"Where Beauty & Brains Collide"

The Basenji!


The Basenji, is a small, smooth-coated, barkless dog, standing 16-17 inches high, weighing 22-24 lbs. It is usually red and white in color, but the breed can also be black and white, brindle, and tricolor. Yes, the breed is naturally barkless. They are not mute however and make sounds common to all dogs.

The Basenji breed dates back to the days of the Pharaohs and ancient Egypt. Another fascinating characteristic of the breed is cleanliness. They actually clean themselves just like cats. And, although I have yet to see this, Basenjis have been known to shed real tears when very sad.

At least one movie has been made featuring a Basenji. In 1955, Warner Bros made a film of the book, Goodbye My Lady, by James Street. The movie starred Brandon de Wilde, then age thirteen and Walter Brennen. John Wayne was the producer.

The Basenji is a sighthound, often referred to as the barkless dog from Africa. Actually, Basenjis emit a wide variety of sounds and can emulate a dog's bark. It is usually one short coughing sound. When the Basenji is happy, it yodels and sometimes makes a low growl (which some interpret as menacing). Basenjis are known to be efficient hunters (pointing, flushing and going to ground after game), coursers and at the same time make wonderful pets.


However, the Basenji is not for everyone. Basenjis are not known to be an obedient family dog. They are highly intelligent and will try to distract, divert and outsmart at any opportunity. Being masters of deceit appear to be a game they enjoy playing. I enjoy playing their game and trying to stay "top dog." Basenjis were known to exist before Christ, they are an ancient breed. It is evident their high intelligence enabled them to survive so many centuries. The breed is not accustomed to waiting for a command before taking action, such as dogs used for guarding or herding. In their native habitat, the African hunter used a hunting style different from what normally is associated with training dogs to hunt. Usually the hunter plays an integral part in the hunt or at least the kill. But the method used by these hunters made the hunt solely the dog's responsibility. The dog hunts and the hunter must make it to the kill before the dog devours it. For the Basenjis to survive in the jungle, they had only their wit to outsmart whatever situation presented itself, usually life or death in the form of a much larger jungle animal.

It is this intelligence that will not permit them to be "obedient" dogs. If presented with an illogical situation, the Basenji instinctively decides what is best. This extreme independence and fearless attitude is a challenge most owners find difficult to understand. If you cannot deal with total independence, the Basenji breed is not for you. You can expect this breed to be obedient to a point. At will, they may obey you if you have earned their respect. However, you will alter the temperament of the dog if you try to correct this trait of the breed by any type of cruel physical punishment.

There is a fine line between cruel physical punishment and a strict hand and many differing opinions on this subject. Cruel physical punishment will only lead to the dog no longer trusting you. Having this independent thinking ability is just a characteristic of the breed that must be accepted and understood. Expecting complete obedience from an independent thinker is rather absurd. (You could relate this to raising a teenager.) It is virtually impossible to teach this breed not to prey on small furry animals and birds. Being natural hunters, their instincts are too strong.

Being the canine equivalent of "Houdini," they are escape artists and cannot be left unattended even in a fenced yard or any enclosed area. They do climb fences and trees. They are quite loyal and affectionate to their family and friends, but are standoffish to strangers. This is not to say that they cannot be very sociable, they just are initially wary and take a few minutes to scope out a new situation. Basenjis are a dominant breed and, although they get along well with other breeds when introduced properly, situations may arise between breeds or the same sex. Basenjis are curious about the world all of their life. Having a Basenji is like having a perpetual puppy. They have absolutely no fear and eagerly anticipate the next challenge, especially when it comes to cars. Most new owners who lose their Basenjis lose them to car accidents. Once a Basenji escapes, their swift "cat-like" movement makes it almost impossible to catch them. And since they have no fear of cars, they are quite likely to run out in front of a car before the owners or driver has time to react.

Basenjis require a great deal of time and attention, as any breed of dog does. If you have any problem with the idea of crating, the Basenji breed is definitely not for you. They are known to dig and chew a bit more than other breeds, especially in the puppy stage. Uncrated they will destroy property and, as highly intelligent as they are, they do not understand the monetary value of your possessions.

In spite of everything I have said above, I would not trade my 16 years with Noble for anything in the world and I look to the future with Brody with excitement and anticipation! The Basenji gives and receives love like no other animal on earth. And I think that ultimately they are truly sorry for all the grief they has cause us by chewing antiques, brushes, razors, books, money, underwear and anything else we forget to put away. They are the teachers and they teach us far more lessons than we could ever teach them. I know I will always have a Basenji in my life! "Basenjis are like potato chips... you can't just have one!"

Proud Home Of A Dysfunctional Sight/Scent Hound

Brody; The Basenji!