Basenji is a breed that is about 5000 years old.
Basenji is a dog that does not bark.
Basenji is a hunting African dog.
The history of this breed goes back centuries. The Basenji are depicted on bas-reliefs in the tombs of the pharaohs, their figurines are found, as are the dogs in the tombs of the pharaohs. These dogs were buried with amazing honors. In the tomb, not far from the sarcophagus, there were carefully embalmed basenji. The mummies of these dogs were wrapped in silk and decorated with precious stones. But the birthplace of these dogs is not Egypt, but central Africa. Warriors or travelers from the lower reaches of the Nile took these dogs with them as precious gifts.
In the middle of the XIX century, the researchers found these dogs in the Congo and Southern Sudan. The first dogs were brought to England in 1895. But, alas, they died, being unable to cope with the diseases that the Old World awarded them.
The second attempt of 1937 was a success. And Europe recognized the Basenji (a forest dog from the Congo) or as they were also called an African forest dog, a Lagos forest dog, a bongo terrier, a Congo terrier, a nyam-nyam-nyam terrier. After the Kraft exhibition in 1937, the breed was recognized as a Basenji. Since 1941, these dogs began to breed in the United States. There are large nurseries in Sweden and Finland. In Russia dogs have appeared recently. But to the delight of lovers and connoisseurs of the breed they can already be seen not only in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also in small Russian cities such as Vologda, Arkhangelsk and others.
You can read many versions of the origin of the breed, but they are all just assumptions. Here is one version: Basenji (a forest dog from the Congo) inhabiting the territories of the Congo, Sudan, Liberia; similar dogs are found in the Malayan jungle and north of Kathmandu. There is an opinion based on the external appearance that the Basenji derives its origin from the Spitz-shaped dogs, but others believe that this breed originated from Central African dogs - pariahs. These dogs were also found in Congo, Southern Sudan.
On the appearance and temperament can be told a lot. Who had the opportunity to communicate with this breed, find for themselves many unusual moments that distinguish the basenji from other dogs or similarities with completely different in the guise of the Basenji dogs.
Basenji - dogs below average height (height at the withers for a male 43 cm, weight 11 kg, for females - 40.5 cm and weight 9.5 kg). It is a slim graceful dog with a light bones, with an aristocratic posture, a long legged, slightly shortened format, with a high neck set. Head with a flat median width of forehead, muzzle very sharp, rather long, tapering to the tip of the nose, barely noticeable transition from forehead to muzzle. Ears pointed, erect, slightly inclined forward, planted high. When the ears are alert, the forehead becomes covered with expressive wrinkles. The tail is planted very high, so that the ischial hillocks are noticeably farther from its base. It is abruptly twisted into one or two rings and pressed tightly to the sacrum or thigh. The coat is short, smooth, close fitting. Color distinctly black and piebald, red-piebald, black and piebald with a tan, with marks above the eyes, on the muzzle and cheekbones; fiery reddish, brindle - red main background, with black stripes, but with all colors white legs, chest, often neck and tip of the tail. At home, in Zaire, there are basenji of marble color.
The dog is very harmonious, graceful. The behavior is quite excitable, the character is cute and affectionate towards the person; The dog is curious and naughty, but with dogs it is inclined to engage in fights. Basenji does not turn out cute doggie<на подушку>. This is a very independent animal. The dog is very energetic, stubborn, with a huge sense of self-worth. In my experience of growing bull terriers and communicating with the Basenji, in some respects, the buntings are much quicker and softer in character. The dog is very playful and jumping, in the street it is even possible to be excessively fearless.
These dogs differ in that they do not know how to bark. They are not silent, they can growl, squeal, their feelings express snorts or melodic howls, but you will not hear barking.
At home in Congo, Southern Sudan, dogs of this breed are used as a paddock hunting dog to small game. A hunter who has several dogs of this breed is considered a very well-off person.
Basenji are very good for keeping in the house, because their short coat does not require complex care, the dog is very clean, she even washed like a cat with a paw. This is another mystery Basenji. She is very mimic, emotional and sociable. Anyone who acquires a dog of this breed, will not be bored. Discover another mystery of the pharaohs, learn how the Basenji "conquered the hearts" of the Egyptians.
So it looks like Basenji
dog breeds we suggest you talk about dogs of Bassenji breed. Exotic enough name of the breed suggests interesting story this breed - and, it really is. So, let's put our affairs aside, and we'll get to know Basenji-this dog has something to tell us ...
Features of dogs of the Basenji breed
The Basenji breed, an African dog, a Congolese bush, a Congo dog from the Congo, a Congo terrier, a Zande dog, and even a creature from the thickets - as soon as they do not call the Basenji dogs. It is remarkable that this breed is one of the oldest. So, the history of Basenji totals about 5 thousand years, and the first historical references to Basenji belong to African history. It is central Africa, according to zoologists, and is the birthplace and cradle of this breed.
This breed of dogs attracts our attention not only because it has deep historical roots (if Basenji could speak, they would surely tell us a lot of interesting things), but also because these dogs .... They just do not know how to do this. Well, when the Basenji are agitated or frightened, they publish their own special "brand" sound, a bit like the rumbling of a wild beast. But, they do it extremely rarely. So for those who dream of a silent interlocutor, it's worth to take a closer look at Basenji.
Another "branded" attribute of Basenji is wrinkles on the forehead, which are clearly visible when the dog reduces ears - Basenji seems to frown, and a tight swirling tail.
Also, it will be interesting to learn that these dogs are also very clean - you can often find Basenji for such an occupation as washing. But, here Basenji is also washing himself in a special way - he does it like a cat - with his paw ...
This breed of dogs was not bred by man, not subjected to selection - such is the "natural product". The development of the breed took place through the natural selection of the strongest, healthy and viable individuals. As a result, the dogs of the Basenji breed are distinguished by excellent health, high immunity, fearlessness, self-confidence and in their own strength and constancy of their appearance. Today's Basenji - also look like Basenji 5 thousand years ago.
The Legend of Basenji
The mystery of the dogs of the Basenji breed, related to their silence, does not give rest. Probably, therefore, in order to somehow explain this phenomenon, people came up with several legends connected with the feature of Basenji. So, according to one ancient African legend - Basenji are silent precisely because in distant times, the leader of a pack of dogs Basenji accidentally overheard the secret of one African tribe. And, in order that Basenji could never tell this secret to anyone else, African shamans imposed a curse on Basenji - and, these dogs were forever silent ...
Who knows, there may be some truth in this legend, however, zoologists have not yet been able to find an explanation for why Basenji is silent ...
History of the breed
The ancient Egyptians knew about the dogs of the Basenji breed. So, these dogs were given as gifts to the pharaohs who, by the way, loved these dogs very much and even endowed them with special divine qualities, believing that the Basenji are an earthly amulet. Proof of this are the rock paintings of these dogs in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, and the found mummies of the Basenji dogs, which were taken to bury together with their noble owners in luxury and with honors.
Also, Basenji was also known in Nubia - this is the territory of the modern state of Sudan. Thus, in one of the ancient Nubian burials, the remains of the Basenji dog, which sits at the feet of its mistress, were found.
Today Basenji are the most popular African dogs that help Africans during the hunt.
Basenji arrived in Europe in 1895, thanks to the English navigators, but there the dogs did not get accustomed and died. The second attempt to introduce Basenji to Europe was the appearance of this breed of dogs in 1905 in the Berlin Zoo. And, later, in 1930 Basenji again went to conquer England - and this time they conquered it. It was the English that approved the standard of the Basenji breed, which is still relevant to this day. In the first Basenji took part in the exhibition of dogs in 1937, then in the column the breed of dog from Basenji was named Congo-terrier and the dog liked everyone so much that the owner of Basenji began to shower offers to sell the dog and questions about where he brought such a miracle ...
What does Basenji look like?
The growth of an adult representative of the Basenji breed at the withers can reach 40-43 centimeters, and weight - from 9.5 to 11 kilograms.
To date, there are 4 specific colors of this breed:
- Reds with white spots Basenji,
- Black with white spots Basenji,
- Black Basenji with red-tan marks and marks in the eyes, muzzles and cheekbones,
- Tiger Basenji.
