The Basenji is an ancient breed that evoled in Africa, the cradle of the world for many species. Shaped by nature over thousands of years and culled by an environment where only the most adept survived, this breed comes to us in a form designed by its function. It was not until the 19th century when Basenjis were brought out of Africa, that their breeding was artificially selected by man.
Always living with close association with man, the Basenji was prized by the Congo native for its hunting abilities. Small family groups lived in villages with the Congo tribes and were free to come and go as they pleased. The Basenjis usually interbred with othe dogs in the village. Each village had ts own Basenji family and when the dogs followed visiting tribesmen, the Basenjis, respecting other dogs' territory would wait outside the village until their humans returned. In some places in africa, the Basenjis still live this way, although domestic breeds have infiltrated the continent and marred the purity of the Basenji in most places.
The hunting style of the Basenji varies with the terrain. The bAsenji works through the brush and drives the game into the nets where the natives can spear the stranded animals. Because the Basenji is a silent hunter (it doesn't bark), the natives attach bells and rattles to the dog's neck or waists. This serves to tell the hunter where the dogs are and also startle the game and get it running toward the net.
Photo courtesy of hundund.de
When hunting in the high steppe grass, the Basenji will leap high into the air in order to see the game over the tall grass. In these areas they are known as M'bwa and M'Kubwa M'bwa which translates to the jumpting up and down dog.
Basenjis can hold large game at bay until the hunters arrive. Thet are also capable of running down and catching small animals. They have incredible hunting instincts and use all their facilities, sight, scent and hearing, to get the job done.
This is a lightly built, finely boned aristocratic looking animal, high on legs compared with its length, always poised, alert and intelligent. His wrinkled head, with pricked ears, is proudly carried on a well arched neck. Deep brisket runs up into a definite waist, tail tightly curled presenting a picture of a well balanced dog of gazelle-like grace.
Many experts believe that the breed has eveolved from the central Africa pariah type dogs into a highly efficient hunting dog. As a home companion, the Basenji is a sublime candidte. Basenjis tend to scrap with other dogs but are entirely affectionate with their human charges.[2]
Barkless but not mute, its own special noise is a mixture of a chortle and a yodel. The breed is remarkable for its cleanliness in every way. An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed, he can be aloof with strangers.
Coat
The hair is short, sleek and close, very fine.
Color
The color can be pure black and white; red and white; black and tan, and white with melon pips and tan markings on muzzle and cheeks; black; tan and white; brindle: red background with black stripes, the more clearly defined the stripes the better. The white should be on the feet, chest and tail tip. The legs can be white and there may be a white blaze and white collar.
Size
16-17 inches at shoulders.