Basenji Barkless Dog: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning One

The Basenji, often referred to as the "barkless dog", is an ancient breed with a unique history. They originated in central Africa over 6,000 years ago.

Basenjis are known for their distinctive yodeling howl, which is often mistaken for a bark. This vocalization is a result of their unique anatomy, with a shorter laryngeal prominence that affects the way they produce sound.

With their short coats and athletic build, Basenjis are well-suited to hot climates and require minimal grooming. They're also a relatively small breed, weighing between 20 and 40 pounds.

Broaden your view: Basenjis Good

The Basenji is a unique breed with a rich history. It's considered a basal breed that predates the emergence of modern breeds in the 19th century.

The Basenji originated on the continent of Africa, where it was prized by locals for its intelligence, courage, speed, and silence. Europeans first described the breed in 1895 in the Congo.

The Basenji's genetic makeup is fascinating. DNA studies have shown that it falls within the Asian spitz group, and it possesses only two copies of the AMY2B gene, which helps to digest starch. This is similar to the wolf, the husky, and the dingo, which also possess only two copies of this gene.

Here's a brief timeline of the Basenji's introduction to the Western world:

The Basenji is a breed that predates the emergence of modern breeds in the 19th century. DNA studies have identified it as a basal breed.

The Basenji and the dingo are both considered to be basal members of the domestic dog clade. This means they share a common ancestor with modern breeds.

Genomic studies have found that the Basenji fell within the Asian spitz group. This group includes breeds such as the husky and the wolf.

The Basenji possesses only two copies of the AMY2B gene, which produces an enzyme that helps digest starch. This is similar to the wolf, the husky, and the dingo, which also have only two copies of this gene.

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The Basenji originated on the continent of Africa, and Europeans first described the breed in 1895 in the Congo. Europeans identified these local dogs as a distinct breed and called them basenji.

Prized by locals for their intelligence, courage, speed, and silence, the Basenji was a highly valued breed. I can see why - their unique characteristics must have made them a joy to have around.

Several attempts were made to introduce the breed into England, but the earliest imports succumbed to disease. Unfortunately, this meant that the breed struggled to gain a foothold in the Western world.

In 1923, six Basenjis were taken from Sudan, but all six died from distemper shots received in quarantine. This was a major setback for the breed's introduction to England.

It wasn't until the 1930s that foundation stock was successfully established in England, and then in the United States by animal importer Henry Trefflich. This marked a significant turning point for the breed.

It is likely that nearly all the Basenjis in the Western world are descended from these few original imports. This means that the breed's history is relatively recent and condensed.

The breed was officially accepted into the AKC in 1943. This recognition helped to solidify the breed's place in the Western world.

In 1990, the AKC stud book was reopened to 14 new imports at the request of the Basenji Club of America. This allowed for the introduction of new bloodlines and helped to revitalize the breed.

The stud book was reopened again to selected imported dogs from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. This further expanded the breed's gene pool and helped to ensure its long-term health.

Here's a brief timeline of the breed's history:

Basenjis are small dogs with short hair, erect ears, and tightly curled tails. They have a wrinkled forehead, especially when they're young or excited.

Their eyes are typically almond-shaped, and they weigh about 9-11 kg (20-24 lb). They stand 41-46 cm (16-18 in) at the shoulder.

Basenjis are athletic dogs with a confident gait, similar to a trotting horse. They can run at high speeds, skimming the ground with their tail straightened out for balance.

The Basenji's unique vocalizations are due to the unusual flattened shape of their larynx, resulting in a yodel-like sound.

Their distinctive lack of a strong dog smell is another trait that sets them apart from other breeds.

Basenji females only come into heat once a year, similar to wild canids, which is a characteristic that's often talked about by breeders and owners.

The Basenji's DNA is genetically distinct from other breeds and even predates the evolution of purebred dogdom, with research suggesting it may date back to before agriculture itself.

Research in 2021 found that the Basenji has lower numbers of the AMY2B gene, which produces an enzyme that helps digest starch, a trait that's often associated with hunter-gatherer dogs like wolves and dingoes.

