The origin of the Basenji breed and its purpose, the standard of the dog's exterior, its character, a description of health, advice on care. Price when buying a puppy. Basenji is a cute energetic dog, with a completely unique noble aristocratic exterior and an unexpected breed name for such a cute ("Basenji" is translated from the local dialect as "a creature from the thicket"). Dog from time immemorial accompanying African hunters, healers and sorcerers, and is a full member of the tribal community. The dog is incredibly intelligent and silent - the real pride and mystery of Central Africa.
History of the origin of the African dog
The history of Basenji is still a mystery to modern researchers, because these cute hunting dogs are no less than 5000 years old. And although their homeland is mainly considered to be the Central African region, in the epicenter of which the state of the Congo is located, portraits and sculptured figures of dogs very similar to Basenji, as well as their mummies, are still found by archaeologists quite far from the Congo, in the burials of pharaohs and priests Ancient Egypt. And this is not surprising, Egyptian historians know that Congolese dogs were brought to Egypt not only for hunting, but also as amulet dogs as a gift for the nobility.
Nevertheless, the historical African homeland of the animal still asserts itself through the existing abundance of breed names, geographically indicating the origin of the Basenji. These are: "bushy Congolese dog"; Congo Terrier; "Congolese Terrier" and "Forest Dog from Congo". In addition to these names, Basenji dogs are often called "bongos" or "Zande dogs" (after the name of the Central African people living in the Congo, Central African Republic and Sudan). Or even much more sonorous and even amusingly exotic - "nyam-nyam terrier." And in a very native way - "jumping up and down" ("Mbwa Mkubwa Mbwa").
However, despite such an abundance of names, no one knows the true origin of the handsome Basenji. The first European to get to know the hunting dogs of the Zande tribes firsthand was the famous German traveler and explorer Georg August Schweinfurth. Traveling in 1863-1866 with ivory buyers through South Sudan and the Congo, he noticed a large number of wooden figures of dogs hanging above huts, as well as the unusually silent dogs themselves with bells around their necks. As the natives explained to the traveler, the bells were needed in order not to lose this incredibly valuable "silent dog" in the tall grass of the savannah. Schweinfurt called the discovered dogs "Congolese Terriers", describing their exterior in full in his diary.
The next European who personally met the Basenji was the English traveler and African explorer Sir Harry Hamilton Johnston. During an expedition along the Congo River, in 1882, he, like Schweinfurt, discovered unexpectedly silent dogs among local tribes. Being also a talented photographer and artist, he not only described the exterior of his find in his diary, but also took a number of photographs and sketches, subsequently exhibiting them at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. So the inhabitants of Great Britain and other countries were able to see the Basenji dogs for the first time in all their pristine glory.
In 1895, the first pair of Basenji dogs set foot on the shores of Foggy Albion. They were brought by Briton James Garrow (James Garrow). True, these dogs did not endure the long sea voyage rather badly, and soon they completely died of plague. All further attempts to adapt the imported Basenjis to the climatic conditions of Great Britain also ended in failure. These animals were completely unsuitable for the damp, cold climate of the British Isles, as well as a number of local canine diseases for which they did not have immunity. But in the zoos of Germany and France (where they were brought in 1905 as exotic animals of Africa), Basenji felt surprisingly good.
And only in the 30s of the XX century, the English pioneer breeders of African Congo Terriers finally managed to overcome all the difficulties of adaptation of animals, their strange intolerance to vaccinations and start breeding Basenji in Great Britain.
In 1937, thanks to the many years of efforts of the dog breeder Olivia Burn, the Basenji breed was officially entered into the Great Britain Studbook. In the same year, the unusual silent dogs were presented by Olivia Barn at the Kraft exhibition, causing considerable excitement among the public, who wants to see for themselves that the "jungle dog" does not really bark.
After such a rise in interest, the new breed also interested the Americans. And soon (approximately in the same 1937) Congo Terriers were delivered to the United States, and in 1942 they were registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
In 1939, the first Basenji club was established in Great Britain. In subsequent years, the further development and distribution of the breed in Great Britain was prevented by the Second World War. But by 1947, the Congolese Terriers not only regained their former positions, but also gained world champion titles. And even were presented to the King of Egypt Faruh (at that time Egypt was still a monarchy) during a visit to the UK as a gift. For many millennia, the dog, which was the "guardian of the pharaohs", has returned to its ancient duties in relation to the Egyptian monarchs.
