The Basenji is a dog that couldn't bark.

Dog breeds · 10 июля 2013 г.
The Basenji is a dog that couldn't bark.

Among the huge variety of breeds, there are completely unique representatives of the dog tribe, the origin and pedigree features of which are shrouded in a mass of rumors and half-true legends. One of these dogs is the Basenji, whose homeland is West and Central Africa, is known to most dog lovers for the fact that it does not know how to make the usual dog bark at all and, like a cat, washes its face with its paw.

The history of the breed has more than 6 thousand years.

In the mountains of the African continent, the oldest rock paintings depicting hunting scenes with the participation of unique dogs are still preserved. The civilization of Ancient Egypt was also familiar with these animals, brought by priests from the lower reaches of the Nile as a gift to high-ranking nobles. In ancient burials, mummified remains of dogs are still found, wrapped in expensive bedspreads, with collars adorned with precious stones.

Basenji belong to an ancient primitive type of dog that appeared and evolved without human intervention. The forest dog from the Congo appears to have common ancestry with the wild dog dingo, the native dogs of Australia and Papua New Guinea, and the Indian pariah animals.

Initially, the Basenji belonged to the only tribe of pygmies in Africa, who hunted monkeys, pygmy antelopes and giant cane rats weighing up to 10 kg with the help of dogs. Subsequently, through natural exchange, some puppies of this breed ended up in other African tribes and, under the influence of external factors, somewhat changed their appearance.

To date, there are two breed types:

  • Forest (or pygmy dog), characterized by short stature, stocky and dark coat color with a small amount of white.
  • Plains (Azande dog), whose representatives are more high-legged, with light hair and eyes.

For the first time in Europe, the Basenji appeared at the end of the 19th century at the Craft World Exhibition.

The dog was declared as a jungle dog or Congo terrier. The breed received its current name in 1937. Translated from the common dialect of African peoples, this means "a dog jumping up and down." Those who have closely associated with the breed cannot but agree with this name. When running, the animal literally flies over the grass. If the thickets are high, the basenjis, in order to survey the area, make vertical jumps, like a ball, appearing and disappearing in the thick grass.

Until recently, red-white, tricolor and brindle, recognized as recently as 2000, were considered standard breed colors. The silky thick coat of the basenji does not smell and has practically no undercoat, so dogs of this breed, with rare exceptions, do not cause allergies. Another distinctive feature attracts attention - having great cleanliness, they not only completely lick themselves, but also wash themselves like a cat with their paw.

Basenjis can't bark at all.

This is explained by the unique structure of the larynx of animals - the thickenings on their vocal cords are almost flat, which makes the usual dog barking physically impossible. This feature once again confirms the antiquity of the origin of these dogs - today only they, and wild dingo dogs, have preserved such a feature. However, this breed cannot be called silent. Dogs are constantly whining, squealing, howling or laughing like hyenas. Depending on the emotions experienced, all basenjis emit characteristic pedigree rolls, which are another feature of the breed.

The bright unusual appearance of the basenji never goes unnoticed.

Recently, experiencing the peak of their popularity, dogs of this breed are increasingly in the hands of people who have a poor idea of the nature of animals. Despite their relatively small stature, the Basenji cannot be called a decorative dog. Strong, smart, strong-willed and fearless kids, behind which there are several hundred generations of harsh African hunters, are distinguished by their independent disposition and rationality.

In memory of the breed's hunting past, the dogs have a very strong pursuit instinct. Often, chasing a cat or a stray dog, the animals do not hear the prohibitive commands of the owner and die under the wheels of cars. Therefore, it is undesirable to let the pet off the leash in the city.

At home, these mischievous little imps tend to steal food. (in their opinion, however, this is quite equivalent to hunting prey), damage to things and various innocent and not very pranks. To direct the indefatigable energy of these dogs in the right direction, it is recommended to take long walks with them, engage in sports training or run after a mechanical hare.

In relation to the owner, the basenji shows touching tenderness and affection.

Dog owners claim that their pets have a magical aura and charm. That is why rarely anyone is limited to one dog. As a rule, after a couple of years, a second and then a third dog appears in the house. These animals get along well in a flock of both their own kind and other domestic animals.

However, you should not buy this dog just for the sake of exotic external data.

The owner and the dog of this breed must be on the same wavelength, understand and accept each other as they really are, without the desire to change or remake something in the partner. Having believed a person, the basenji will gladly open the world of love and affection before him.

Look into the eyes of these dogs - from there, ancient wise Africa will look at you, as it was from the beginning of time. And, having been captured by these deep mysterious eyes, you will forever fall ill with an incurable disease called basenji.

Natasha Sherwood

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