About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 58-64 cm

Height range  : 41-43cm

Weight range : 9.1-11.8kg

Coat : short|smooth|fine|flat|glistening|close-lying

Life expectancy years : 12-15

Colors: chestnut red|black|black and tan|brindle|red and white|black and white|cream and white|tricolor|white markings.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Congo|Central Africa|Democratic Republic of Congo|Republic of Congo

Similar Breeds : Pharaoh Hound|Beagle|Harrier|New Guinea Singing Dog|Pariah dog

 

History

The Basenji is one of the oldest domesticated dog types and has roots in Central Africa and the Congo region. It appears in ancient Egyptian and North African art and was used by hunters to track and flush small game in silent packs. The breed later entered England and the United States and remained relatively primitive in development.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

intelligent|independent|loving|alert|reserved|affectionate|strong-willed|curious|energetic

Personality

intelligent|independent|affectionate with family|alert|reserved with strangers|clean|curious|energetic|catlike

Needs

daily exercise|mental stimulation|secure fencing|positive training|regular ear , nail and dental care|companionship|weight control

Social Needs

affectionate with family|reserved with strangers|usually good with other dogs if socialized young|can be argumentative with other Basenjis|does poorly with long isolation

Grooming 

very low maintenance coat|self-grooms like a cat|quick brushing once or twice weekly|bath only when very dirty|weekly ear checks|trim nails as needed|brush teeth often

Nutrition

high-quality AAFCO-approved food|portion control is important|consistent feeding routine|may benefit from puzzle feeders|dietary consistency is important for sensitive digestion|fresh clean water at all times

 

Breed Standard

small athletic hound with erect ears , wrinkled forehead , tightly curled tail , short smooth coat , compact graceful body and long straight legs

Did you know?

Basenjis are famous for their yodel rather than a bark and are often called barkless dogs. They groom themselves like cats and are considered one of the oldest living dog breeds with roots in Africa.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Fanconi Syndrome, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Basenji Enteropathy, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism

 

Symptoms

1. excessive drinking may occur
2. excessive urination may occur
3. glucose in urine , weight loss , lethargy , muscle wasting or poor condition may develop

1. night blindness may occur
2. bumping into objects in dim light may appear
3. gradual daytime vision loss and eventual blindness may develop

1. chronic diarrhea may occur
2. vomiting , gas , weight loss and appetite changes may appear
3. depression may develop

1. lameness or limping may occur
2. reluctance to rise or jump may appear
3. hip pain , stiffness and rear limb muscle loss may develop

1. unexplained weight gain may occur
2. low energy may appear
3. dull or poor coat and skin infections may develop

Onset of symptoms

 

Fanconi Syndrome

1. inherited onset typically may be between 4 and 8 years with reports from 3 to 10 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. approximately 7% of Basenjis at the time of DNA test discovery and incidence appears to be dropping rapidly

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. onset by specialist eye exam may vary typically between 4 and 10 years with reports from 3 to 13 years
2. late-onset PRA in dogs may occur in adulthood

Probability Of Onset:

1. approximately 25% of Basenjis age 8 and older showed retinal changes though not all were confirmed hereditary PRA

Basenji Enteropathy

1. onset timing may vary and episodes may wax and wane

Probability Of Onset:

1. uncommon but important inherited predisposition in Basenjis

Hip Dysplasia

1. the condition begins as dogs grow and signs may appear in younger dogs or later with arthritis

Probability Of Onset:

1. approximately 3 to 3.5% of OFA-submitted Basenji hip x-rays were dysplastic

Hypothyroidism

1. dogs typically may not show signs until a substantial amount of thyroid tissue is affected

Probability Of Onset:

1. OFA reports included autoimmune thyroiditis and idiopathic hypothyroidism findings in tested Basenjis

Reasons

Fanconi Syndrome       

1. the proximal renal tubules may fail to reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients and these may be lost in urine

 

Basenji Enteropathy:

1. the content indicates nutrients may not be properly utilized or absorbed from food

 

Fanconi Syndrome       

1. the proximal renal tubules may fail to reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients and these may be lost in urine

Basenji Enteropathy:

1. the content indicates nutrients may not be properly utilized or absorbed from food

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. this is an inherited retinal degeneration and not a simple chemical deficiency

Hip Dysplasia

1. this is a hereditary developmental joint disorder and not described as a deficiency though cartilage wear and inflammation may occur

Hypothyroidism

  1. 1. this involves insufficient thyroid hormone production affecting metabolism and skin health

Normally Treament Methods

Fanconi Syndrome:

  1. 1. monthly urine glucose strip testing from age 3 may help detect early disease
    2. confirmation may require veterinary testing including blood glucose and venous blood gas studies
    3. the Gonto protocol with bicarbonate and other supplements may control but not cure the disorder

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

  1. 1. regular eye exams and DNA testing may help identify risk
    2. there is no successful treatment and affected dogs may need home adaptation support

 

Basenji Enteropathy:

  1. 1. diagnosis may require elimination testing , blood work , imaging and biopsy
    2. treatment may include systemic prednisone , antibiotics , diet changes and vitamin support under veterinary oversight

 

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. diagnosis may require specially positioned x-rays and palpation under light sedation
    2. management may include maintaining minimal body weight , limited exercise , NSAIDs , physical therapy and selected surgery
    3. cartilage protective supplements may be suggested though evidence may be limited

 

Hypothyroidism:

  1. 1. blood testing may diagnose the condition
    2. daily thyroid hormone replacement may manage the disease. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Fanconi Syndrome :

  • 1. bicarbonate can,might be helpful for acid neutralization and replacement support
    2. other electrolyte and nutrient supplements can,might be helpful for restoring balance according to the protocol
recommend product

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  • 1. the text does not provide a supported supplement recommendation specific to Basenjis
recommend product

Basenji Enteropathy

  • 1. additional vitamin supplementation can,might be helpful if indicated
    2. diet changes can,might be helpful for nutrient utilization
recommend product

Hip Dysplasia

  • 1. glucosamine can,might be helpful for joint support
    2. chondroitin can,might be helpful for slowing arthritis progression
    3. fish oil omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for anti-inflammatory joint support
recommend product

Hypothyroidism

  • 1. the text supports daily thyroid hormone replacement rather than nutritional supplements
recommend product