Basenji Dog Breed

The Basenji dog breed, also known as the Congo Terrier, is a primitive Sighthound from central Africa. It had once helped Pygmy hunters funnel small game animals into nets in the Congo and Zaire regions.

Its name literally means "bush thing".

There were several drives to bring the breed to Europe between the early 1800-1900s; however, the dogs had no immunity to distemper and would die shortly after their arrival. A handful of dogs survived their trans location in the 1930s and a breeding program was established in England.

Basenji Dog Breed: Temperament

The Basenji is a barkless breed. It does not have the ability to bark, but can still manage to yelp and shriek every once in awhile. They are known to be destructive at times, but this can be curtailed by daily exercise and human interaction. Their destructive tendencies can be attributed to restlessness and boredom.

Basenjis can get along well with other dogs, but for whatever reason are oftentimes terrible to one another. They can be even worse with other pets like cats if they are not raised with them.

Basenji: Health

The Basenji is more of an indoor dog, but it is wise to provide them with a yard so that they can burn off their excess energy. Even with a yard to run around in, they will need a long walk to keep their minds stimulated and curiosity satisfied.

Disorders characteristic of this breed are immunoproliferative small intestinal disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and faconi syndrome. Hypothyroidism, umbililical hernia, pyruvate kinase deficiency, and persistent pupillary membrane can sometimes also be of concern.

Most Basenjis will live to see 12 to 14 years of age if in good health and exercised daily.