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HomeOur blogBasenji - Discover the peculiar characteristics of this race
Basenji - Discover the peculiar characteristics of this race
Each dog has distinctive characteristics of the race: large, small or medium, muscular or slender, fun or calm, barking or silent ... the features can vary in any of the canines, and even when the most strange Basenji.
It's about A dog from the African continent, muscular and active, whose main distinction feature is that it does not bark as a common dog. Instead of barking, the Basenji breed has a tone similar to a zip song or a drowned laugh. Learning the characteristics and other important details about this race can make it the pet you want. Do not stop reading the information we offer below about these dogs.
ORIGIN OF THE BASENJI RACE
One of the ways to identify this race is like "Congo dogs”, Because it is popularly known that its offspring comes from the Republic with this same name. However, around all Africa you can find specimens similar to it. Although the previous one is indicated as its origin, the beginnings of the Basenji race are located many years ago. Because through historical data it has been determined that, In ancient Egypt, dogs of this species were used as hunters. In addition, they came to associate with pharaohs that gave him worship and identified him as a sacred dog.
Around 1800 this race was transferred to Europe, however, its existence in this geography was not lasting because a disease ended the existing specimens. It was but after the 30s that the species was possible to move to England and, years later in 1941, to the United States, taking preventive measures to ensure the preservation of the race. His caregiver character led him to occupy a popular place as a company dog in different parts of the world. However, due to its courage and hunting ability in countries such as Africa, it is still used by different hunters to ensure its prey.
Physical characteristics of the Basenji
It is a dog with elegant and athletic appearance at the same time, medium -sized and a muscular contexture. Let's see its physical characteristics in greater detail.
Size and weight
In the case of males, their height to the cross averages 43 centimeters. While females reach a size of up to 40 centimeters. Now, the weight of these dogs can reach 11 kilos in males and females, around 9.5 and up to 10 kilos.
Head and face
This canine breed has a moderately wide skull, which is becoming narrower in the direction of its nose. While his head gives him an appearance of elegance and class for his shape. Their eyes are generally black and have oval shape horizontally, in addition to their penetrating look. His nose is dark and his ears are a bit inclined forward. Always firm and pointed, giving the impression that it is constantly alert.
Line
A particular aspect of this friend is its tail, fine, but particularly curls in the form of a snail, very tight on the dog's back. A unique feature of this race, which is arranged to the side of the dog, totally visible.
Fur
The hair of this breed is short, that is, it does not require great maintenance, it is fine and also very bright. There is a great diversity of colors in which the fur of a Basenji can be presented: black, white and combinations of black and red, black and fire, white with spots and tied.
Race
In general it is about A quite pleasant dog with affectionate behavior, also very independent and, above all, curious. He is intelligent and also very active, he loves to stay in constant exercise and doing activities. It also always remains alert. In situations, strange places or people it is really distrustful, and if you perceive any danger or risk, you can respond aggressively. This means that education is of great importance. Despite this detail in their character, the Basenji are not highly recommended in families where there are young children. As we have already mentioned, they have great ability to hunt, this is a positive factor for those who love these outdoor activities. However, in animal coexistence, this can represent a problem, because they can attack unexpectedly in some cases. Commonly they usually get along with other animals, but encouraging socialization from very early is the best method to combat this situation.
Because it is a very energetic race, it requires, to a large extent, the performance of exercises. The lack of these can generate aggressive behaviors in the animal. Although it is a strong and independent dog, it requires attention and affection, but not exaggerated. Showing affection and maintaining the time of games and performing activities together will be enough to keep you happy. As already said, it is a little barking dog. Instead of barking, It emits a peculiar sound that makes it look like a laugh drowned This is also accompanied by A mischievous and playful personality, therefore, education is really important for the dog to identify the areas in which or not play and make mischief. It is a dog that requires patience and tolerance in its training, since its independence is usually above all. Therefore, in addition to a tolerant owner, he needs someone to show firmness in a positive way, without aggressiveness. In the specific case of females, and that is also added as a particular point of the race, they have zeal once a year. This, coupled with their song instead of barking, makes This breed is really very special.
