Basenji: description of the breed, the rules of maintenance and education

Basenji is a special dog. The graceful, graceful animal can become a cheerful companion and devoted friend. The uniqueness of the breed is the inability to bark, which, together with the spectacular appearance and friendly character, makes pets desirable for dog breeders.

The breed can be called rare, basenji puppies are quite expensive. Therefore, before making a choice in favor of such a pet, it is worth considering all the pros and cons. You will learn about the peculiarities of the character and the nuances of keeping an unusual dog from the article.

The breed is very old. Surprisingly, over thousands of years it has not changed at all. Judging by the excavations, such dogs lived in ancient Egypt. This is evidenced by the found drawings and figurines depicting these animals. And it is also known that mummies very similar to modern dogs were found in the tomb of Tutankhamen.

but Africa is considered to be the birthplace of a unique dog.. It was from here that the animals were transported to Egypt. The natives used animals for hunting. It is believed that the silence of Basenji is closely associated with such its application in the past.

The Egyptians treated the dogs with respect. They believed that animals are able to protect people from evil forces.

After the decline of the ancient Egyptian civilization, silent pets remained in demand.

The rest of the world learned about miracle dogs in the 90s of the XIX century. First they were brought to England, then - to America. The breed's popularity increased rapidly. In the 40s of the 20th century, animals already actively participated in prestigious exhibitions, were filmed in the cinema. As pets, they were turned up by people in a high position in society. Among them were the royal personages (Princess of Monaco and others).

In Russia, the breed came in 1997. All brought animals were representatives of high class. Their current descendants are not inferior in characteristics to individuals from prestigious foreign nurseries. However, despite this, the number of representatives of the breed in our country is still small.

Elegant appearance, ingenuity, original character - all this is the result of natural selection. Even devotion to man originated in Basenji without the intervention of breeders. Therefore, it is especially interesting for owners to observe the pet, to find a common language with it.

The names of the breed in everyday life are different. Congo-terrier, bush, African, Egyptian dog - this is not all options. To many, the ancient breed still seems mysterious.

Nevertheless, the popularity of unusual pets gradually grows, an increasing number of dog breeders become acquainted with them and remain conquered by their charm.

Basenji - small graceful dogs. However, with all their grace, they have an athletic physique and strong legs.

The height of boys at the withers reaches 43 cm. Girls grow to 40 cm. The weight of an adult animal varies from 9.5 to 11 kg. Consider other characteristics of the breed according to the standard.

• Head. The skull is a bit flat, medium in size. The muzzle is elongated, tapers to the nose. On the forehead, you can notice the folds (especially they are expressed in puppy age). The ears are small, V-shaped, erect. On the head, they are quite high, slightly tilted forward. The nose is black. The eyes are beautiful, dark brown, almond-shaped. Look smart, expressive.
• Body The body is harmonious, well balanced. The neck is of medium length, provides a good overview and a regal posture. The back is straight. Belly tucked up. The tail is small, set high, twists into a ring and lies on the back.
• Limbs. The legs are long, muscular, straight, provide fast and easy movement, excellent coordination. Paws are equipped with thick pads and short claws.

Animal hair is very short, soft and shiny. It fits snugly to the body. The undercoat of these dogs is not, so they freeze in the climate of the middle zone.

As for color, there are several acceptable options. The most common are black, brown, or red with white spots. Snow-white in these cases are usually paws, chest, neck, end of the tail. And also there is a tricolor. Tricolor individuals may combine black, red (brown) and white. Rare, but very beautiful are brindle dogs. In this case, the red tint is complemented by black stripes.

It should be noted that experts distinguish 2 subspecies of Basenji, differing in size. The flat variety is represented by larger individuals with wool of light tones. Forest - low dogs (below 40 cm) of darker shades.

As already mentioned, these unique dogs do not know how to bark. However, the vocal cords work for them. Animals sometimes growl and make various interesting sounds that resemble singing, sighing or snorting.

There is a beautiful legend associated with the dogs. According to her, in ancient times a pack of wild dogs accidentally heard the secret of one of the tribes of the natives.

To save her, the animals vowed to shut up forever.

The basenji are very active and temperamental. By nature, they are hunters. Despite the fact that today representatives of this breed contain, as companions, it is impossible to ignore the need of animals for the realization of a huge amount of energy.

Silent pets have a good temper. They are gentle, loyal. Dogs may be indifferent to strangers, but they love their owners.

They will treat all people in the house with tenderness. However, it should be borne in mind that the pet has a character, so he will not want to perform the function of a living toy. But he can become a true friend.

With other dogs, non-breeding individuals also easily find a common language. Under natural conditions, these animals live in flocks, so they are very social. But the smaller animals (cats, hamsters, ferrets, and so on) pet will be considered as "prey". To change this situation is extremely difficult. Basenji smart, have a good memory.

Living in the wild, dogs became very independent. Despite the love and respect for the owner, sometimes they can not obey if they do not like something. In addition, if you leave the dog unattended for a long time, he can begin to misbehave, entertaining himself.

Curiosity and restlessness can lead a pet in an unpleasant situation. He can run away if you let him off the leash for a walk. For example, it can be carried away by an interesting smell, a passing car or a cat running through.In the latter case, the “hunter” will begin the pursuit, ignoring both the call of the host and any other circumstances.

Experts say that each non-barking dog may also have individual character traits. But with each of them you can establish a strong emotional connection.

The main thing is to treat the pet with love and respect, to show patience and understanding.

The inability of Basenji to bark is a definite plus for dog breeders living in high-rise buildings. But on the other hand, this quality does not allow the dog to become a real guard. Of course, animals have excellent flair. When strangers appear, they stand upright and emit a disgruntled rumbling. But it will not scare anyone.

Willfulness is another drawback of silent pets.

And also this feature is sometimes manifested in disobedience and refusal to execute commands. Because of this, some dog breeders call Basenji "cats-dogs."

The difficulty of walking is another problem.

• Without clothes, the dog can be taken outside only in the warm season.
• There is a need for constant monitoring. You should be kept on a leash near the roadway and in busy places. At the same time, walks should be long and active (at least 1-1.5 hours twice a day).

Such dogs need daily physical and mental stress. They need running, fun games.

Another important point - the bad natural habit of dogs to pick up something on the street is this. If you do not follow the behavior of the animal, it can harm its health.

House dog owner also waiting for the difficulties of education. Intelligence does not prevent dogs from trying to take a place more comfortably and higher. If you are opposed to the dog lying on the sofa, and even more so on the bed, you will have to be patient to instill certain rules of behavior for the four-legged friend.

Accordingly, getting the dog to take water procedures is very difficult. However, the animals are very clean. They support hygiene by washing like cats. In addition, African dogs do not smell, which can also be included in the list of their merits.

So, this breed is very peculiar, it will not suit everyone.

However, if you are an experienced dog breeder, an active person with a positive outlook on life and a strong character, such a pet can become for you a true friend and companion, able at any moment to cheer up.

On average, representatives of this breed live up to 12-15 years.

Therefore, the owner of the dog should carefully monitor his health and, if necessary, take action and consult a doctor.

Consider the list of ailments that most often affect these dogs.

• Pathology of the kidney. Symptoms at an early stage: great thirst, frequent urination. If you start the disease, it can lead to a large weight loss, muscle atrophy and complete dehydration. As a result, the animal faces death. Begin treatment as early as possible. The disease is of a genetic nature. It manifests itself usually when the dog reaches 5-7 years.
• Hypothyroidism. Signs of the disease: excess weight, a decrease in body temperature, deterioration of hair and skin, swelling.
• Hereditary vision problems (usually manifested in adults).
• Digestive disorders, poisoning. To minimize such incidents, it is important to provide the dog with a high-quality, balanced diet, and to ensure that it does not pick up anything on the street.It is advisable to purchase potassium permanganate, magnesia solution, apomorphine, Glauber's salt for a first-aid kit. Of course, it is necessary to understand in advance in what cases and how to use these medicines.

It is also important to make a pet vaccine according to a set schedule. Periodically recommended anthelmintic treatment.

Puppy of this rare and expensive breed is better to buy in the nursery.

At best, the dog may not be purebred. In the worst case - you can sell a sick puppy. In kennels, however, they guarantee that you will get a healthy pedigree dog.

Puppies are ready to move to a new home after they reach 1.5 months of age. However, it is better to choose from 2-month babies.

Professional breeders do not.

