What is a Basenji and what do I need to know about this breed?

What is a Basenji and what do I need to know about this breed?
The name is pronounced Buh-SEN-jee.

By: Teresa Hestekin

The Basenji usually does not bark, but can make other dog noises like when they are happy they chortle or yodel softly (A Yodel is very similar to a howel), they growl, and whine, and they have a wail or a scream they do when they're unhappy, upset, or sad (yes really, this sound is very similar to a loud shrieke or scream). Usually, however, they're quiet.

In 1943 the AKC accepted the Basenji as a member of the Hound Group for registration in the Stud Book, and approved the standard. This breed is one of the very oldest though and has been dated back to 3600 B.C. where they have been recorded in Egyptian engravings.

Thought to have been extinct with the fall of the Egyptian empire, the Basenji was re-discovered in 1861 deep in the Congo of Africa where they were a loyal hunting dog. The puppies and stud services were used to trade for property and wives.

In 1937 the Basenji was successfully brought over to Europe.

In 1988 there was an excursion to Africa where a few additional Basenjis were brought back to the USA, they were AKC registered and added to the very small and limited gene pool of this breed. At this time the color "Brindle" was added.

Link to the AKC website for additional information: http://www.akc.org/breeds/basenji/

The Basenji is 20-25 pounds. They can top speeds of 35 miles an hour. Basenjis are born to hunt by sight and scent, meaning by what they see and smell, therefore they cannot be turned loose. They have a very keen nose and will follow a rabbits scent for miles. For this same reason we chose to microchip all of our Basenjis with a Homeagain Microchip. You will need to register your puppies microchip into your name, the fee is currently $17.50 and is paid directly to Companion Animal Recovery.

Coats: They have a short sleek clean coat, shed very little, and are odorless. They are meticulous in keeping themselves and their owners clean. The Basenji is an all natural dog and requires little coat care or grooming.

Dewclaws: Dewclaws are like toes/thumbs. They are the first toe/thumb on a dog, and unlike toe/thumbs 2,3,4 and 5, they are not used for walking. They are located a short distance up the leg on the inside surface. Dewclaws are really a matter of preference, but yet breeders will argue the point of leaving the dewclaw on or having it surgically removed. Basenjis use their dewclaws in strange ways when it comes to playing with their toys, climbing, and hanging onto the animal that they just hunted. By our own choice we leave our puppies all natural, just the way god intended them to be.

Some breeders feel that if you remove the dewclaw, you get rid of the problem of snagging them on something and possibly causing injury. I don't think this happens as often as people think though. I personally feel that the Basenji should be an all natural breed, with all of his/her toes and/or thumbs intact.

As Pets: The Basenji is loyal to their owners and are most times stand-offish with strangers. The Basenji loves children, especially if they are raised with them.

Intelligence: The Basenji is very very intelligent, sometimes too smart for their own good. Training can be a challenge at times with your Basenji playing games on you :) We have found that reverse physiology works well, in that I mean that we praise the good, really praise the good and we ignore the bad. For praise I use baby talk and lots of pets, make a big deal about what they do right by getting them excited and into a playful mood. Basenjis crave praise and play :) Basenjis are hunters, they can problem solve and come up with what they want to do about the situation, this is very different from most other breeds who just do and then think, Basenjis will think and then do. I have heard some people refer to a Basenji as being untrainable but they learn quickly when the trainer is using positive reinforcement techniques. Avoid trainers who use harsh techniques (many trainers punish the bad behavior in one way or another) I feel that there is never a reason to hit or harm a dog during training. Basenji are most times easily trained as they learn very quickly if the two of you can understand each others desired motivations. I am constantly amazed with their intelligence.

Health concerns:

The Basenji is generally a very healthy dog. It is very uncommon for a Basenji to have skin ailments, allergies or things like arthritis.

Three Eye Conditions:

1. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) : Mode of inheritance is unknown. PRA is an eye condition where the retina begins to deteriorate, causing visual loss and generally leading to blindness. A CERF exam indicates only the present state of the eye meaning that a CERF exam cannot tell a breeder whether or not the dog will produce PRA and a CERF exam does not predict whether or not a dog will develop PRA in the future. A CERF exam indicates only the present state of a dog's eyes therefore the Ophthalmologist and BCOA both recommend surfing your Basenjis eyes yearly. Surfing is not preventing the condition but only searching and watching for it. I have not personally experienced this condition to date. To assure that we are breeding healthy dogs we have our adults and our puppies checked by our Veterinarian for eye abnormalities. We do not have a canine Ophthalmologist in Eau Claire, WI and we would have to take our puppies to Minnesota or Madison, WI to have their eyes surfed.

2. Coloboma: Mode of inheritance is unknown. Coloboma is the absence, complete or partial, of a portion of the eye. The mode of inheritance of coloboma is not yet understood. Coloboma is present from puppyhood and is easily detected by a licensed Veterinarian or an Ophthalmologist. To assure that we are breeding healthy dogs we have our adults and our puppies checked by our Veterinarian for eye abnormalities.

3. Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM): Mode of inheritance is unknown but it is extremely common in Basenjis. From what I understand of it, it is better explained as when a puppy is born their eyes are closed, at about the age of 10 days or so the puppies eyes begin to open and sometimes that extra eye lid which is suppose to absorb does not entirely absorb and they call this PPM. This disorder does not progress, and some puppies with mild PPM become normal as they get older. A CERF exam indicates only the present state of the eye meaning that a CERF exam cannot tell a breeder whether or not the dog will produce PPM and a CERF exam does not predict whether or not a dog will develop PPM in the future. A CERF exam indicates only the present state of a dog's eyes. Surfing is not preventing the condition but only looking and searching for it. To assure that we are breeding healthy dogs we have our adults and our puppies checked by our Veterinarian for eye abnormalities. We do not have a canine Ophthalmologist in Eau Claire, WI and we would have to take our puppies to Minnesota or Madison, WI to have their eyes surfed.

Umbilical hernias: which are present at birth, are most times seen in this breed, and are rarely a cause of concern. If your puppy has a hernia, you should let your veterinarian know that this is common in this breed. If your puppy has a noticable hernia you may choose to repair it at the time your puppy is spay/neutered. Due to the Basenji being a fairly hard to find breed, most veterinarians do not have much experience with this unique breed of dog. Showing a puppy with a hernia is allowed.

Inherited diseases:

Fanconi: I have had my Basenjis since 1995 and I have not had a personal experience with Fanconi Syndrome. There is however now a one time life time test that is finally available as of July 14, 2007 to determine if a Basenji is clear of Fanconi, a carrier, or affected by Fanconi Syndrome. Breeders can now carefully plan their breedings to assure this condition will not be seen in the future of the Basenji breed. To help assure our puppies are as healthy as possible we are currently in the process of having our adult dogs tested. Read our Adoption Agreement for more information.

Link here to get more information on DNA testing for Fanconi

What is Fanconi Syndrome: Fanconi is a known kidney disease to which the kidney stops filtering, around 5 yrs of age or older. This condition can be fatal if not treated. Test results stating "affected" are at risk. Test results stating "clear" will never be affected and are not able to produce offspring who are affected. Test results of "carrier" will never themselves be affected but could, depending on who they are mated with, produce offspring who are affected. Link here to order your Fanconi test.

From: Basenji Health Endowment <basenjihealth@gmail.com>
To: tar9091@aim.com <tar9091@aim.com>
Sent: Thu, 9 Aug 2007 7:41 am
Subject: Re: Fanconi

a clear to clear breeding could only produce clear offspring.
a clear to carrier breeding could produce clear and carrier offspring.
a clear to affected breeding would produce all carrier offspring.
a carrier to carrier breeding could produce clear, carrier and affected offspring,
a carrier to affected breeding would produce carrier and affected offspring.
an affected to affected breeding would produce all affected offspring.

Fun thing to do with your Basenji:

Check into lure coursing, tracking, conformation, and agility. The Basenji will make an excellent agility dog. I do not however recommend obedience as most cannot rationalize the repetition of Sits, Comes, and Stays well enough to compete. Don't get me wrong with this comment, they can learn all of these commands but just do not do them well enough to compete in the strong competition of the dog show world. I recommend The Canadian Kennel Club as my first choice of clubs to participate in. The Canadian Kennel Club has a wonderful, and fun group of people who are excepting of new comers and will welcome you with open arms. In the USA they have The Basenji Club of America (BCOA), I have found in my own experience, this is a tightly knit group with about 500 members. Unless your puppy is purchased directly from one of them, you may have a tough time being accepted into their club.

Fun Clubs to Join and/or participate in with your Basenji:

1. The Basenji Club Of Canada: check into lure coursing, tracking, conformation & agility.

2. Basenji Companions: Founded in April 1997, a club devoted to pet Basenjis & Basenji-mixes

3. Basenji Rescue and Transport (B.R.A.T): Adoption, Placement, Health, Foster Care, Education & Support

Showing: There are many clubs to choose from when you are considering the idea of dog showing.

For the beginner I recommend:

a. The Universal Kennel Club International (UKCI),

b. Americas Canine Association (ACA)

c. America's Pet Registry (APR)

and if you are ready for the serious show career:

d. The Canadian Kennel Club: I recommend CKC as my first choice of clubs to participate in. CKC has a wonderful and fun group of people who are excepting of new comers and will welcome you with open arms.

e. The American Kennel Club: (AKC)

all of these clubs have dog show events available, see their sites for more information. (You can link on the club name above to bring you to their sites) I am, and always have been, in good standings with each of the above clubs.

