I think most of you have heard about the Basenji which is a very rare breed of dog in the USA, getting their place here around 1941. One universal knowledge about this breed is that they do not bark, because of their unusual shaped larynx so they tend to make a yodel type sound. They have been categorized in the Hound Group of dogs, originating from central Africa.
The Basenji is a small solid breed of dog, with short hair, erect ears, and tightly curled tails. They appear to have wrinkled foreheads, especially when young, very graceful necks and almond shaped eyes. They typically weigh up to 24 pounds and come a variety of colors such as red, brindle, tri-color and black. They are very cute very alert very intelligent small size dogs.
These very affectionate and energetic dogs need responsible with great leadership skills as these intelligent little guys are very clever at getting their own way. They are not too fond of non-canine animals and should also be very well socialized very young as they have a tendency to want to please and can do well with strangers. As a result of their origin, they have an animal-of-prey nature and will chase fast moving things such as cars, which has led to a lot of fatalities. Never leave them off of their leashes unless you are assured that they are so very well trained. Their jumping so excellent as well that they could easily jump over a chain link fence.
The Basenji can make a wonderful pet for you and your family as long as he remembers at all times who is boss, that he get ample daily exercise to stimulate his mind and muscles regularly. He will yearn to please you, loves to play and chew (be sure they get a lot of chew toys), and will form a strong bond with their loved ones. Sometimes they seem to mimic characteristics of a cat by constantly cleaning themselves.
Some of their other unique traits can include but are not limited to their dislike of wet weather, are patient and very curious. Some of their health issues can be eye problems, retinal degeneration, and intestinal tribulations plus they are prone to kidney problems. But, for the most part they are a pretty healthy breed.
They can survive in an apartment life as long as they get a lot of outdoor daily walks. They do best with another Basenji as they get along so well together and play extensively. They again are very energetic and need their dedicated owner to provide their daily regimen, be consistent with them, with their physical fitness and all their rules or this very smart, very demanding breed can and will try to get their own way at all times.
They require very little grooming as they clean themselves like a cat, have nearly no doggies smell and virtually lose very little hair, a great dog for folk with allergies.
So if you are quite the physical type person yourself who is always on the go yourself, this would be such a great dog for you and with great leadership skills and an abundance of socializing, cuddling and so much love and attention, this will be a great and wonderful pet.