When choosing a puppy is worth paying attention to its appearance. Bite must be correct. There should be no discharge in the ears and eyes. The oral cavity should be pink. The nose should be black, the look should be clear, with a healthy gleam in the eyes.

If the puppy is sluggish or clumsy, this indicates a deviation in health. Observe the behavior of babies. Pay attention to their relationship with each other. Try to identify the most friendly puppy.

Such a dog in the future will be affectionate and loyal friend. If possible, look at the parents of the puppies. They must be well-groomed, educated. If dogs are aggressive and inadequate, it is possible that the same features may also appear in the future in their children.

This is a veterinary passport, puppy card. The passport should contain information about the examination of a pet for dysplasia.

Do not be afraid to ask additional questions. It is important, and how was the birth, and how in a row was born the puppy you chose.

Ask how his body reacted to the first vaccinations, whether anthelminthic treatment was carried out. Professional breeders provide all the information and make recommendations for further care of the dog.

If you are an experienced dog breeder, you can purchase a teenage puppy. However, it should be understood that in this case you will have to make a lot more effort in raising your pet and making contact with it. It is better to take a calm and agreeable dog. In adults, temperament and established character can already be determined.

Basenji prices are quite high. However, they vary depending on the class, the puppy's exterior, the achievements of the parents, the prestige of the nursery.

• Pet-class individuals are the cheapest. Such a puppy can cost about 15,000 rubles and above. He will grow up healthy, but some deviations will not allow him to take part in exhibitions. And also you cannot use such a dog for breeding. But if you just need a four-legged friend, this option may well be considered.
• Breed class is more expensive. Such animals are estimated from 25,000 rubles. They are also not suitable for exhibitions, but the imperfections of the exterior of these individuals are imperceptible at first glance. Only a professional will be able to determine what exactly the pet does not meet the standard. For the production of purebred offspring animals in this category are quite suitable.
• Show class is the most expensive. The minimum cost of such a puppy is 30,000 rubles. These are pets with a flawless pedigree. Growing up, they become champions of prestigious exhibitions. Their offspring will also be valued very expensive.

You can keep Basenji in a city apartment, and in a country house. Pet care is not complicated.

Only at the puppy age "pet" coat should be periodically combed to remove dead hair.

Basenji wash almost like cats. Therefore, they always look neat and well-groomed. You can not worry about the cleanliness of carpets, upholstered furniture.

As mentioned, these dogs are afraid of water, therefore they should be bathed only with great need. Perhaps this attitude to water procedures is closely related to the genetic memory of animals. Everyone knows the danger of bathing in the waters of Africa, where crocodiles are found, and it was there that the breed was formed. African origin and causes thermophilic dogs.

As for walking, here without a small dog wardrobe can not do.

Regular eye and ear screening are mandatory hygiene procedures. Cotton swabs (for the eyes) and cotton swabs (for the ears) are used to eliminate excretions and dirt.

The claws of representatives of this breed are not long, but from time to time they should be cut or eroded using a special nail file. The procedure is carried out 1-2 times a month.

About the regular intake of anthelmintic drugs has already been said. You should also check the pet's coat for the presence of ticks and other pests during the warm season. A good solution would be to use a special collar that protects against ticks and fleas.

And, of course, active walks and active games are a prerequisite for the harmonious development and maintenance of a good physical form of a pet.

Diet basenji should be given special attention.

His dog is given raw. Bones can be given to a pet once a week, not more often. In small quantities, offal and fish should be included in the menu. Cooked cereals (rice, oatmeal, buckwheat) without salt are useful. And you can also give the dog kefir and quail eggs. As for vegetables, grated carrots will be the best additive to the diet.

Of course, this should only be super premium products. Pet must always have access to clean drinking water. Therefore, fill the bowl with it in time so that the animal can drink at any time.

Watch the weight of the dog.

In addition, it is forbidden to feed the animal sweets, smoked, spicy food.

First of all, you need to teach the animal to behave with dignity at home. The basenji easily climb to any height. So let the puppy know right away that you cannot climb on the bed if you are against it. And also do not give your pet food from your table. Whatever cute expression of the muzzle the dog is trying to get a piece of something tasty from you, do not give in.

Otherwise, the pet will shamelessly carry food from the table.

Do not disregard the dog. Domestic hooliganism, which is often blamed on these cute creatures, is usually due to the fact that the animal is bored.

Training African dogs is not easy. The teams they perform reluctantly. But it's not about stupidity. The breed is considered quite clever. Just such animals are very self-sufficient. They consider that it is better for them to know when to get up, when to sit, where it is better to walk and, generally, how to behave. However, some success can still be achieved.

Screams and punishments will not help. Here you should be patient and cunning.

For example, when you teach the team “To me!”, The leash-roulette will help you. Do not detach the animal from the leash; just loosen the tape measure. Wait for the pet to move a long distance, and secure the length of the leash.The dog will feel discomfort and stop moving. Hearing the command, he will turn and head towards you.

So you will master the call by restricting the freedom of choice for the dog without physical impact. At the same time, you will show your pet which of you is in charge. At the same time, do not forget to encourage your four-year-old friend with tender words and treats. This will give him to understand that he will receive some benefit for himself for correctly performed actions.

Entertain her with games, do not let us be bored.

In addition to fair promotion, the importance of regular training. Practicing skills should be kept constantly, changing conditions and circumstances.

If the dog did run away, but then returned, do not scold him in any way. All the more unacceptable physical punishment. Pet will not understand that you are unhappy with his escape. He may decide that you are shouting because he came back. In this case, the next time the dog may simply not return.

That is how authority is formed. Experienced breeders give one more valuable advice. To basendzhi allowed you to take away from him what he is constantly trying to eat on the street, you need to teach him to this from childhood. From an early age, periodically open the puppy's mouth and take away food from him. Indignation firmly stop. It will make your life easier when the dog grows up.

It is better to walk a silent dog on a special spacious platform far from roads and busy places. Here, a restless creature will be able to frolic enough until it throws out excess energy.

After buying an unusual dog, you should immediately go to the store for the necessary accessories for walking. First of all, it is a collar and leash.

In the area of ​​the throat, it expands and narrows on the back. This reduces pressure on the neck and minimizes the risk of injury. In this collar, the pet will not suffocate, even if it pulls the leash tightly.

The optimal length of the product is at least 3 meters. This will give your pet freedom of movement. It should be noted that ribbon models are more durable than rope ones.

You can replace the collar with a harness. The design allows you to transfer pressure to the body of the animal. Adjustable, densely sized articles are preferred. Remember that the ammunition should not hamper the movement of the dog and cause him inconvenience.

If every time you take away the garbage from the animal you have no desire, you can get out of the situation differently.

For example, a plastic model would be a good choice. Some prefer metal versions with leather lining. In any case, the product should be larger than the dog's muzzle. Thanks to this, the African will not experience discomfort and will be able to slightly open his mouth if desired.

Narrow cloth muzzles tightly hold the mouth of the animal. Usually they are used for travel in public transport. For walking this option is not suitable, as in such a muzzle the dog should not be more than 30 minutes.

To protect against wind and low temperatures in the offseason, the host basenji can purchase a blanket. This is a cape on the back with a soft inner side that warms the pet. On rainy days, it is advisable to wear a rain coat (clothes made of a fabric that does not allow moisture). It can be made in the form of blankets, and in the form of overalls.

It covers the entire body of the dog, including the stomach, legs, neck. Usually such clothing consists of two layers. The outer one is made of membrane fabric that does not let moisture through. The inner layer is most often a warm and soft fleece.

It also protects the pads from the reagents that are often sprinkled on the streets in winter. The inside of the shoe is trimmed with fur or fleece. External - made of wear-resistant material.

If the winters in your region are severe, you can additionally warm the dog with a hat. Some models are complemented by a shirt or snood (this product covers not only the head, but also the neck of the dog). The latter option will be useful if a warm jumpsuit does not have a collar.

Judging by the reviews of the owners, Basenji is not an easy breed. Self-willed, overly independent dogs give their owners a lot of trouble during training and education.

However, there are almost no negative reviews.

The fact is that positive qualities of the pet overlap and his restlessness, and disorderly conduct. Charming attractive face with unique facial expression leaves no one indifferent. Dogs are affectionate, loyal, playful. It's interesting to watch them, it's nice to be around with them. Those owners who love their African miracle with all its flaws, the dog reciprocates.

About Basenji dogs can be viewed below.