Basenji – little, smooth-haired hunting dog. These dogs were found in territories of Congo, Sudan and Liberia. Similar dogs were found also in jungles of Malaysia. These are non-barking dogs. Instead of barking basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound (a form of singing that involves singing an extended note).
Dogs displayed on bas-reliefs found in tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, are very similar to basenji. In the fifth dynasty pharaoh Tutankhamen’s tombs were found embalmed dogs similar to basenji. They were wrapped into beautiful fabrics and their collars were decorated with gems. To pharaohs basenji were not only hunting dogs, they were amulets as well, who protected dynasts from dark magic.
There is a possibility that basenji are originated from dogs of Central Africa called pariah.
By the end of 19th century basenji were called different by Western travelers: Congo terrier, Zande dog, African forest dog, Lagos forest dog, Bongo terrier, nom-nom terrier.
In the middle of 19th century explorers found this unusual species of dogs in Congo and South Sudan. The locals used these dogs for hunting. Congo basenji hunts in groups by driving prey into the net. In local language word “basenji” means forest creature.
In the year 1895 English sailors first time brought those dogs to England. Short after arriving to England, dogs fell ill with fever and died. In 1937 more dogs were brought to England from Africa and they were exhibited in zoo. In same year to USA were brought a basenji couple. Sadly but female dog and her puppies died from a fever. In 1941 from Africa to Boston (USA) was brought another female basenji. She was successfully paired with previously brought male dog and they had first litter in USA.
That was the time when basenji breeding started in USA, Canada, and England, later in rest of Europe.
In Russia basenji appeared only in 1997. These dogs were brought from French kennel “Out of Africa”. First litter in Russia was in 1998. Dogs from Russia often get high marks from foreign experts.
First classification of basenji divided them in two types:
1) field type – height about 40 cm; straw color with white;
2) forest type – height less than 40 cm; dark color.
Basenji is well balanced, light in built, long-legged, alert and intelligent animal with an elegant and aristocratic appearance. Pointed ears, high placed neck with, a graceful curve, moderately deep chest, flat stomach, high placed tail in shape of ring – that all produce smooth aristocratic character.
Basenji is wonderful and lovely companion. Gamesome creatures, like kittens. Basenjis are very natty – they are washing themselves almost like cats do, they don’t have smell like most dogs have. Such characteristic make them ideal pet for those who appreciates cleanliness of house.
Basenjis are very friendly to children. But they can get in to fight with their breed mates.
World’s elite are ones of the lovers of this breed:
– Ex-queen of Holland Juliana. As a gift on her birthday she received a portrait of her and her basenji named Zara;
– King of Egypt Faruk. Even after leaving throne he didn’t left his pet basenjis.
A lot of world’s royal families have such breed of dogs.
