Characteristics of the Basenji and why she cannot bark. Basenji: description of the breed Why does the Basenji breed not give

There are dogs on our planet that do not say “woof”. And these are not silent, gloomy individuals from whose mouths you will not hear barking sounds. What dogs don't bark? Don't want to or can't bark? Read our article.

We are talking about an African breed of dog - Basenji. This is one of the oldest dog breeds - the breed is about 5,000 years old. That is, this is not a breed of dog bred by man, but a semi-wild animal that is still found in the African jungle. Basenjis live naturally in small packs. And the local Pygmies use these dogs as hunting assistants, feeding them.

This is a very cute dog that does not like to be alone and prefers company. In addition to the fact that Basenjis do not bark, they are also odorless and practically do not shed. Their skin is quite delicate, so when treating it with flea shampoo you need to be extremely careful not to cause irritation.

They have seemingly incompatible character traits: caution (especially with strangers) and fearless curiosity. They are quiet and calm at home, but on the street they behave wildly and cheerfully. Basenjis have a cute face, and when they fold their ears in a certain way, wrinkles appear on their foreheads that are simply impossible not to be touched.

What these African silent people don't like is water. They say that this is triggered by their genetic memory, which contains memories of the danger from the water in the form of crocodiles.

So why don't Basenjis bark?

There are two theories about this.

It is believed that these dogs were domesticated before they realized that they needed to bark. It turns out that, in theory, Basenjis can bark, but they don’t want to.
The second theory talks about some structural features of the pharynx of these dogs. Because of this structure they cannot bark.

Scientists have not yet been able to give a more accurate answer.

But despite the absence of barking, Basenjis can make sounds. Firstly, these are the famous “trills”, which is why they stand out so much among other dogs. But in addition, African silent ones can make very unpleasant sounds. More than once, the owners of these dogs have come home to find an ambulance and police at their door, trying to break into their houses. But the thing is that if the Basenji is worried, then they make sounds that make all the neighbors believe that someone nearby is dying in painful convulsions.

What Basenjis love is running. Running inspires these dogs and fills them with life. Therefore, if you decide to purchase this particular breed of dog, then think carefully about whether you can provide it with this need for running. Sometimes the gait of this breed of dog is compared to the walking of a horse. If this dog is forced to move little, it can lead to depression.

This dog is also called the “forest dog from the Congo.” In the countries of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, this breed is still completely new and was introduced only in 1997. It will especially appeal to people who cannot prefer a dog or a cat. The forest dog from the Congo has a lot of feline features. She loves when people admire her, when people talk about her a lot and well, and washes her face with her paw. Just like a cat, she builds relationships with humans. Intimidation and suppression of personality will not work with her. Only positive reinforcement.

Another extremely positive quality: Basenjis are not aggressive towards people. But in the company of other dogs, they will always try to dominate.

At the end of the article, I suggest watching a video in which you can hear the howls and trills of a Basenji dog.

This is what a Basenji looks like

dog breeds we invite you to talk about Bassenji dogs. The rather exotic name of the breed suggests an interesting history of this breed - and, this is true. So, let's put our business aside and take a closer look at the Basenji - this dog has something to tell us about...

Features of Basenji dogs

The Basenji breed, the African non-barking dog, the Congolese bush dog, the forest dog from the Congo, the Congo terrier, the Zande dog and even a creature from the bush - as they call Basenji dogs. It is noteworthy that this breed is one of the most ancient. Thus, the history of Basenji goes back about 5 thousand years, and the first historical mentions of Basenji belong to African history. It is central Africa, according to zoologists, that is the homeland and cradle of this breed.

This breed of dog attracts our attention not only because it has deep historical roots (if Basenji could speak, they would probably tell us a lot of interesting things), but also because these dogs... They just don't know how to do it. Well, when Basenjis are excited or scared, they make their own special “signature” sound, a little like the rumbling of a wild animal. But they do this extremely rarely. So those who dream of a silent interlocutor should definitely take a closer look at the Basenji.

Another “signature” attribute of the Basenji is the wrinkles on the forehead, which are clearly visible when the dog folds its ears - the Basenji seems to be frowning, and a tightly curled tail.

Also, it will be interesting to know that these dogs are very clean - more than once you can find a Basenji doing such an activity as washing. But Basenji also washes himself in a special way - he does it like a cat - with his paw...

This breed of dog was not bred by humans, was not subjected to selection - such a “natural product”. The development of the breed occurred through natural selection of the strongest, healthiest and most viable individuals. As a result, Basenji dogs are distinguished by excellent health, high immunity, fearlessness, self-confidence and strength, and consistency of appearance. Today's Basenjis look the same as the Basenjis of 5 thousand years ago.

The Legend of Basenji

People are haunted by the mystery of Basenji dogs associated with their silence. This is probably why, in order to somehow explain this phenomenon, people came up with several legends associated with the Basenji feature. So, according to one ancient African legend, the Basenji are silent precisely because in ancient times, the leader of a pack of Basenji dogs accidentally overheard the secret of an African tribe. And, so that the Basenji could never tell this secret to someone else, African shamans cast a spell on the Basenji - and these dogs fell silent forever...

Who knows, maybe there is some truth in this legend, however, zoologists have still not been able to find a single explanation for why the Basenji are silent...

History of the breed

The ancient Egyptians also knew about Basenji dogs. So, these dogs were given as a gift to the pharaohs, who, by the way, loved these dogs very much and even endowed them with special divine qualities, believing that Basenjis were an earthly amulet. Proof of this is the rock paintings of these dogs in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, and the found mummies of Basenji dogs, which were customary to be buried along with their noble owners in luxury and honor.

Also, they knew about Basenji in Nubia - this is the territory of the modern state of Sudan. Thus, in one of the ancient Nubian burials, the remains of a Basenji dog were discovered, which sits at the feet of its owner.

Today, Basenjis are the most popular African dogs that help Africans during hunting.

Basenjis came to Europe in 1895, thanks to English sailors, but the dogs did not take root there and died. The second attempt to introduce the Basenji to Europe was the appearance of this dog breed in 1905 at the Berlin Zoo. And, later, in 1930, the Basenjis again set out to conquer England - and this time they conquered it. It was the British who approved the Basenji breed standard, which is still relevant today. The first Basenji took part in a dog show in 1937, then in the column of the Basenji’s dog breed the name Congo Terrier was listed and everyone liked the dog so much that the owner of the Basenji began to be bombarded with offers to sell the dog, and with questions about where he brought such a miracle from...

What does a Basenji look like?

The height of an adult representative of the Basenji breed at the withers can reach 40-43 centimeters, and weight - from 9.5 to 11 kilograms.

Today, 4 specific colors of this breed are known:

Red and white spotted Basenjis
Black with white spots Basenji,
Black Basenjis with reddish tan markings and markings on the eyes, muzzle and cheekbones,
Tiger Basenji.

The mandatory breed standard is white paws, brisket and the tip of the dog's tail, while a white collar and white socks are optional. The main rule is that there should not be too much white, and the color transition and markings should be clear and contrasting.

It is noteworthy that in one Basenji litter there can be from 3 to 5 puppies.

Do you want to get a dog that doesn't bark? Someone will be happy: this is great - the house will be quiet, and the neighbors will stop complaining. Someone will shrug their shoulders: why do I need it, because barking is a signal of danger, which almost always scares thieves who break into the yard. But they will almost always ask: is there really such a thing? Meet the Basenji.

Unlike us, modern people, the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt knew very well who the Basenji were - they were presented to them as a gift. These dogs were highly revered and considered a living amulet. Evidence of this is the wall images inside the tombs of the pharaohs and the mummies of dogs buried with all due honors.

The history of today's faithful four-legged friends of man began with their domestication and the long process of breeding the breeds people needed. The Basenji went their own, special way. Coming from the heart of the African continent, these dogs owe their development solely to the natural selection of Mother Nature. For their loyalty to her, she gifted them with good health, strong immunity, fearlessness and self-confidence. Looking at any photograph of a Basenji, you see the appearance of the breed exactly the same as it was five thousand years ago.