The obligatory standard of the breed is the white paws, the brisket and the tip of the dog's tail, whereas the white collar and white socks are optional. The main rule - white color should not be too much, and the transition of color and markings should be clear and contrast.
It is noteworthy that in one litter Basenji can be from 3 to 5 puppies.
Basenji or African non-moving dog is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. The uniqueness of the breed is that its representatives do not bark, but they produce special sounds peculiar to the Basenji, similar to the rumbling, but they can be heard only when the dog is excited.
The first traces of dogs like Basenji were found in Egyptian burials, which are more than six thousand years old, wall images, figurines, boxes and other objects of everyday life and cult, made in the form of a dog (Basenji). During the excavation of the tombs of the fifth dynasty of Egyptian pharaohs in the grave of Pharaoh Tutankhamun Basenji were found - embalmed, wrapped in fine fabrics, impregnated with incense, on these dogs there were collars of precious stones.
Presumably, for the Egyptian pharaoh Basenji were more than dogs for hunting, they were living amulets, protecting their lords of black magic and witchcraft. And now the aborigines in Central Africa believe that their "M`bwa m`kubwa M`bwa" (jumping up and down) - the native name of the breed - can protect their master, take back negative energy and restore the destroyed aura .... The first dogs type Basenji brought from the sources of the Nile as a gift to the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Later, when the civilization of Egypt fell into decay and ceased to exist, the Basenji were transferred to oblivion. However, in the homeland of this breed, in Central Africa, it continued to be valued for its intelligence, speed, magical properties, hunting abilities and ... silence. The natives widely use all these abilities to hunt for small animals: for hunting game in the net, pursuit of the wounded beast, and also for hunting reed rats - evil creatures with long teeth that weigh about as much as Basenji, while "silence" the dog plays a huge role in such a hunt. In addition, Basenji is used to accompany a hunter through the jungle and to warn them of the approach of dangerous animals.
In 1895, researchers brought a couple of dogs to England. But the attempt to acquaint the "outer" world with these amazing creatures, unfortunately, failed. these little dogs have not endured the journey for many months, fell ill and soon died.
The official debut of the breed took place in 1937 at the Kraft exhibition, where the Basenji were held under exotic names: "Congo-terrier" and "Dog of the jungle". In the same year, they saw America. After the Second World War the Basenji started their triumphal march through Europe and America. And above all, this is due to their exhibition successes: a rare finale of "Best-in-show" does without Basenji, but it is difficult to list all the exhibitions in which these brilliant aliens from Africa became winners. Not barking Basenji. So hunters wear their dogs for hunting, with a bell made from dried pumpkin. In 1942 James Street's story "Farewell to my Lady" was published, which was greatly loved in America. In 1956, the same film was staged with Brandon de Wilde. He conquered the hearts of ordinary Americans, aroused a great interest in the breed, which remains to this day. Hunter and companion. It is a small, smooth-haired, extraordinarily elegant and quick-witted dog that looks like a graceful gazelle. One of the features of Basenji is the absence of barking, and with the vocal cords of this dog is all right, because she makes various sounds that correspond not only to any situation, but also her mood: growling and chuckling, muttering and groaning, snorting and a peculiar Tyrolean howl - jodl, which is melodic enough not to irritate even the most refined ears.
Another feature is her hair. Coming from countries with a tropical climate, it has silky wool, which in the sun casts copper. In countries with colder climates, the coat in dogs coarsens, but does not lose its radiant shine, this fur has other advantages, for example, it practically does not cause an allergy, it never smells, even if it becomes wet. Attractiveness is also attached to her ears - high-set, pointed, slightly inclined forward, giving the impression of two elegant hoods, as well as a forehead covered with "wise" wrinkles. Tail - high set, tightly pressed to the hip and folded into one or two coquettish rings. The character is complaisant, but not obsequious, she is mischievous and curious, loves children infinitely, is extremely clean.
It is a charming and cute companion, very playful and at the same time affectionate, like a kitten. Attracted by the refinement and neatness of this dog, which licked itself like a cat. This is the only breed of dog that, after eating, will not wipe its soiled face with clothes, the hands of the owners or, even worse, about the favorite chair. All this makes Basenji ideal for those who need cleanliness in the house.
When communicating with these dogs, it strikes their look, mysterious and mysterious. In this regard, there are many legends, one of them, once Basenji knew how to talk and once one of them recognized the very important secret of his master, but, being afraid of someone, he fell silent forever and only his eyes spoke eloquently about the fact that the dog knows what is under the cover of secrecy. This breed has found many ardent admirers in many countries of the world. Some found in her a loving friend, others - a cheerful companion, saving from loneliness. Still others are a matter of pride in exhibitions, but they all share one thing - the love for these dandy beautiful dogs, which are as impressive as the English lords dressed in tuxedos. And this dandy can easily outwit you and achieve it with his natural charm, not stubbornness. Basenji are absolutely fearless and can repulse any of their kindred, but with a man they are gentle and affectionate, but they do not lose their sense of dignity.
Basenji - active dogs, they are great for coursing and agility, and also perfectly show themselves at exhibitions (movements of the basenji are light and beautiful).
Height and weight.
Perfect height at withers: male 43 cm, bitches 40 cm.
Perfect weight: dogs 11 kg, females 9.5 kg.
Color: there are 4 colors of the Basenji:
- Red with white;
- saturated black with white;
- tricolor (richly black with a red-and-red tan, with marks above the eyes, on the muzzle and cheekbones);
- tiger (black stripes on a red-red background).
At all colors - white paws, a breast and a tip of a tail. White legs, a mark on the head and a collar are not necessary. White color should never prevail over the main color. Color and markings should be saturated color, clear, well-formed, with a clear boundary between black and red in tricolors and stripes in tiger.
Basenji litters are few, on average 4-5 puppies are born.
The lovers of this breed are representatives of the world elite. Among them: the previous queen of Holland Julian, whom the people presented for a silver jubilee with a portrait of Basenji Zara - the queen's favorites, sitting on her lap; the Egyptian King Farouk, who, even after abdication and departure to Monaco, did not part with his favorites. Many royal houses of the world hold the dogs of this breed for decades, among them Queen Elena, Queen Mother of the Romanian Kingdom, King of Romania Michael and Queen Anne, Princess of the Kingdom of Monaco Antoinette, former crown prince of Japan and many, many others.
Unreasonable dog barking is one of the most common behavioral problems, which causes a lot of inconvenience to both the owners of the restless dog and their neighbors. From this article you will learn about why dogs bark, what is ventriculocordectomy and how to make the dog "hold back the tongue," while not doing any harm to it.
In the bark as such, there is nothing abnormal - so the dog communicates and discourages uninvited guests. Problems begin when the dog is barking, not stopping. The main thing here is to find out why and when the dog is attacked by "verbal diarrhea". Maybe the dog is playing, worried about something, warns that someone is standing behind the door, or she's just bored. Some dogs bark when they are in an unfamiliar environment, or simply react in this way to ambient noise - the sounds of cars passing by, loud music or conversation.
In the West, individual dog owners make their ventriculocordectomy surgery for their pets, in which the vocal cords are removed surgically. Such operations are conducted illegally, since in all countries that have joined the European Convention on the Protection of Pets, such a medical procedure is declared illegal. The operation involves a huge risk to the health of the animal, from complications from anesthesia to secondary infections and the growth of scar tissue, which causes the dog to have difficulty breathing.
What can not be done from what other dog owners do? First, scream at the dog: this will lead to the fact that she will start barking with a vengeance. The dog understands that when she barks, attention is paid to her, and some dogs believe that the attention of the disgruntled master is better than none at all. Therefore, it is important not to coo with the dog, when she, having done enough good, finally came to you, after you called her for ten minutes. "Shock" collars, beating a dog with a current, is not an option: they cause the dog pain and make it more aggressive towards other dogs and people.
To cope with the problem, you need to return to the basics of dressing and teach the dog to come to the call. During the "lessons" the dog should not be distracted, so it is better to deal with four-footed friend at home. Every time a dog comes to your call, it needs to be rewarded with something delicious, in order to better fix the reflex. The next step is to call for a dog when it barks. Here, the reward should be even more significant: hug the dog, talk to it, stroke and do not forget about the treat. So you calm your pet, and take off his stress, which is one of the reasons for barking. Stick to this model and then - the command "To me!", Caress, treat.
Set up the dog for success - that is, try to avoid those places where it usually starts to voice. If, for example, a dog barks when you leave it in the street in front of the store, or take it with you inside, or go to the store without it. In the period of training this is especially important. It is necessary to train a dog at least 30 minutes twice a day. After you have fulfilled the command "To me!" at home, continue to roll it on the street, at first choosing places quieter - remote corners of the park, for example. Then you can try to leave the dog outside alone, but if it does not stop barking in response to your team, you'll have to take it with you.
Practice and practice once again - this is the key to solving the majority of canine behavioral problems: constant training sets a goal for your dog and allows her to cope with her emotions. Collars "antilay" with a nasty lemon spray can be useful if the dog resists training or remains unattended for a while (and has not yet learned to bark).
In some cases, massage of the ear helps: pinch the dog's ear with the thumb and forefinger and draw them from the base to the tip. Repeat these manipulations several more times to "treat" the entire surface of the ear, then massage the base of the auricle. If the dog perceives the massage well, when it is calm, try the next time to apply it when the dog bark.
There are dogs on our planet who do not say "wow". And these are not silent, gloomy individuals, from whose mouth you will not hear barking sounds. it breed of dogs, who do not bark. Do not want or can not bark? Read in our article.
And we are talking about the African breed of dogs - Basenji. This is one of the oldest breeds of dogs - the breed is about 5,000 years old. That is, this is not a breed of dogs, but a semi-wild animal, which is still found in the African jungle. The Bassenji live in small numbers in natural conditions. And local Pygmy residents use these dogs as helpers in hunting, feeding them.
This is a very nice dog that does not like to be alone and prefers the company. In addition, that the Basenji do not bark, they also do not smell and practically do not shed. Their skin is rather tender, so when treating it with shampoo from fleas one must be extremely careful not to cause irritation.
In them there are seemingly incompatible features of character: caution (especially with strangers) and fearless curiosity. They are quiet and quiet at home, and on the street behave violently and cheerfully. Basenji has a nice little face, and when they fold their ears in a certain way, wrinkles form on their foreheads that it's simply impossible not to be touched. 
That's what these African silent people do not like, it's water. It is said that this works their genetic memory, in which memories of the danger from water in the form of crocodiles are preserved.
So why do not the Basenji bark?
There are two theories on this score.
- It is believed that these dogs were domesticated before they realized that they needed to bark. It turns out that the idea of basenji can bark, but do not want.
- The second theory speaks of certain features of the structure of the pharynx of these dogs. Because of this building, they can not bark.
The scientists have not been able to give a more exact answer so far.
But despite the absence of barking, basenji know how to make sounds. Firstly, these are the famous "trills", because of which they stand out among other dogs. But in addition, African silent people can make very unpleasant sounds. More than once, the owners of these dogs, when they came home, found an ambulance and police at home under their door trying to break into houses. And the whole point is that if the Basenji worries, then they make sounds, in which all neighbors believe that someone nearby is dying in agonizing cramps.
What the Basenji love is running. Running inspires these dogs, fills them with life. Therefore, if you decide to purchase this breed of dogs, then think carefully, can you 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 a little - this can lead to depression.
This dog is also called a "forest dog from the Congo". In the countries of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine this breed is still quite new and was imported only in 1997. Especially it will appeal to people who can not prefer a dog or a cat. A forest dog from the Congo has a lot of cat's things. She loves when she is admired, when she is talked a lot and is well spoken, she washes her face with her paw. Just like a cat, she builds a relationship with a person. Intimidation and suppression of personality with it will not work. Only positive fixation.
Another extremely positive quality: Basenji 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 propose to watch a video in which the Basenji dog howls and trills are heard.
More from my site
Loading ...