Basenji Characteristics: The lively and inquisitive, barkless Basenji is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1944), a Sighthound. The Basenji, is characterized by its fine, aristocratic appearance, this barkless dog has a flat, medium sized head and an alert, somewhat aloof expression. Other characteristics include almond-shaped, slanted, dark eyes; small, hooded, pointed ears; a short level back and a swift, swinging gait. The temperament of the Basenji can be described as Energetic, Affectionate, Curious. The coat type of the Basenji is described as short, fine coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Basenji demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Barkless Dog". The origin of the Basenji dog breed was in Africa (Congo) where it was developed in the Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Basenji: The following facts provide fast information about the Basenji breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1944), a Sighthound *** Nick name: "Barkless Dog" *** Origin: Africa (Congo) *** Male Height: 16 - 17 inches (41 - 43 cm) *** Female Height: 15 - 16 inches (38 - 41 cm) *** Male Weight: 22 - 26 pounds (10 - 12 kg) *** Female Weight: 20 - 25 pounds (9 - 11 kg) *** Coat Type: short, fine coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4-5 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Fanconi syndrome, Basenji Enteropathy *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Basenji Breed Group and Dog Type - Hound Dog Group (AKC:1944), a Sighthound: The Basenji is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1944), a Sighthound. Other names for the Basenji: The Basenji is known by the nickname of the "Barkless Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Soundless dog, Baroo, the Congo dog and 'dog of the bush'. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Basenji" derives from the language of the Pygmy people of the African Congo meaning "small wild thing from the forest". This phrase sounded like "Basenji" in the language of the Pygmies. Basenji - Sighthound: The Basenji is a Sighthound, one of the hunting dog breeds, built for speed and agility with excellent eyesight to track small and large game, especially small cats, monkeys, and antelopes. Basenji History and Origin: The country of origin of the Basenji breed was in Africa (Congo) during the Ancient Times. The Basenji is closely associated with the Pygmy people who inhabited the rainforests of the Congo basin. The Congo Pygmies (also known as Bambenga or Bayaka) are hunter-gatherers who looked to the animals of the rainforest for their subsistence. The Basenji was used as a hunting dog for both pointing and retrieving small game such as African weasels, mongoose, civits and small monkeys. The Basenji were also used to harass and drive larger game, such as African cats, okapi and antelopes into nets. Although the Basenji is a barkless dog it makes the sound of a yodel and this was used to warn hunters against the approach of dangerous animals. The Basenji dog can be traced to the ancient Egyptians and images of a dog bearing a strong resemblance to the Basenji can be found in the drawings on Ancient Egyptian tombs, shrines and temples. Pygmies were known to work directly for the Pharaoh and the royal households and are believed to have presented their Basenji dogs as gifts to the Pharaohs. The decline of the Ancient Egyptians led to the disappearance of any further evidence or outside knowledge of the Basenji. This changed in 1870 when European explorers discovered the existence of the Pygmy tribe and their Basenji dog. On of these explorers was a German botanist called Georg August Schweinfurth (December 29, 1836 ? September 19, 1925). Schweinfurth published an account of the expedition and a description of the Pygmies and the Basenji in 1873 which he entitled 'The Heart of Africa'. The Basenji was introduced to England in 1936 by Mrs Olivia Burn who had visited the Congo with her husband. The first litter of Basenji puppies born and raised to maturity in the USA was in 1941 and the breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1944. Basenji Height: The Basenji breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 16 - 17 inches (41 - 43 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 15 - 16 inches (38 - 41 cm). Basenji Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 22 - 26 pounds (10 - 12 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 20 - 25 pounds (9 - 11 kg). Basenji Coat Type: The coat type is described as a short, fine coat. Basenji Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of chestnut red, black, tricolor, brindle with distinctive white feet. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color. Basenji Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Basenji is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Basenji is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Basenji Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4-5 puppie. Basenji puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Basenji puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Basenji Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Lively, Energetic, Affectionate, Curious and Inquisitive. Basenji Exercise Requirements - MODERATE Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Basenji requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a swift, swinging gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Basenji Diet: A fully grown Basenji should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Basenji Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Basenji breed include Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Fanconi syndrome, Basenji enteropathy. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Basenji dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Basenji Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Basenji breed is 10-12 years. Basenji Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Basenji breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Basenji names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Bugsy *** Rascal *** Teenie *** Doodle *** Button *** Cuddles *** Incy *** Middy *** Junior *** Kewpie. Basenji Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Basenji names are Bella *** Angel *** Gracie *** Sammy *** Rosie *** Emma *** Foxy *** Betty *** Sandy *** Lady *** Sasha. Fast Facts about the Basenji: The following facts provide fast information about the Basenji breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1944), a Sighthound *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Africa (Congo) *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Basenji Height: 16 - 17 inches (41 - 43 cm) *** Male Basenji Weight: 22 - 26 pounds (10 - 12 kg) *** Coat Type: short, fine coat *** Litter Size: 4-5 puppies *** Basenji Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Basenji Lifespan: 10-12 years *** | 