Basenji
The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog. It was brought up from stock that instigated in central Africa. Most of the key shelter clubs in the English-speaking world abode the breed in the hounds-group and more obviously in the sight-hound category. The name ‘Basenji’ derives from the Lingala language of the Congo which means 'village dogs'.
The Basenji utters a strange yodel-like sound which is usually called a "Baroo", due to its oddly designed larynx. This peculiarity also attributes the Basenji with nickname "bark-less dog".
The Basenji is an antique breed. It has been recognized as a basal breed that leads to the advent of modern breeds in the 19th century. Latest DNA Research based on whole-genome sequences show that domestic dog is a genetically different sub-breed of the grey wolf and it came from a recently vanished ghost population of Late Pleistocene Wolves. So the basenji and Dingo are both known as the basal members of the domestic dog breed.
History
In the continent of Africa, the dogs like as Basenji have lived with human beings for thousands of years. The dogs of this breed were initially kept for hunting small game by tracking and pushing the game into nets.
The Europeans first defined the Basenji dog breed that originates from the Congo in 1895. These local dogs called ‘Basenji’, which Europeans recognized as a unique breed, were prized by the inhabitants for their intelligence, bravery, quickness, and silence. Some people cogitate the Basenjis and Afghan hounds as independent dogs which are more intelligent than obedient breeds due to their efficiency to identify which actions are beneficial for them, and which are not.
A number of efforts were put to bring the breed to England, but the earliest imported breed of Basenjis got sick. In 1923, for example, Lady Helen Nutting transported six Basenjis with her from Sudan, but all six expired from distemper shots they got in quarantine. The reputation of Basenji in the United States has reduced over the past decade.
Appearance
Basenji is a small, short-haired dog with vertical ears, strongly curled tail and beautiful neck. The Basenji's forehead is crumpled, even more so when they are young or very excited. The Basenji's eyes are naturally almond-shaped. The Basenji’s normal weigh is about 9.1 – 10.9 Kg (about 20 – 24 Lbs) and height is 41 – 46 cm (about 16 – 18 inches) at the shoulder. Basenjis are square breed. The male Basenjis are usually taller than females. Basenjis are fit dogs, and variably powerful for their size. They have an elegant and confident walk like a running horse. Basenjis come in a few dissimilar colors like red, black, tricolor, and brindle. All Basenjis have white feet, tail tips, and chests.
Temperament
The Basenji is an alert, excited, and curious breed kept with strangers. Basenji has a habit to become warm friendly to a single person. Basenjis don’t like wet weather, like to climb, and can get over chain wire fences with no difficulty.
The Basenjis frequently stand on their rear legs, by themselves or slanting on something; this behavior is usually experienced when the dog is probing about something. Basenjis have a robust prey drive and known as the second least trainable dog due to their Intelligence.
Health
There is actually only one accomplished health survey of Basenjis in 2004 by UK Kennel Club. Basenjis are disposed to blindness from Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Fanconi disease. Basenjis can also suffer from hypothyroidism, IPSID, and Hemolytic Anemia (HA). Basenjis are also delicate to ecological and domestic chemicals, which may cause liver diseases.
Longevity
According to UK Kennel Club survey made in 2004, Basenjis had an average life of 13.6 years which is 1 to 2 years lengthier than the average life of other breeds of the same size. The oldest Basenji in this survey was 17.5 years. The most common health problems illustrated by the owners were dermatologic and urologic.
Also see: Beautiful Photographs of Basenji Puppies and Dogs