Basenji Facts

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred from stock originating in central Africa. Most of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world place the breed in the Hound Group; more specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale places the breed in Group 5, Spitz and Primitive types, and the United Kennel Club (US) places the breed in the Sighthound & Pariah Group.

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2010 Basenji
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Basenji



*The Basenji, whose name means Bush Thing, is one of the most ancient breeds of dog.

*Dogs resembling Basenjis are depicted on the tombs of Egyptian Pharoahs dating back to 3600 BC.

*Basenjis originated in the African Congo where they are still used by pygmies to hunt lions.

*While Basenjis are known as the African barkless dog, they are by no means silent. They are usually very quiet, but can yodel or baroo when they are happy to see you. If they are displeased, they do whine and grumble.

*They have a strong prey drive and will chase anything that moves: other dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, birds, etc. Lure coursing is the sport of choice.

*Like cats, Basenjis like to lick themselves clean. They shed very little and have no undercoat, so they do not tolerate the cold very well. They tend to find the sunniest spot to take a nap.

*Basenjis love to play and play. They act like puppies even into old age. They are very comical to watch and provide entertainment for their owners.

*Basenjis are very intelligent and quick learners but that does not make them easy to train. They are very independent and usually have an agenda of their own.

* The Basenji may be the only breed where their owners brag about the destruction they wreak. New owners quickly learn to put dirty clothes in the hamper, the remote in a drawer and the garbage behind a closed door. They also learn that a tired dog is a good dog.