common, but, thankfully is generally controlled with medication. Haemalytic Anaemia is a disease that also affects them, thankfully testing is available for this disease, and the disease is almost erradicated. There are also some eye diseases that affects the Basenjis, PPM, coloboma, and PRA. All thes are able to be tested at an early age, and in my oppinion, they should be done

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Yes, a buyer should ask for test results, and hopefully they have done enough research, they will be able to understand the results presented to them from the breeder. Personally, I would be wanting to see the results of Fanconi testing of both parents, (at least), eye testing for the above mentioned diseases, and possibly H/E results as well... You would want to see the parents, preferaly sire and dam, but, at least the dam, to see if they are stable in temperament. The buyer wants to feel comfortable with the breeder, and feel confident that they will receive ongoing care, advice, or help, if things go pearshaped !!!

[BullyLife]

I have always quite liked the look of these dogsbut dont know a great deal about them,this is a great thread.

One of the things I have heard is that they can be unstable around people,well different people,people out of its own back yard so to speak.Is there any truth to this?

[rajacadoo]

Yep, I think this is a fair enough comment BullyLife...

Can only really describe my two, here. My male is 2 years old. He is quite a loving, cuddly boy with us at home, (when it suits, I might add ), but, with other people, he is just not interested at all. You can try to bribe him with food, and he will occasionally take it, but, usually not. If we have visitors, he will sometimes come over to sniff, but if you try to pat him, he goes away, and will sit somewhere to watch everything thats going on, but, he wont come over at all.

Our bitch, who is 13 months, is far less affectionate and cuddly, with us, but, she is more likely to approach people, take the food from them, then accept a pat, then move away :D . When we have visitors, she is more likely to say hello to them, and will sometimes come over for a pat. Its interesting to note that up until her first season, we very RARELY saw her little curly tail wag, at all... She does it bit now, but not often :D ... She has taken to one of my show dog friends, which again started after her first season. She wags her tail like a helicopter, when she sees Maria, ears back and squirms to try to get to her. I have absolutely NO clue why Maria is her BFF :D

As I said above, in the breed standard it says, they can be aloof with strangers, and yes, on occasions they can be, very much so. They wont tolerate being pushed, by a stranger, so its wise not to push them, if you dont know them, it will probably end badly

Hope that answers your question, and feel free to ask any others... Remember though, while I researched this breed for years, I am new to ownership of them :D . Having said that I dont think anyone truely OWNS a Basenji, you just co-exist .

[ShesaLikeableBiBear]

Rajacadoo, from a show perspective, I see that the black and white Basenji is an acceptable colour in the standard, but I have yet to see one. Are they popular in Australia?.

We have black and white shelties which are not very common in Australia, more so in North America and Europe, is the same to be said of the Basenji?.

[Chocolate]

I have always quite liked the look of these dogsbut dont know a great deal about them,this is a great thread.

One of the things I have heard is that they can be unstable around people,well different people,people out of its own back yard so to speak.Is there any truth to this?

A well socialised Basenji should have no problem with strangers. It's all in the upbringing. A Basenji pup MUST be socialised with different people, environments througout puppyhood. This way you get a well rounded Basenji. My Basenjis love visitors and meeting people they don't know. They will go and snuggle up to them on the couch and sit on their laps even if they've never met them before. Well socialised Basenjis are not aloof.

[Chocolate]

Rajacadoo, from a show perspective, I see that the black and white Basenji is an acceptable colour in the standard, but I have yet to see one. Are they popular in Australia?.

We have black and white shelties which are not very common in Australia, more so in North America and Europe, is the same to be said of the Basenji?.

There are black & whites shown and they are popular. Black & whites can look stunning with their clean cut lines. Most States of Australia have black & whites being shown. You won't see as many black & white Basenjis as Red & White though because it takes at least one parent to be black & white to produce a dominant black & white but they are around.

[ShesaLikeableBiBear]

Thanks, Chocolate.

Just for interest both parents of a bi-black sheltie must carry two bi-factored genes each in order to produce the bi.

[Chocolate]

Thanks, Chocolate.

Just for interest both parents of a bi-black sheltie must carry two bi-factored genes each in order to produce the bi.

So your bi-black is the same as our recessive black perhaps. We can sometimes mate two red & white parents and get recessive blacks but they can have a bit of tan hair appear on the extremeties such as the bum so are registered as black, tan & white. - they are fairly rare these days. However you will mostly see dominant black & whites at the shows where at least one parent has been a black & white. This is the gene that came from Liberian black & white Basenji.

Edited July 31, 2009 by Chocolate

[ShesaLikeableBiBear]

The recessive gene

We put our bi-factored tri to a bi-black and she produced a tri. We put her to his father a bi-factored sable and we got two bi-blacks

[Bullbreedlover]

Our family used to own and show senjis back in the early 70's.

Beautiful dogs. I would love to own them again.

This photo(I knew I had one) would of been taken around 1973.

edited to add photo

Edited July 31, 2009 by stonebridge

[Chocolate]

Our family used to own and show senjis back in the early 70's.

Beautiful dogs. I would love to own them again.

This photo(I knew I had one) would of been taken around 1973.

edited to add photo

Thanks for posting the photo of this lovely tri. What sort of age would this dog have been when the photo was taken and do you by any chance remember the pedigree name or lines of the Basenji.

Edited July 31, 2009 by Chocolate

[Bullbreedlover]

Our family used to own and show senjis back in the early 70's.

Beautiful dogs. I would love to own them again.

This photo(I knew I had one) would of been taken around 1973.

edited to add photo

Thanks for posting the photo of this lovely tri. What sort of age would this dog have been when the photo was taken and do you by any chance remember the pedigree name or lines of the Basenji.