Why don't Basenjis bark? The indigenous Congolese tribes have a legend about an important secret that one tribe kept. One day, the leader of a pack of Basenjis, who are called here in the local dialect “creature from the bushes,” accidentally overheard this secret. Realizing that he might accidentally let it slip, the leader, together with his flock, promised to never tell people about what he had heard. Since then, they say, they have been silent, faithful to their oath.

A legend is a legend, but the fact is indisputable: Basenjis are not silent. And yet they bark, but quite rarely. Much more often you can hear growls, snorts, and sighs from them. Even muttering, reminiscent of the grumbling of a dissatisfied person.

Basenjis are social animals. Under natural conditions, they live in small flocks. However, Basenjis greatly value human interaction. African pygmies feed them and take them hunting with them. In this capacity they are wonderful - almost always full of energy and initiative.

But they are loved not at all for their hunting qualities, but for their very unusual, reminiscent of a cat. The Basenji is a very clean dog, and - amazing! – he doesn’t smell like a dog at all. He even often washes himself with his paw, just like cats! It is ideal for apartment maintenance. Another similar trait: most Basenjis do not like water. Perhaps this is how the genetic memory of “communication” with African crocodiles makes itself felt.

Basenji, being at home, can literally “pretend to be a rag and not shine.” But this does not mean that she is like that outside the home. Even more: such a dog is suitable only for a person who is as active and energetic as she is. Just taking her out for a walk in the yard for half an hour won’t work. A Basenji should be out in nature just long enough to run around to its heart's content.

For all the canine traits of the Basenji, their purely feline independence and self-motivation can bring unpleasant surprises to their owners. If an insufficiently trained Basenji is left to its own devices, it will get bored and start acting up. And if you let him go unattended in an unfamiliar area, the fearless dog will definitely end up in some kind of “story.”

Forcing a Basenji to do anything will not work: this dog does not recognize a person as an owner - only as a partner. If you decide to adopt a Basenji as your pupil, stock up on love and patience in advance. As a reward for this, the Basenji will become very attached to you and become a loyal, reliable and affectionate friend.

Basenjis are hunting dogs. Other names of the breed are also known - bush dog, Congo terrier, nyam-nyam terrier and even... African non-barking dog. Yes, yes, the distinctive feature of these animals is that during periods of excitement they purr rather than bark.

This unique trait, coupled with its cute appearance and cheerful disposition, makes the Basenji an attractive breed for dog breeders around the world.

Origin of the breed

The Basenji's homeland is South Africa. The history of their existence goes back no less than five thousand years. In Ancient Egypt they were considered sacred animals. Evidence of this is the drawings of the Basenji ancestors on the walls of the tombs of the rulers of Egypt, as well as the mummies of dogs buried along with royalty.

The natural silence of the Basenji is associated with legend. In ancient times, they knew how to talk, but their masters, the pharaohs, did not know about it. In order not to give away the secret about the hidden treasures and thereby not bring great trouble to people, the leader made a promise from the pack that they would never tell anyone what they accidentally heard.

Since then, the Basenji have remained silent. Only the eyes of a dog can eloquently speak about boundless devotion to a person.

Several representatives of the breed were brought by Europeans to Britain at the end of the century before last. However, all the animals died.

At the beginning of the 20th century, exotic Basenjis appeared in the Berlin Zoo, and in 1930 they were brought back to England. A breed standard was adopted and has never been changed. In 1937, non-barking dogs called the Congo Terrier were exhibited in the United States.

The breed, distinguished by its unique hunting qualities, attracted attention, and it became widespread throughout the world.

The Basenji breed developed independently; no breeding work was carried out on it.

Breed standard

Basenjis have an elegant physique and well-developed muscles. There are two varieties of the breed: forest and plain.

Plains dogs are larger in size. Height at the withers is from 40 centimeters. The coat is brown with white markings. The dog's neck and chest are decorated with a white collar.

Forest Basenjis are often called pygmy for their small, compact size. Their height is below 40 centimeters. The coat color, as well as the eye color, is always dark.

The Basenji also has common characteristic features inherent in both species:

The head is small, triangular in shape with a wide base.
The forehead is wide; when the ears are raised, folds form on it, especially noticeable in puppyhood.
The nose is narrow, the lobe with wide nostrils, black.
The eyes are wide-set, the iris is predominantly dark. The look is smart and insightful.
The lips are fleshy, fitting tightly to the jaws. No jowls.
The ears are erect, slightly protruding forward.
The neck is strong and high.
The chest is of medium width, the stomach is tucked.
The back is flat and not wide.
Limbs are straight and long. The hock joints are well developed.
The tail is set high, curled into a tight ring.

The Basenji's coat is short, close to the body, and shiny. Representatives of the breed are dogs with hypoallergenic coat.

The Basenji has several coat colors allowed by the breed standard: black and white, brown and white, red and white, brindle. Regardless of color, the paws, chest, and tip of the tail are white.

Basenji character

Basenjis are unusually active and agile dogs. Being excellent hunters, representatives of the breed can be so carried away by the pursuit of prey that they do not hear the voice of the owner.

The Basenji cannot be called a “one owner” dog. She is equally devoted to all family members, and not just to the one who feeds and educates her.

By the way, about training the Basenji. The animals are smart and amenable to training. However, they are too energetic, inquisitive and independent, so some problems may arise during the learning process. The breed is not recommended for beginners or weak people.

Only a person with a strong character can raise an obedient Basenji and maintain leadership. The basis of training should be a trusting relationship. For diligence and obedience, the pet should be praised and rewarded with treats, but you should not punish or raise your voice.

You need to do a lot with the dog, otherwise it will find entertainment to its liking, and then the owner may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

It should be taken into account that fearless and intelligent Basenjis are excellent hunters, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to raise them into a ferocious guard. They have a peculiar reaction to the appearance of strangers: they stand up and emit a characteristic rumbling sound.

The dogs get along well with other representatives of the breed and love to play with children. However, the Basenji is unlikely to tolerate being dragged by the tail and tousled.

One of the bad habits of the Basenji is the desire to climb onto a hill, for example, onto the master’s bed, and settle down there for the night. This habit needs to be stopped at an early age.

Health

Basenji is a healthy breed with strong immunity. Life expectancy is on average 10-12 years, but with good care they can live up to 14. Among the most common pathologies:

Fanconi syndrome is a disorder of kidney function. It is expressed in increased sugar levels in the urine and frequent urine output. Diagnosed in adult dogs over 4 years of age. There is no treatment and in most cases leads to the death of the animal.
Malabsorption is a chronic food allergy. A congenital disease that leads to general depletion of the body due to the inability to absorb nutrients. It is extremely rare. Treated with medications.
Hemolytic anemia. It develops against the background of damage to genes involved in the production of special enzymes and ensuring a stable state of red blood cells. Individuals with this disease live no more than three years.
Hypothyroidism. Pathology of the thyroid gland due to lack of hormones. Symptoms: obesity, unhealthy coat and skin, weakness.
Coloboma. Pathology of the organ of vision with complete or partial splitting of its structures. The dog has poor vision and sometimes develops physical defects.
Retinal atrophy. Leads to blindness.
Umbilical hernia. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is required.

If the walk is not in a closed area, but around the city, then you cannot let the cunning and agile Basenji off the leash - he will run away in search of adventure. Representatives of this breed love to chase cats, communicate with stray dogs, and eat leftovers.

Basenjis do not tolerate frost well, so when taking your dog for a walk in the cool season, it is advisable to wear overalls.

Great importance is attached to nutrition. Food from your own table is prohibited! The best option is to use professional elite feed. If preference is given to natural meat, the basis of the diet should be raw meat.

How to choose a Basenji puppy

You should not purchase a Basenji puppy based on an advertisement on the Internet. An animal can have a whole bunch of diseases, and there are no guarantees of the purity of the breed. To make a purchase, you should go to the nursery, where they will issue the necessary documents for the baby, advise you on nutrition and maintenance, and introduce you to the parents.