Training of this breed
As peculiar as its Tirolés song, it is the education of this race. As we mentioned, it is an intelligent breed, but whose learning requires patience and tolerance because, although it is easy to train him for his obedience, the orders that he practices are recorded in his mind after having repeated it at least about 40 times. Internalize and memorize orders is not a rapid aspect for this breed. However, this does not mean that I cannot learn them. Those who have a pet base must have time for training and patience so as not to despair while training the race.
A point of great interest is that training should not exceed the maximum of 20 minutes a day. Because, if this time exceeds, both the owner and the dog can be exhausted and irritated by the incessant practice of the same lesson, and this would generate stress and anxiety in both, which is not recommended. Another aspect of importance to educate him is to always maintain positive reinforcement, since education through aggressiveness and intolerance can cause stress and rebellion at the time of receiving orders in practices. Trying to always maintain the reward and recognition of the realization of good actions is essential to establish bonds of trust that strengthen the training of the animal. Constancy is another key factor for the education of the Congo dog, going progressively and coordinating one in one the lessons that will learn is very important. Short but constant daily practices, or up to twice a day, they will generate in the animal a productive reminder about what it has practiced.
Health and welfare of the Basenji
Basenji usually enjoys good health. However, like any of the others, it can present some common diseases that, although they can be hereditary, in some cases you can acquire them if the care that should be provided is neglected. Obesity, kidney problems, sight alterations (especially in the retina) or intestinal problems are the most common diseases that deteriorate the health of a Basenji. In the case of kidney problems, most cases usually occur with genetics such as the point of origin, so having caution on this aspect will avoid to a large extent that the dog can suffer from this disease or, in that case, treat it early.
Obesity, on the other hand, can be generated due to inappropriate diet or lack of exercises and physical activity, by or that monitoring that these two aspects are fulfilled, will undoubtedly be a great advance to maintain the health of our canine friend in perfect condition and enjoy his life for a long time. The Basenji has a life expectancy of up to 10 years, which with the required care and due attention can be maintained optimally and actively to be an excellent adventure partner.
Care
Because it is a hunting dog, is accustomed outdoors, independent and a bit rustic life, so it does not require special care to a large extent. As for hygiene, this dog does not need frequent baths, only if you are really dirty. In relation to brushing, it can be easily done once a week to keep the brightness of your fur. The cold is an aspect of which we must take care of this race. While it is accustomed to life in the field, low temperatures can affect you frequently, due to the low length of your fur. A factor that undoubtedly should not be forgotten in the life of the Basenji is food. This breed must receive a maximum of 270 grams of daily food, rationed several times a day. This will ensure that it stays well feeding.
Together with the above, Exercise constitutes another fundamental piece in the health and well -being of these dogs. It is a very energetic animal that, if not channeling its energy through frequent exercises at least three times a day, not only runs the risk of obesity, but also, it can suffer from anxiety or rebellion and start mischief and destruction inside the home. Samples of affection and attention should not be overlooked with this race. While it is an independent dog, loneliness can affect him to the point of reaching depression if he feels alone or abandoned. Show affection from time to time, or share a while with him, will give him the assurance of being part of the family and will not feel alone. Periodic visits to the veterinarian are also important in the care of this race, since it is a way to control the decrease in diseases mentioned in the previous segment, and that can significantly affect their health.
Conclusion
If you call your attention the races with unusual features Among other canines, the Basenji can be your ideal partner.
It is an ideal dog for company or for activities such as hunting, in any of the scenarios, fun and energy will never be missing if you have the company of a Basenji in your home. A dog that requires patience in your training, but that when learning can become the most obedient. Affectionate and very active, in addition to protector and attentive to situations or strange people. It will take care of you and yours permanently and although in some cases it is not recommended as a pet for homes with very young children, coexistence to these canines are not complicated. Other dog breeds that may interest you:
