Basenji is the only dog breed in the world that does not bark, does not cause an allergic reaction, love children, and are very smart.
Origin
Basenji is a breed of dog that has existed for at least six thousand years. Central Africa is considered her homeland. The breed of Basenji dogs is appreciated by locals for their agility and quickness when hunting small animals. In addition, animals help to drive in the net game, equal in size to themselves, and warn the owners that there is a predator nearby. The breed of Basenji dogs (photos of these pets demonstrate their strength and grace) has other advantages, which we will discuss below.
Mystical properties of the breed
Residents of Central Africa call these dogs galloping up and down. In addition to standard security functions, local residents believe that the basenji is a breed of dog that can drive away evil spirits and restore the owner’s biofield. By the way, the pharaohs thought so. Perhaps that is why they were so respectful of these little dogs.
These animals lived in ancient Egypt. Burials were found there, in which the mummies of dogs of this breed are dressed in precious collars, mummified with the addition of various incense. All evidence indicates that the pharaohs were very respectful of the basenji. After the fall of Ancient Egypt, everyone forgot about the dogs of this breed.
Spread
The Basenji dog breed was introduced to Europe at the end of the 18th century. But unfortunately, her representatives could not stand such a long journey of several months and died when they arrived in the New World.
The next attempt to conquer Europe appeared to these dogs only by the end of the thirties. It happened at one of the big exhibitions. Then this breed existed under the name "jungle dogs", which perfectly suited them by origin.
Starting from the forties, representatives of this breed regularly took first places at all European exhibitions.
Basenji in Russia
In Russia, this breed appeared only in the late nineties. Despite the fact that we still have very few representatives, all these few copies come from very good manufacturers. Thanks to this advantage, Russian Basenji dogs can safely participate in international exhibitions and have excellent chances to win in them.
Features
Basenji is the only dog breed in the world that does not bark. And this feature is not associated at all with the physiological problem. Instead of barking, these dogs growl, giggle, groan, snort, howl and mumble. Some people think that a Basenji dog sings. This impression is created due to her melodic howl.
Another big plus, in addition to the fact that Basenji dogs do not know how to bark, is the fact that their coat does not cause an allergic reaction in the owners. In addition, even the wet coat of these animals does not smell.
These little dogs love people very much, but at the same time they can protect themselves and their master from other dogs, wild animals or other people at any time.
External characteristics
Basenji is a breed of dog of relatively short stature. Males at the withers are 43 cm high, and the knots are 40 cm. The ideal representative of the breed should look as harmonious as possible. The paws should not be too long or too short in relation to body size. With the right physique, dogs of this breed weigh at least 11 kg, and knots weigh 9 kg.
The muzzle should not be too sharp. The muzzle is approximately one third shorter than the length of the skull.
The nose is usually black. For exhibitions, the presence of a pronounced rim around the eyes is mandatory.
The ears should not be too high or too far apart. The correct ears are pointed in shape.
The tail is folded into two rings and resembles a pig.
The neck, strong, muscular, at the same time looks very harmonious with all the other parts of the dog’s body .
Another feature of this breed is its fur. It is very silky and cast in the sun with copper tints. In colder climates, hair becomes stiffer.
The breed of Basenji dogs, the photo of which can be seen in this article, can be of four colors:
- Redhead with white spots.
- Black with white spots.
- Black with red spots.
- Redhead with black stripes.
Regardless of the primary color of the legs, the tip of the tail and the breast of the basenji should be white.
Pet
The breed has a very soft character. These dogs love children. They are very clean. At the same time, they are smart, curious, playful and affectionate. Thanks to a whole set of such wonderful qualities, Basenji is the best pet.
These dogs are very hardy and are in good health. This is due to the fact that they were not artificially bred by humans, but developed independently for centuries.
Basenji is a breed of dogs that can be both a favorite of children, an excellent assistant in hunting, and a security guard at home.
These animals are very loyal to their owners and completely indifferent to outsiders.
Basenji Communication Tips
In the blood of dogs of this breed guard instincts, so you can not suddenly sneak up on them from behind. Basenji can regard such actions as an attack and quite aggressively begin to defend himself. In order for a stranger to be accepted by the dog calmly, you need to slowly and confidently approach her and let her smell your hand.
Excellent memory from a very young age is one of the distinguishing characteristics that the Basenji dog breed possesses. The description of the nature of these animals by many owners indicates that, while still very young, they remember the bad or good attitude of individual members of the family and do not forget about it all their lives.
It will not be superfluous for the owners to know that the Basenji love to eat and sleep in a cozy, soft bed. Moreover, this can be both their personal bed and the master's.
Dogs of this breed really do not like water. The absence of the smell of wool saves them from the need for frequent washing.
You need to feed basenji with a variety of foods, consisting of meat, cereals, vegetables, herbs, fermented milk products. Of course, you need to make sure that the dog always has fresh clean water, because this is a very active breed and she often wants to drink.
Caring for your pet will not be difficult. Due to the short hair and the absence of smell, it is necessary to wash it only if the puppy is very dirty, and from time to time comb the hair.
Despite the complaisant nature of the pet, the love and trust of the basenji must first be won. After all, such a dog perceives the owner rather than as a master, but as a friend. Therefore, in order to live in harmony with your pet, you need to make a little effort from the very beginning and make friends with him. In no case can you resort to violence, raising basenji, otherwise you can get yourself not a good and affectionate pet, but a vindictive enemy. After all, dogs of this breed never forget anything and do not forgive a bad attitude to themselves.
At the same time, raising basenji, they should not be inferior to them in anything. The dog should clearly understand that, despite the fact that you are friends with her, you are still the leader.
At first, when raising a puppy, you will have to make a little effort, each time proving your supremacy, but then from basenji you will make an excellent, loyal and smart friend.
Breed fans
All over the world the breed of Basenji dogs is very beloved. Reviews about these animals are always only positive. These clever little defenders began to be appreciated and revered in antiquity. Representatives of the royal houses of Holland, Egypt, Monaco are very fond of dogs of this breed.
In our homeland, in Central Africa, these animals, as we have already said, are very appreciated from antiquity as hunters, guards, magic talismans of protection from evil spirits.
Reviews of breeders
It is almost impossible to hear bad things about this breed of dog. Without exception, all the owners talk about the complaisant, kind character of the pet, about his friendliness, devotion and mind.
The only thing you should not forget: Basenji is a very active breed, and it needs a place and time for a surge of energy. These dogs are very curious, they will not be bored themselves and will not let the owners get bored.
Some breeders complain about dog disobedience. Dog handlers explain this fact very simply: the dog lacks attention and upbringing. As mentioned earlier, this is a very smart breed, so you can start training basenji from early childhood, and without any proper approach to training, any animal will be uncontrollable.
Another common complaint of the owners: the dog chews everything. This problem is also easily solved and is explained by a lack of attention from the owners and a lack of education. A puppy of any breed, when he is bored and has nowhere to pour out the accumulated energy, begins to entertain himself, gnawing everything that comes in his way. And basenji is a very strong and active breed, so you need to deal with it regularly, combining training, games and walks. If you do everything right, the dog will be happy and bring a lot of joy to its owners, without spoiling anything around.