Basenji

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.