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ABOUT DOG BREEDS
 BASENJI
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The Basenji was developed for speed. Its torso is lean and is supported by long legs. The hindquarters are angled backwards, giving the dog an appearance of forward motion. The ears are prominent, v-shaped, and set high on the wrinkled head. Its neck is long and features a large patch of bright, white fur that extends to the underbelly. The coat is also white at the feet. The muzzle is long with a definite stop. The coat is short, glossy, and close to the body. The tail curls backwards onto the torso.
Temperament
The Basenji is known for its catlike behavior. It prefers to be independent, is curious about its surroundings, and balks at discipline. Energetic and funloving, it appreciates spending time with its family. Its friendliness is extended to all members of the family, including other family pets. Children are fine with the Basenji, but supervision is recommended because it tends to chase; a habit bred into it as hunter. It doesnтАЩt bark, so it wonтАЩt keep its owners and their neighbors awake at night. However, the unique sound it makes, which sound similar to a yodel may take some getting used to. Bred as a hunter, the Basenji
Height and Weight
Male height: 17 inchesMale weight: 24 poundsFemale height: 16 inchesFemale weight: 22 pounds
Health Problems
Enteropathy, fanconi syndrome, and (PRA) are major health concerns for the Bansenji. Some types may also develop hip dysplasia, Persistent pupillary membranes, and Pyruvate Kinase deficiency.
Ideal Living Conditions
Unlike most dogs, the Basenji is energetic from the time it is a puppy through adulthood. It requires a significant amount of exercise. While it is a breed more suitable for indoor living, it would appreciate the opportunity to go outside on occasion. If there is a sizeable yard, a good plan is to create a doggy door so that it can freely move between indoors and outdoors.
Exercise
The high energy and intelligence of the Basenji requires daily fulfillment. If it is unable to obtain both mental and physical exercise, both it and its owner will likely suffer. The good news is that it does not require a significant amount of exercise. A daily opportunity to walk alongside its owner is sufficient. Playing games or teaching the Basenji tricks is the best way to exercise its minds.
Life Expectancy
An average of 10 - 14 years
Litter Size
Average of 4-6 puppies
Grooming
Self-cleaning is something usually associated with cats. However, the Basenji actually cleans itself. Brushing the coat a couple of times each week will help to keep it smooth and shiny.
Origin
The history of the Basenji begins as far back as ancient Egypt where images of it were discovered in
Group
Hound
Color
The coat of the Basenji is commonly a combination of colors. The primary color of the coat is usually black, red, or tan. One of these colors are usually combined with white. White usually appears on the chest, feet, and tail.
Breed Clubs
African Basenji Club http://home.intekom.com/mwanamatapa/abasclub.htm Basenji Club of America http://www.basenji.org Basenji Club of Great Britain http://www.basenjiclubofgb.org Basenji Club of Victoria-Australia http://www.basenjiclubvic.org
Breed Rescues
Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc. http://www.basenjirescue.org Phoenix Basenji Rescue http://www.chamuit.com/brushy/page4.html Americas Basenji Rescue http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/IN87.html

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