In 1964, the Congolese Bush Dog was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, taking its place in the Spitz and Primitive Dogs group.
Purpose and use of the Basenji dog
At home, in Central Africa, the Basenji is widely used by local tribes as a multifunctional hunting dog: for enclosing game in specially set nets, for chasing a wounded animal, as well as for hunting reed rats that inhabit the swampy areas of the Congo River floodplain in abundance.
In Europe and the United States, Congolese Terriers are never used for hunting. And this is mainly the merit of local dog breeders, for decades, in fact, not striving to breed real hunting Basenji. And if there are no hunters from European and American Basenji litters, then in lure coursing or agility competitions they practically have no equal neither in intelligence nor in speed.
These silent dogs also feel good as a companion dog for a not the most talkative person who knows how to understand his dog without unnecessary words and loud barking.
Basenji Exterior Standard Description
The Basenji Congolese Terrier is a surprisingly well balanced animal of the most African nature, with an elegant aristocratic exterior, graceful and independent. The size of the Basenji is rather modest: the height at the withers is 40–43 centimeters with a body weight of 10 to 11 kg.
- Head has a beautiful refined wedge-shaped shape, with a flatish skull of medium size and width. Cheekbones are noticeably flat. The breed is characterized by numerous folds-wrinkles that appear on the sides of the head of the dog in moments of excitement. The muzzle is refined and well defined. The stop is smooth, not very distinct. The bridge of the nose is straight, there may be a slight upward bend, the nose is black. The lips are thin, close to the jaws, without pronounced fleas. The jaws are strong enough to bite, with a row of white teeth (42 teeth). The canines are large. The bite is scissor-like.
- Eyes dark brown in color, set obliquely, not too large, but have a beautiful almond shape and a uniquely expressive look (at the same time smart, exploratory and mysterious).
- Ears the Basenji have a high set, shaped like a leaf of a tree, erect, slightly inclined and directed forward. As the ears converge, a fold forms on the forehead.
- Neck rather long, but strong (without massiveness). With a graceful curve to the pronounced nape. The neck skin has no dewlap.
- Torso strong, muscular, but light and somewhat elongated. The withers are pronounced. The back is muscular, the line of the back is slightly raised to the withers. The rib cage is conically expressed, rather wide, athletic. The belly is well tucked up and gives a special fit to the silhouette of the dog.
- Tail has a very high set (buttocks protrude beyond the tail line, giving the impression of too developed hips). The tail is unique - it is twisted into a single or one and a half ring and is located on the dog's rump in the form of a "nest".
- Limbs Basenjis are parallel, even, muscular, long. Feet are compact (sometimes even small), oval, arched. Paw pads are dense, elastic. Nails are strong, not very large, as a rule, light (white) in tone with the white "socks" of the coat color of the extremities.
- Wool short with glitter. The hair is very fine and soft. The coat has no dog smell and practically does not shed.
- Color wool is quite varied. Now there are animals with black and white, copper-white, red-white, uniformly black, black and tan, light fawn and brindle (black stripes on a reddish-brown or red background) color. The breed is characterized by a clear delineation of the white color and its definite pointness. Always white (regardless of the color option) - "shirt fronts" on the chest, underbelly, "socks" on the paws, spots or stripes on the muzzle, white tip of the tail.
Basenji breed character
These dogs must be brought up by people of strong character. They are quite headstrong and in most cases will try to take a dominant position. With them, you must be persistent, but at the same time do not go too far.
Despite all its independence in behavior, the pet is very affectionate to the house, family and owner. Infinitely affectionate with household members, he shows special trepidation for children. Because of their strong affection, Basenji do not tolerate being alone - leaving your pet alone for a long time, get ready, upon your return, to see the mess at home, set up by him during mobile "amusements". The Congolese Terrier does not bark, but this does not mean that he does not make any sounds, because this dog can howl, whine, snort and growl - and quite loudly.
