Anubis Basenji: A Unique Canine Companion

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Posted Oct 25, 2024

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Dog breed Basenji sitting in front of a brick wall.
Credit: pexels.com, Dog breed Basenji sitting in front of a brick wall.

The Anubis Basenji is a unique canine companion that's perfect for active families. They're a medium-sized breed, weighing between 24 and 31 pounds.

This breed originated in Africa and is known for its short coats, which require minimal grooming. Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, and black.

One of the standout features of the Anubis Basenji is its distinctive bark, which is more of a yodel than a traditional bark. This breed is also known for its intelligence and independent nature.

The Anubis Basenji is a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring daily exercise but not excessive grooming.

Expand your knowledge: Basenji Benji Dog Breed

Care and Feeding

Feeding your Anubis Basenji requires a complete and well-balanced nutrition, with proteins being essential for optimal muscle and organ development. Raw food is best, but it can be tricky without veterinary guidance, so consider high-quality wet dog food with animal protein-first ingredients.

Calculating your dog's daily energy requirements is crucial, and online resources can help you do so by considering factors like activity level, life stage, and others. Don't rely solely on dog food manufacturers' recommendations.

Regular veterinary visits are essential for maintaining your Anubis Basenji's health, including wellness examinations, routine vaccinations, and preventative treatments. This will help establish whether your dog is at its peak of health or not.

If this caught your attention, see: Basenji Health Problems

Feeding

Credit: youtube.com, How To Care For Newborn Puppies Ep 1 Feeding

Basenjis require a complete and well-balanced nutrition to help in the optimal development of their muscles and other organs.

Proteins are essential for Basenjis, and feeding them raw food is best, although this can be tricky without veterinary guidance.

Wet dog food with high-quality animal protein-first ingredients can provide the dog with the kind of nutrition it needs.

To ensure your Basenji is getting the right amount of food, you need to compute its daily energy requirements, rather than relying on what dog food manufacturers recommend.

There are online resources available to help you calculate your dog's energy requirements, taking into account factors such as activity level, life stage, and others.

For more guidance on choosing the right dog food, consider checking out reviews of the best dry dog food, organic dog food, grain-free dog food, and high-protein dog food.

Discover more: Do Basenji Shed

Care

Fanconi syndrome is a hereditary disease common among Basenjis, and it's often misdiagnosed as diabetes due to similar symptoms.

Regular veterinary visits are crucial, as they can help determine the Basenji's overall health and catch any potential issues early on.

Exercise is essential for Basenjis, as they're natural hunters that thrive on outdoor activities like walking, running, and playing.

A unique perspective: Basenjis Good

Temperament and Behavior

Credit: youtube.com, 12 Things Only Basenji Dog Owners Understand

The Anubis Basenji's temperament is a unique blend of mischief and cunning.

This breed is full of energy and curiosity, which can sometimes get it into trouble.

Anubis Basenjis are intelligent, but their independent-mindedness can make training a challenge.

They have a wicked sense of humor and a beguiling personality that can be entertaining, but also requires patience from their owners.

As a watchdog, the Anubis Basenji is alert and not an obnoxious barker, but its reaction to strangers can be unpredictable.

Is a Dog?

Anubis is often depicted as a dog in Egyptian hieroglyphics, resembling the Pharaoh Hound with a slim body, long legs, and tall, pointed ears.

In these depictions, Anubis is typically shown in black, representing the color of death.

Temperament

The Basenji's temperament is a unique blend of mischief and independence. It's a dog that can be full of energy and curiosity one minute, and aloof the next.

Basenjis are intelligent dogs, but their independent nature can make training a challenge. They may not always listen to their owners, which can be frustrating for some.

Statue of Sphinx in Egypt
Credit: pexels.com, Statue of Sphinx in Egypt

Their curious nature is a double-edged sword - while it can be entertaining to watch, it can also get them into trouble. They may be prone to mischief and destructiveness if left unattended.

Despite their unpredictable nature, Basenjis can make great watchdogs. They're alert and may even growl at intruders, but it's hard to predict how they'll react.

Basenjis have a wicked sense of humor and a beguiling personality. They're perfect for homes that can appreciate their quirks and provide plenty of patience.

If you're a sensitive person, a Basenji may not be the best fit. They require a lot of understanding and flexibility to thrive.

Egyptian Connection

The Egyptians had a deep fascination with the canine species, often depicting Anubis, the god of the dead, as a dog or jackal. This iconic figure was typically shown in a seated position in black, symbolizing regeneration and rebirth.

Anubis was chosen as a guide for the dead due to his great attachment and devotion to man, as well as his highly developed senses and ability to see at night. His role was to lead the deceased to Osiris, the god of the afterlife.

Studies on mummies found in necropolises of animals sacred to Anubis revealed a mixture of various canine species, making it difficult to pinpoint a specific species.

History of the

Credit: youtube.com, The Complete History Of The Ancient Egyptian Empire | Immortal Egypt Full Series | Absolute History

The Basenji's history is deeply rooted in ancient civilizations. There are ancient Libyan cave paintings that archeologists dated to about 8,000 years ago, depicting hunters and their dogs with curled tails.

These dogs were highly valued by tribesmen in Africa for their explosive speed, hound-like sense of smell, and Saluki-like eyesight. They thrived in the headwaters of the Nile and Congo Rivers.

The Basenji's striking physical characteristics, including their curled tails, have remained largely unchanged over time. They were also prized by ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Babylonian nobility.

The Basenji's journey out of Africa began in the 19th century, with the first attempts to import the breed to the UK in 1895. Unfortunately, a distemper epidemic killed the dogs and thousands of others.

It wasn't until the 20th century that the Basenji made a successful comeback in the British Isles, with Lady Helen Nutting bringing in six Basenjis from Sudan in 1923.

Dogs in Ancient Egypt

Credit: youtube.com, Anubis: The Divine Connection Between Dogs and Egypt

The Egyptians had a special affinity for dogs, particularly in their mythology and symbolism. They often depicted the god Anubis with a dog's head, but it's unclear what species he actually represented.

In Egyptian mythology, Anubis was associated with the afterlife and was often shown guiding the dead to Osiris. He was also known for his ability to change shape, which added to his mystique.

Anubis was often depicted in black, which may seem counterintuitive given our modern association with the color. However, in ancient Egypt, black represented regeneration and rebirth, rather than death.

The Egyptians chose dogs as a symbol of the afterlife because of their strong attachment to humans and their highly developed senses. This made them ideal guides in the darkness of death.

Studies of mummies have revealed that the animals associated with Anubis were a mix of various canine species, including wild dogs, Egyptian wolves, and jackals.

Additional reading: Black Basenji Puppies

Frequently Asked Questions

What dog breed is Anubis based on?

Anubis is based on a combination of dog breeds, including the Basenji, Greyhound, and Ibizan, as well as the jackal. These canine characteristics were used to depict the ancient Egyptian god of the dead.

How rare is a Basenji dog?

Basenji dogs are considered relatively rare, ranking 85th in popularity among all breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Despite their rarity, Basenjis are gaining popularity and are a unique addition to many families.

What is the Basenji dog of the Pharaohs?

The Basenji is an ancient African hunting dog highly valued in Ancient Egypt for its companionship and hunting prowess. Originating in Africa, this fastidious breed was prized by pharaohs as a loyal companion.

What is unusual about the Basenji dog?

The Basenji is unusual for its unique yodeling sounds instead of barking, and its independent and aloof nature sets it apart from other breeds.

Sources

  1. Egyptian Dog God: Anubis The Friend of the Dead in ... (jakadatoursegypt.com)
  2. Cats N Dogs (catsndogs-answers.com)
  3. The Basenji in Ancient Egyptian Art, (bleedingeyeballs.com)
  4. Anubis (ancientegypt.co.uk)
  5. http://www.puppyfind.com/basenji.php (puppyfind.com)
  6. The Basenji Net (basenji.net)
  7. The Basenji --Online (thebasenji.com)
  8. Basenji Rescue and Transport (basenjirescue.org)
  9. The Basenji Club of America (basenji.org)
  10. Introducing Basenjis (basenji.org)

Elbert Hilpert

Lead Writer

Elbert Hilpert is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in various topics, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the writing community. His expertise spans across multiple categories, including Animal Bites and Injuries, where he has delved into the complexities of animal behavior and the importance of proper treatment for bite victims.

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