I have chose to not be a member of the BCOA:

The Basenji Club of America (BCOA) in my opinion is a "tightly knit group" with about 500 members. Whether you plan to show or just plan to have a pet these members can discourage and belittle new comers. I personally would like to see more people showing and enjoying their basenji, but with a club such as this I do not foresee any new comers to the show ring in our near future. Don't get me wrong with this comment as I do know a few people who are an exception to this comment and hopefully you will be lucky enough to find one of these few.

Why show your dog: In my opinion dog shows were originally set up so that breeders could compare and evaluate their breeding stock in a fun family friendly yet competitive like atmosphere. Families use to attend and enjoyed showing off their prize canine, possibly make plans to exchange stud services, or exchange a puppy all with hopes of accomplishing the perfect genetic cross for that breed. Breeders would work together and breeders were each others friends. Dog shows were not only meant for the best of quality, and top examples of the breed to be evaluated but also for breeders to keep in touch with each other. Dog showing allowed observers, breeders and competitors to see quantity, quality, and variation in type all in one location. AKC breed clubs have since attempted to claim ownership of many breeds and tend to be unhelpful and cold to new comers. You rarely see families showing dogs, usually there are hired professional handler competing against each other. The new comer most of the time finds themselves over whelmed and even unwelcome among the show fanciers. The breed clubs in my opinion have turned dog showing into a cut throat business, where only rankings and recognition exist. Fun, family, quality and acceptance seem to be forgotten in our rings today.

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
-Andy Rooney

Dog showing can be an entertaining sport, it should be fun for the experienced and also the beginner. I personally feel that it is highly unethical to openly attack, embarrass or belittle anyone whether they are experienced in the ring or a new comer to the ring. Why can't we all be good sports about showing and competing? Yes showing is a sport, it can be very competitive, but sometimes I can't help wondering where the "SPORT" in sportsmanship ever went?

Link here to read: AKC Code of Sportsmanship

I do not make the practice of bad mouthing other breeders, and I will not answer personal questions about other breeders. I will however offer my aid with any problems concerning health, behavior, house training or any other puppy issue you may encounter, whether the puppy was from me or another breeder is not the issue. It is important that you get the best possible dog you can as a dog of any breed is a lifetime commitment. A well bred puppy will hopefully save you expensive vet bills and the heartache of health problems in your time together.

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
-Anonymous

CHOOSING A BREEDER: Choosing a breeder is totally up to the purchaser. It is highly unethical to openly attack another breeder to anyone, and if you find one of these sorts of breeders I recommend staying clear of them. Please do not email me asking me about another breeder or what I think of their dogs, it honestly is up to you to make that determination of which breeder you want to deal with. It is not my place to judge the creditability or honesty of any breeder.

What does Pet Quality Mean on my website: Pet Quality Puppies versus Show Quality Puppies: Don't let a breeder fool you when they tell you that their puppies are show quality puppies. Being show quality is something that no breeder, no matter how experienced he/she may be, cannot guarantee to you until the puppy has reached at least 6 months of age. If I refer to a puppy as pet quality that does not mean that the puppy is not the best example of his/her breed, that fact is just unknown at that time. I use the difference in terms, of Pet or Show quality, only to describe the puppies destination, meaning the show ring, or a wonderful and loving pet home. A show potential puppy is one that goes beyond the definition of pet quality. These dogs are free of all disqualifying faults. They are not guaranteed to win in the show ring, but AT THE TIME OF SALE, display no structural, cosmetic or temperament faults that would prevent them from attaining a breed championship if handled correctly of course. The fact that a dog may finish a championship does not necessarily mean that it is of breeding quality. Correct phenotype, or what is seen from the outside, does not guarantee correct genotype which would be the genes that are crossed and passed on to the next generation. My puppies may mature to be show quality, and under special circumstances, the limited registration can be lifted, which would allow for showing in all events. The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), The American Kennel Club (AKC), The Universal Kennel Club International (UKCI), Americas Canine Association (ACA) and America's Pet Registry (APR) all hold dog show events, see their sites for more information.

Basenjis can be a challenging breed. I try to warn everyone that you never really own a Basenji, "The Basenji Owns You". Their temperament may not be what some people expect, they snuggle when they want, and they play when they want to play, they have a very different personality. A Basenji is different from any other breed of dog, add in a little cat and then stir in a little monster and boom you have your very own Basenji dog. Having a Basenji dog is like having a 2 year old child who never grows up.

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
-Josh Billings

I am hoping by now you are getting a good understanding of what this breed is all about. I purchased my first Basenji in 1995 and I truly have found the breed that fits my life style, my personality and my heart. Please be a responsible owner and study the breed you are considering to add to your family. Make sure you know what the breed is all about, be prepared for the good and the bad, after all your new puppy/or new adult dog will be a member of your family for a long time.

To live with a Basenji successfully you will need to commit your time, your effort and your understanding of their unique ways for their life time. Basenjis are truly unique in everyway. Your children will mature, grow independent and move on with age, but your Basenji will keep you busy cleaning, doing laundry and playing for many years to come.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
-Roger Caras

Thank you for your interest in my puppies!