Basenji is a loyal friend, a dog with a brave heart and a cheerful disposition. He is suspicious of strangers and always on the alert. The dog will not allow a stranger to stroke him, but he will not respond with aggression, without a good reason. In most cases, the animal is simply removed to a place where it will not be disturbed. Contrary to its loyalty, the dog perceives physical impact as a threat and will surely "pay back". With other pets, the Congo Terrier does not get along well. If you have other dogs in your home, then he will definitely try to take a leadership position. The Basenji Terrier is very clean and licks itself like cats. Loves to sleep on his back - belly up. Representatives of the breed are also notable for the fact that they do not like moisture and rainy weather. They can be very resourceful to avoid getting water on their thick coat.
Basenji health
These animals are not an artificially bred breed, therefore they have good health. The average life span of such dogs is 13-14 years. Like every canine species, Basenji has a number of diseases that are inherited, but they are extremely rare. For example, one of the inherited diseases of this dog is a hernia, but the percentage of individuals suffering from it is quite small.
Perhaps the most serious genetic disease of the Congo dog is considered to be Fanconi syndrome. This is a violation of the part of the kidneys, which is responsible for filtering substances in the body (absorption of useful and nutrients, and excretion of waste in the urine). In the Congo Terrier, the disease manifests itself in middle age, at 4-7 years of age. Symptoms of the syndrome: excessive concentration of sugar in the urine, frequent urination, urinary tract infections, loss of appetite and, as a result, weight loss. A prophylaxis that every owner can carry out is the annual delivery of the pet's urine for analysis. But you should be vigilant, because some veterinarians confuse Fanconi syndrome with diabetes, while others diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible consequences.
The eyes are the weak point of the Basenji. Unfortunately, he may develop such diseases as: progressive retinal atrophy (lethal outcome of the disease - loss of vision), cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia.
Terriers can suffer from enteropathy - in other words, severe colitis (similar to irritable bowel syndrome in humans). 17% of African dogs who are not barking suffer from insufficient production of thyroid hormones - hypothyroidism. Less than 3% of all Congo dogs suffer from orthopedic diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and patella dislocation.
Tips for maintaining and caring for Basenji
Basenji do not require special attention to themselves. The main aspects on which their health depends: active walks and a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Wool it is enough to wipe it with a damp towel once every 1-2 weeks and comb out with a special stiff brush. The Congolese Terrier is not bathed often, as it gets dirty.
- Ears should be cleaned every 2 weeks with a cotton swab. Make sure that no water gets into your pet's ears.
- Eyes wipe with a damp cloth, as needed, but at least once every 2 weeks.
- Teeth Basenji need careful care. Clean them regularly to avoid plaque buildup and tartar formation. Pet stores sell toys that clean your dog's teeth as they chew on them.
- Claws need to be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper.
- Walking for representatives of the breed a favorite pastime. The more often and longer they are, the better (at least - 2 times a day for 1 hour), and if they are filled with movement and active interesting games, then for Basenji this is just a fairy tale! Due to its mobility, the dog needs such walks in order not only to maintain excellent physical shape, but also for pep and cheerful mood. Walk with your pet off-leash only in safe and secure places. For walks, choose wide areas where the Basenji can run ample - for example, a park, a forest belt.
- Feeding - this is one of the main points affecting the development and growth of puppies, as well as maintaining the health and good physical shape of adult dogs. There are two options to choose from - natural food or dry food. Better to stop at one of them (do not combine).
The feed has a number of advantages. For example, it immediately contains the necessary trace elements, vitamins and minerals for the dog. If you cannot afford to give your pet premium food (they are quite expensive), then it is better to stop on natural food. Choosing the second option, you must definitely include meat in your pet's diet: veal or beef and cereals. Also, the diet should contain:
- dairy products;
- several raw eggs - every 1-2 weeks;
- vegetables, fruits and herbs - in small quantities;
- various additives, such as, for example, fish oil (you can find them in any pet store);
- pure water.
Basenji puppy price
The price of Congo Terrier puppies in Russia varies from $ 400 to $ 1000.
More information about the breed in this video:
