Basenji

The Basenji is a very ancient breed, which has existed for thousands of years. Representations of a dog resembling it have been found in several tombs of pharaohs. It appears that this breed did not reach Europe until the twentieth century.

The Basenji is a dog that does not bark but joodles. The cry of the Basenji is compared to a giggle or the vocalizations of Tyrolean singers. The Basenji is a breed described as intelligent, independent, affectionate, and active. It is a dog distant with strangers. A hunting or companion dog, the Basenji is a primitive dog. The International Cynological Federation classifies it in Group 5, spitz-type dogs and primitive-type dogs. The female Basenji is in heat only once a year.

The Basenji is a dog of light construction, with fine bone structure, high on its legs in relation to its length. The FCI standard describes its gait as aristocratic. The head is wrinkled with erect ears. The dark-colored eyes are almond-shaped, arranged obliquely. The neck is graceful, the chest line is well descended before rising to blend into a well-marked flank. The tail attached high is rolled in a tight loop above the spine to rest tight against the thigh forming a single or double loop. The coat is short, shiny, and tight, very fine. The admitted colors are pure black and white, red and white, black and tan, white with tan spots above the eyes and tan marks on the muzzle and cheeks, black, tawny and white, brindle.