<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Basenji is a very ancient breed; a similar looking dog is pictured on the walls of Pharaoh's tombs in Egypt. Explorers later discovered the breed in Zaire, hunting wild game for his native masters. Basenjis can do many hunting duties: they can point, retrieve, scent and drive game. These dogs were first introduced to the United States in 1941. Currently, Basenjis are primarily companion dogs, though they also excel in the sport of lure coursing.
<b>Description:</> A small elegant, athletic dog, about the size of a fox terrier, with a smooth shiny coat of copper, red, black and tan, black or brindle. All dogs conforming to the AKC standard have white feet and white on the chest and tip of the tail. Individuals may also sport a white facial blaze, white legs and/or a white collar. The back is level, the legs are long and the forehead is furrowed with wrinkles. The ears are pricked and the tail curls up over and slightly to either side of the back. The breed has a distinctive running gait.
<b>Notes:</> The Basenji doesn't bark, but does have a lot of other unusual vocalizations. He may yodel, howl, growl or crow, depending on his mood. A very clean dog, the Basenji grooms himself like a cat, washing his face with his paws after meals. The coat doesn't smell, even when it is wet. A good choice for allergic persons. Can be destructive when left alone and is a veritable escape artist, climbing fences and even trees. Basenjis are very fast and hard to catch. They were bred to seek game in the jungles of Africa. Don't let this dog off lead unless the area is securely fenced! Owners should accustom Basenjis to a crate or secure enclosure early in life to prevent accidental loss. Basenjis are prone to hemolytic anemia and Fanconi's syndrome (a kidney disorder), but breeders have been conscientiously trying to eliminate this disease by bringing in fresh bloodlines from Africa, by supporting research into tests for these diseases, and by excluding affected individuals from their breeding programs. African lines are a bit different than American lines, naturally conforming less strictly to the American standard and exhibiting more wariness. Basenjis also sometimes have hernias and eye problems. Unlike most other domestic breeds which have two heats per year, the female Basenji comes into heat only once a year.
<b>Personality:</> Very alert, active, playful, and demanding. Highly independant and somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. Should be extensively socialized. Can be quite willful, but also can be trained.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Very dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Very little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
