Little Pawz -- Basenji -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

Basenji (the name is an Egyptian word meaning bush thing) is an interesting and attractive breed, its main claim to fame being that it has no bark. But only the bark is absent; the Basenji will growl and whine like other breeds, and can express itself feelingly with a distinctive chortle or yodel. The breed's vocal cords are present and it is believed that training, over thousands of years, to hunt game silently may account for their characteristic quietness.

The breed is well known for its gentle disposition and love of children, though it can be aloof with strangers. It has great curiosity and mischievousness.

Appealing feature are its curling tail, high set and lying over to one side of its back, its habit of washing its paws like a cat, and its forehead full or worried wrinkles.

Size
Height: Dog: 17 inches (43 cm); Bitches: 16 inches (40.5 cm)
Weight: Dog: 24 lbs. (10.9 kg); Bitches: 21 lbs. (9.5 kg)

Coat and Colour
Coat short and silky. Skin very pliant. Colour chestnut red; pure black; tricolour (pure black and chestnut red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, blaze and collar optional. The amount of white should never predominate over primary colour. Colour and markings should be rich, clear and well-defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between the black and red of tricolours and the stripes of brindles.

Exercise
The Basenji is a great hunter and if not exercised has a tendency to put on weight. It is fleet-footed, tireless, and enjoys a daily walk and off-the-lead run. It is, incidentally, a breed that is particlarly good with horses.

This is a breed that should not be kept in an outside kennel. It is essentially a house dog, which loves to stretch out in front of the fire, or to indulge in its strange habit of reclining in places off the ground. It is suitable for apartment living as long as its given sufficient exercise.

Feeding
About 1 1/2 cans of name-brand dog food (13.3 oz 376 g size), with a biscuit or two, or 3 cups of dry dog food. Green vegetables should be added to the Basenji's diet. They are inveterate grass eaters and should have ample access to fresh grass, and you must always provide lots of fresh water.

Origin and History
Dogs of the Basenji type are depicted in many of the carvings in the tombs of the Pharaohs, and it is believed that these dogs were brought as precious gifts by travellers from the lower reaches of the Nile.

The Basenji almost disappeared from public view from Ancient Egyptian times until the mid-19^th century, when it was discovered by explorers in the Congo and Southern Sudan.

The foundation stock recognized today derived from the Belgian Congo, with further imports from Sudan and Liberia.