Hi chocolate

his pedigree name was "nz ch grand tri Impala".

He was born 73. so the photo could of been 74 maybe. NZKC doesnt show his pedigree on line for some reason(dont know why) but he did sire a couple of litters.

will do a search. mum also had a bitch and another dog(red and white) will see if i can search them

[Bullbreedlover]

all i can find on line is that he was born in june 73.

sired two litters. at 12 months and 14 months old.

he was mated to a bitch with the Horsleys(UK) line) it does show those pedigrees.

his pet name was pepi.

lovely boy. did alot of winning back then at a time when senjis were actually quite popular.

[raz]

Anyone for point 2? :rolleyes:

[Bullbreedlover]

Anyone for point 2? :rolleyes:

This is only going from memory so if I have anything wrong please feel free to correct me

They originated in the African Congo as hunting dogs.

Mum has a book by Veronica Tudor Williams(I think)One of the ladies instrumental in bringing the Basenji from Africa to England.

As they are very much silent dogs they used to have bells attached to their necks so the hunters could tell where they were. Any game that was spotted the dogs would leap into the air to gain better sight and hence the bells would go off.

When I say bells they were primative hunting methods as such.

The Basenji was very much a prized poccession in Africa. Sleeping with the families. In fact they were often treated better than the woman of the camp.

There have been movies made with Basenjis. Very famous tear jerking movies which i would recommend people try to source.

One of them is called "Goodbye my Lady."

Based on a young boys relationship with a senji.

edited to add

The Basenji hails from Central Africa, where it has been used as a hunting dog since ancient times. For thousands of years, the Basenji lived in close proximity to the Pygmy tribes and remained self-sufficient while still having interaction with humans. Though the modern Basenji has been domesticated by man, the breed historically belongs to a group called Schensi Dogs, which are considered undomesticated by humans. Other dogs that are part of this group include the Dingo and the Canaan Dog.

In Africa, the Basenji was used to find and drive marsupials from their homes into the waiting nets of their human counterparts. Tribesmen would often place bells crafted from shells and bones around the necks of their dogs as a way of keeping track of them. In 1870, an explorer in Africa named Dr. Schweinfurth brought a Basenji female back home with him, but was unable to study or breed her, as she jumped to her death from a window. In 1937, a breeder named Mrs. Olivia Burn showed her Basenji puppies which she acquired from African pygmies at Crufts. Beginning in the 1930s, the dog began to be seen outside of Africa and was given the name Basenji, Bantu for “bush thing.” In 1944, the Basenji was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. To this day, it remains one of the most exotic and rare dog breeds in the Western world.

Edited August 1, 2009 by stonebridge

[raz]

Awesome. That's really interesting, Stoney. Thanks.

[PossumCorner]

This is an amazing website I think, it includes a lot of the first lines in Australia before the breed became more refined (or Americanised). I think it is still open for contributions from past breeders, are yours there Stonebridge? I found the listings from the old Wandra lines in Victoria and our first NZ import foundation stock.

http://www.pedigrees.zandebasenjis.com/contents.html

[Bullbreedlover]

This is an amazing website I think, it includes a lot of the first lines in Australia before the breed became more refined (or Americanised). I think it is still open for contributions from past breeders, are yours there Stonebridge? I found the listings from the old Wandra lines in Victoria and our first NZ import foundation stock.

http://www.pedigrees.zandebasenjis.com/contents.html

I would have to have a look PC.

Cant find any info on the NZKC site where you can look up the dogs pedigrees if you are a member.

They show the dogs as being owned by the breeder but the records are so old. The kennel name was owned by John and Barbara Simcock.

Here is the pedigree of one of the bitches that Pepi was mated to. For some reason they have her pedigree on the site but not others. This bitch was born in 1972.

Pedigree for FAIRY JET IMPALA

SSS : TAYSENJI DUZOEY 60334/69

SS : TAYSENJI SIR EIANTAR OF HORSLEY 89196/70

SSD : TAYSENJI KILIGIRL 60331/69

S : HORSLEYS SIR FASCINATAR (IMP-UK)

SDS : CH SIR ORACLE OF HORSLEY 1724AY

SD : CH SIR CLARENCIA OF HORSLEY 12161/68

SDD : SIRIMA OF HORSLEY 2775AY

DSS : SIRIUS OF HORSLEY 2369AX

DS : CH SIR CASPAR OF HORSLEY 43394/65

DSD : ANDERSLEY ANDALUSIA OF HORSLEY 1357AX

D : NZ CH SIRBAJAY OF HORSLEY (IMP-UK)

DDS : CH FULAFUTURE OF THE CONGO 985AV

DD : SILENE OF HORSLEY 40857/65

DDD : SABY OF HORSLEY

Now looking at this I would be quite confident to say that Pepis pedigree lines would be very close as the gene pool was very limited.

Gosh I remember going to shows in 1973 with the Boxers and Basenjis.

A stalwart of the Basenji breed in NZ recently passed away. Dawn Clarke was a wonderful knowledgeable person who was very passionate about the senji

Now I am pretty sure that the "of the Congo "kennels was Veronica Tudor Williams kennels but I could be wrong

will have to do a search and see.

Mum also, many years ago prepared a paper in relation to a disease that the Basenjis were apt to which was sickle cell anaemia.

Edited August 2, 2009 by stonebridge

[Bullbreedlover]

He was on the database link.

Thanks PossumCorner

Grand Tr'Impala(spelt his name slightly wrong)

Tricolour

M

1973/8665 New Zealand

11 Jun 1973