Basenjis are small dogs, typically weighing about 9–11 kg (20–24 lb) and standing 41–46 cm (16–18 in) at the shoulder.

Their short-haired coat requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Basenjis have erect ears and a tightly curled tail, giving them a unique and endearing appearance.

Their almond-shaped eyes are a distinctive feature, and their wrinkled forehead is a characteristic that's especially pronounced when they're young or excited.

Basenjis are a square breed, meaning they're as long as they are tall, and males are usually larger than females.

They have a powerful, athletic build that belies their small size, and their confident gait is reminiscent of a trotting horse.

Basenjis come in a variety of colors, including red, black, tricolor, brindle, and trindle, which is a rare combination of tricolor and brindle points.

Their white feet, chests, and tail tips are a common feature across all of these color variations.

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The Basenji is generally a healthy breed if kept active and not overfed, with an average lifespan of 13-14 years.

They are prone to some health conditions, such as dermatitis, incontinence and bladder infection, hypothyroidism, and pyometra and infertility.

Regular preventative care is essential, including flea and tick medications, heartworm medication, vaccinations, and vet exams.

Responsible breeders should check for congenital disorders like canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and IPSID, a type of inflammatory bowel disease common in the breed.

They also carry the gene for Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disorder.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for:

Basenjis are naturally clean dogs that require minimal upkeep, but they do need regular grooming to remove dead hairs and keep their coat clean.

They should be brushed weekly and washed every month, with their nails, ears, eyes, and teeth checked and maintained regularly.

Because of their history of kidney disease, owners should test their pet's urine for glucose every month, starting at age three, to look for early signs of Fanconi syndrome.

Basenjis should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food approved by the AAFCO.

Basenji puppies need to be on a puppy diet until they are 1 year old, so be sure to switch to adult food at that time.

Feeding your Basenji once or twice a day is fine, but consider using a puzzle feeder to keep them engaged and active.

Because Basenjis are small, around 20 pounds, be mindful of the extra calories they can easily gain from treats.

You can find guidance on portion sizes on the AAFCO-approved dog food bag, or consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Basenjis should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Feeding your Basenji once or twice a day is acceptable, but be mindful of how many treats you're giving them, as they can add up quickly.

Basenji puppies should be on a puppy diet until they are 1 year old, so be sure to choose a puppy-friendly food.

Talk with your veterinarian about how much to feed your dog, as the amount of food depends on their weight, health, lifestyle, and other factors.

You can also find guidance on portion sizes on your AAFCO-approved dog food bag.

Feeding your Basenji with a puzzle feeder can benefit them and keep them busy, especially due to their curious nature and intelligence.

The Basenji is a unique breed with a rich history. They come in a variety of colors including black and white, black, tan, and white, brindle and white, and red and white.

Basenjis are well-suited for active families and canine competitors. They also thrive in experienced owner households.

Their high-energy level requires a diet that meets their physical needs.

Basenjis are highly intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training, but they can be easily distracted and become bored quickly.

To prevent destructive behavior, keep your Basenji busy and entertained with exercise and mental stimulation.

Training sessions should be kept short and fun, using a variety of strong-smelling training treats to keep your Basenji's attention.

Basenjis are not highly trainable dogs, but they reveal their intelligence when they're trying to accomplish something for themselves.

Early socialization and training are vital for helping a Basenji dog thrive, especially when it comes to being adaptable and comfortable around new people.

Basenjis can be aloof and independent, but they also need extended exercise and play sessions to keep them out of trouble.

They can be wary of strangers and might not do well with small children, who can make Basenjis anxious with their unpredictable behavior.

Consistent training is essential for Basenjis, as their energy, intelligence, and stubbornness can lead to problems without it.

Basenjis are known for their bountiful energy, high intelligence, and a lot of willfulness and mischief, which can be more pronounced in puppies.

They're best for owners with experience, as they require a lot of attention and exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

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