The Basenji is a small, short
haired hunting dog from Africa. It is short backed and lightly built,
appearing high on the leg compared to its length. The wrinkled head is
proudly carried on a well arched neck and the tail is set high and
curled. Elegant and graceful, the whole demeanor is one of poise and
inquiring alertness. The balanced structure and the smooth musculature
enables it to move with ease and agility. The Basenji hunts by both
sight and scent. Characteristics--The Basenji should not bark but
is not mute. The wrinkled forehead, tightly curled tail and swift,
effortless gait (resembling a racehorse trotting full out) are typical
of the breed. Faults--Any departure from the following points
must be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault is
regarded is to be in exact proportion to its degree.
|
|
| Breed Name |
Basenji |
| Country Of
Origin |
Republic Of The Congo |
| Group |
Hound |
|
Coat |
Short &
Fine |
|
Height |
16" to 17" |
| Weight |
22 to
24 lbs |
| Temperament |
Intelligent, Independent |
| Activity Level |
High |
| Learning Rate |
High |
|
Litter Size |
4 to
6 |
| Life Span |
12 to 14
Years |
|
|
Other Names |
African (Bush,
Barkless, Congo, Zande) Dog,
Ango Angari, Avuvi |
If you are interested in an
Basenji puppy:
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Size, Proportion, Substance
Ideal height for dogs is 17 inches and bitches 16 inches. Dogs 17 inches
and bitches 16 inches from front of chest to point of buttocks.
Approximate weight for dogs, 24 pounds and bitches, 22 pounds. Lightly
built within this height to weight ratio.
Head
The head is proudly carried. Eyes--Dark hazel to dark brown,
almond shaped, obliquely set and farseeing. Rims dark. Ears--Small,
erect and slightly hooded, of fine texture and set well forward on top
of head. The skull is flat, well chiseled and of medium width, tapering
toward the eyes. The foreface tapers from eye to muzzle with a
perceptible stop. Muzzle shorter than skull, neither coarse nor snipy,
but with rounded cushions. Wrinkles appear upon the forehead when ears
are erect, and are fine and profuse. Side wrinkles are desirable, but
should never be exaggerated into dewlap. Wrinkles are most noticeable in
puppies, and because of lack of shadowing, less noticeable in blacks,
tricolors and brindles. Nose--Black greatly desired. Teeth--Evenly
aligned with a scissors bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck of good length, well crested and slightly full at base of throat.
Well set into shoulders. Topline--Back level. Body--Balanced
with a short back, short coupled and ending in a definite waist. Ribs
moderately sprung, deep to elbows and oval. Slight forechest in front of
point of shoulder. Chest of medium width. Tail is set high on
topline, bends acutely forward and lies well curled over to either side.
Forequarters
Shoulders moderately laid back. Shoulder blade and upper arm of
approximately equal length. Elbows tucked firmly against brisket. Legs
straight with clean fine bone, long forearm and well defined sinews.
Pasterns of good length, strong and flexible. Feet--Small, oval
and compact with thick pads and well arched toes. Dewclaws are usually
removed.
Hindquarters
Medium width, strong and muscular, hocks well let down and turned
neither in nor out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles.
Feet--Same as in "Forequarters."
Coat and Color
Coat short and fine. Skin very pliant.
Color--Chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and
chestnut red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut
red); all with white feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, blaze and
collar optional. The amount of white should never predominate over
primary color. Color and markings should be rich, clear and
well-defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between the black and
red of tricolors and the stripes of brindles.
Gait
Swift, tireless trot. Stride is long, smooth, effortless and the topline
remains level. Coming and going, the straight column of bones from
shoulder joint to foot and from hip joint to pad remains unbroken,
converging toward the centerline under the body. The faster the trot,
the greater the convergence.
Temperament
An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed. Can be
aloof with strangers.If you are interested in a
Basenji
Puppy:
See our
PUPPIES FOR SALE
or use our
FREE PUPPY FINDER program. |
