Dog breeds: Basenji

The basenji dog was originally bred about three hundred years ago in the Middle East and is primarily thought to be from the Congo region in Central Africa. If you like cats then you will probably like the basenji dog because they are very affectionate like a cat and they also do their own grooming in the same manner that a cat would. The basenji is classed as a medium sized dog. The basenji breed of dog is known for its cleanliness and lack of odour. The basenji is a tidy breed that has a square bodily outline and sharp pointy ears.
The basenji makes an excellent pet because they only require a very minimal amount of grooming although they do require a reasonable amount of exercise but not too much. The basenji breed is a very intelligent breed and they are usually very affectionate which has helped this breed to attract a small number of loyal followers.
The male basenji dogs are about forty-three centimetres high and the ideal weight for them is eleven kilograms. The female basenji dogs are about forty centimetres high and tend to weigh about nine and a half kilograms.
The basenji is renowned for having a sort of questioning expression on his face and a wrinkled brow; these are one of the basenji’s main characteristics. Another one of the basenji’s main characteristics is the fact that they do not bark like other dogs instead they have a sort of yodel style cry, which adds to this breed’s special character.
The sleek coat of the basenji is very short and close fitting to the skin that makes it very easy to groom. The basenji can be seen in many different colours such as black and white, red and white or a there are a few basenjis that are tricolour.
The basenji dogs tend to be alert even when they are lying down resting which tend to give an impression of restlessness. The basenji makes a good hunting dog and they will hunt any type of vermin.
If you are thinking about a getting a basenji it is important to do a lot of research into the breed before you make a decision. Basenjis would make excellent family dogs as they are very affectionate and they do not require much grooming and only require a moderate amount of exercise and they are relatively cheap to feed, as they do not have a big appetite.
There are not a lot of basenji dogs around so you will probably have to get one form a breeder although it is still worth contacting rescue centres as you never know what they may have available. If you are getting a basenji from a breeder it is very important to make sure that it is a reputable breeder.

February 22, 2011 