Basenji is a rare and therefore expensive breed. The cost depends on the class:

pet - from 15,000 thousand (minor deviations from the standard are not allowed for breeding and participation in exhibitions);
breeding - from 25,000 thousand (allowed for breeding work);
show - from 30,000 thousand rubles (future champions and producers).

A healthy baby has shiny, well-groomed fur, clean eyes, and a well-fed tummy. Choose an active and inquisitive baby.

You can take home a new family member at two months, since at this age temperament is already evident.

Pros and cons of the Basenji

Before getting a Basenji, you need to carefully weigh everything, consult with other family members, and find information about the breed.

Advantages:

devotion;
fearlessness;
lack of aggression;
intelligence and intelligence;
good relationships with children;
agility and mobility;
cleanliness;
good health;
no dog smell (even from wet fur);
hypoallergenic;
easy care;
moderate shedding;
good-natured disposition;
don't bark.

The breed also has disadvantages that need to be taken into account in order to avoid undesirable consequences:

excessive curiosity;
tendency to run away;
mobility;
demanding food;
the need for long walks (in open places - on a leash);
stubbornness;
cunning;
rabies.

The Basenji is suitable for hunters, athletes, and people who can devote a lot of time to the dog. But for people who spend most of their time at home in front of the TV, it is better to consider another breed.

Basenji is a purring dog breed with a 5,000-year history, native to central Africa. Another name for the breed: African non-barking dog; the dogs received the second name “African non-barking dog” for their unique feature. If you sense danger or anxiety, they start to rumble loudly.

does not bark, but purrs loudly
wrinkles on the forehead when the ears are folded
curled tail
wash themselves like cats with their paws

History and standards

The first mentions of the breed are found in the manuscripts of Ancient Egypt. Animals were considered a living talisman and amulet, and were often presented as gifts to the pharaohs. In Africa, many burials have been found with the remains of dogs very similar to modern ones.

In the 19th century Basenjis, as exotic animals, were first brought to Great Britain, where breed standards were established. But non-barking dogs became popular in the 40s. last century, when they were brought to the USA. After this, the Congo Terrier quickly spread throughout the world. In the 90s The dog was brought to Russia.

According to the standard, the general impression of the Basenji is activity and bright appearance. The dog must have well-developed and smooth muscles. It is this that ensures speed of movement and excellent coordination.

General characteristics:

height - 43 cm (male), 40 cm (female);
body weight - 11 kg and 9.5 kg, respectively;
limbs, tail and chest are white;
rich color;
The coat is short and hard (fits tightly to the body).

Officially recorded color options: red and white, black and white, tricolor (black and white with cream tan), brindle. Regardless of the type, the color should not be predominantly white.

There are two known varieties of the breed:

forest, or pygmy - height at the withers less than 40 cm, compact build, dark color;
plain - larger, distinctive features - high legs and color (white collar, paws).

On average, dogs live about 12 years.

Description of the breed

The popularity of dogs was brought not only by their lively mind and cheerful disposition, but also by their spectacular appearance, graceful and aristocratic. No wonder they become frequent companions of members of the royal family and privileged persons in the UK.

Distinctive features are the absence of smell and barking. The dogs are great for hunting and for showing. The appearance is characterized by folds on the forehead, which are especially noticeable in puppies.

The physique is strong and muscular. The neck and legs are high (front legs point slightly inward). The ears are erect and tilted forward. The nose is black, the jaw is narrow. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark in color. The chest is not too wide. The stomach is tucked. The tail is curled and resembles an elastic ring in shape.

The dogs' gaze, penetrating and expressive, reveals high intelligence. The movements of the Basenji are characterized by a sweeping step and speed. While running, your back remains straight.

Features of behavior and character

Basenjis are very energetic, with an easy-going and affectionate nature. They need to move a lot and lead an active lifestyle. Without proper exercise, dogs can become overweight and have other health problems.

High intelligence and gentle disposition make dogs excellent companions. They adore human society and love to play with children. They easily make contact with other animals and get along well with them. Basenjis are not one-owner dogs. They sincerely love all their household members.

Basenjis are friendly and playful and easily interact with children. But leaving a small child alone with a pet is not a good idea. Dogs do not tolerate disrespect and do not agree to play the role of a “living toy.”

Dogs have a well-developed hunting instinct. Therefore, carried away by the chase, she can run far enough, ignoring the owner’s commands. Basenjis are very curious and active. That is why, when raising them, you need to show willpower and let the dog feel authority.

Dogs have to be constantly occupied with both physical and mental stress. Otherwise, a pet left to its own devices, due to its innate curiosity, can do anything. Or run away from the owner “for prey”, for example, for a car.

When training Basenjis, they adhere to the basic principles - the absence of physical punishment and rudeness, learning basic commands at an early age. The dog is immediately accustomed to behavior in the house - mistakes in raising an adult dog are very difficult to correct.

Care and feeding

In principle, caring for a dog is not very difficult, but it has its own characteristics:

The coat needs to be brushed frequently.
Periodically clean your eyes with a cotton swab and your ears with a cotton swab.
There is no need to bathe the dog - Basenjis are afraid of water, but at the same time they are very clean.
Long claws cause discomfort, so they need to be filed.

Movement is the key to a dog's health and long life. You need to work with her a lot, let her run around as much as possible. It is better to walk in spacious and, preferably, not very crowded areas. From a lack of physical activity, the Basenji's character begins to deteriorate and health problems appear. The dogs lose heart.

Basenjis are not at all picky. The diet must include raw meat, cereals, and sometimes fish and bones. Puppies are fed frequently, 4-5 times a day. For proper development, the animal needs dairy products and cottage cheese in the first months of life.

Adult dogs need to be fed twice a day. When feeding naturally, it is recommended to add mineral supplements and vitamins to the food. This is not necessary when feeding dry food. The mixture already contains the necessary nutrients in the right quantities.

Basenjis are prone to obesity, even with constant activity. Therefore, you should not overfeed your dog. Fatty, spicy, sweet and smoked foods will lead to health problems.

Basenji puppy price: features of preparation and selection

Before purchasing, you need to thoroughly assess your strengths and capabilities and distribute care responsibilities. The dog needs attention and long active walks. A future place for rest and feeding is arranged in advance in an apartment or house. It is better to buy eating utensils made of metal or ceramics. The puppy will most likely chew on a plastic bowl.

Immediately you need to hide your shoes and wires away. Basenjis love to climb. Therefore, when removing objects and things, it is worth taking this into account. It is better to buy toys at a pet store. Make sure there are no small parts on them. The puppy may accidentally swallow them.

It is better to buy a puppy from a nursery. The most suitable age is one and a half months. At an earlier age, the baby still requires mother's care and breastfeeding. A healthy puppy has the following qualities:

correct bite;
pink mouth;
absence of umbilical hernia;
clean ears and nose;
shiny dark and clear eyes.

A healthy puppy is always reasonably well-fed, active, and shows interest in others.

Prices depending on the class of puppies:

Pet class - 15,000 rubles and above. The most inexpensive puppies, but they do not participate in exhibitions, there may be impurities in the breed standard. Nice puppies with all documents and vaccinations. If you do not participate in exhibitions and show events, and “perfect blood purity” is not so important for you, take it with confidence.
Breed class - 25,000 rubles. These are more purebred puppies, but they are not yet suitable for shows and festivals. The reason is small, insignificant deviations from strict breed standards, invisible to ordinary people. Only professionals can determine this.
Show class Basenji - elite purebred puppies 31,000 rubles and above. More suitable for professional competitions, exhibitions, and also for people who want to “show others”. These are winners, parents are winners with medals.

The price is also influenced by the high cost and status of the nursery, location (big city or small), country and other factors.

Advantages of the Basenji breed:

Loves his owners and becomes very attached to them
Easily teachable, learn on your own
No fur odor, clean dog
Kind, energetic, cheerful, friendly with children

Cons of the Basenji breed:

The dog will constantly take your attention, they really don’t like being alone :)
Potential fugitive, may get away
With quirks, with character, can be stubborn
The cunning ones, seeing that the owner has become attached, will take advantage of this, and “dog manipulation” will begin.