Basenji is a special dog. Elegant, graceful animal can become a cheerful companion and a dedicated friend. The uniqueness of the breed is in the inability to bark, which in the aggregate with spectacular appearance and the friendly character makes pets desired for dog breeders.
The breed can be called rare, the puppies of the Basenges are quite expensive. Therefore, before making a choice in favor of such a pet, it is worth considering all the pros and cons. On the characteristics of the character and nuances of the content of an unusual dog you will learn from the article.
History of origin
The breed is very ancient. Surprisingly, but for thousands of years she has not changed at all. Judging by the excavations, such dogs lived in ancient Egypt. This is evidenced by found drawings and figurines depicting these animals. And it is also known that mummies were found very similar on modern dogs in Tutankhamon.
but the birthplace of a unique dog is still considered to be Africa . It is from here that animals were transported to Egypt. Natives used animals for hunting. It is believed that the silence of Basenji is closely related to this application in the past.
Egyptians treated dogs with respect. They believed that animals were able to protect a person from evil forces.
After the decline of the ancient Egyptian civilization, the silent pets remained in demand.
They were valued for mind, courage, dedication and valuable hunting qualities.
The rest of the world found out about the wonder-dogs in the 90s of the XIX century. At first they were brought to England, then in America. The popularity of the breed has increased rapidly. In the 40s of the 20th century, animals have already actively participated in prestigious exhibitions, filmed in the cinema. People who occupy a high position in society were started as domestic pets. Among them were the royal friend (Princess Monaco and others).
In Russia, the breed hit in 1997. All brought animals were high-class representatives. Their descendants are not inferior on the characteristics of individuals from prestigious foreign nurseries. However, despite this, the number of representatives of the breed in our country is still small.
The basic value of silent dogs is that they were created by nature itself.
Elegant appearance, intelligence, peculiar character - all this is the result of natural selection. Even devotion to a person originated in the Basenji without the intervention of breeders. Therefore, the owners are especially interested in watching the pet, to find a common language with him.
The names of the breed in everyday life are different. Congo Terrier, Shrub, African, Egyptian dog - this is not all options. Many ancient breed still seems mysterious.
Nevertheless, the popularity of unusual pets is gradually growing, an increasing number of dog breeders get acquainted with them and remain conquered by their charm.
Description of breed
Basenji - small elegant dogs. However, with all its grace, they have an athletic physique and strong legs.
Among distinguishing external signs, it is possible to note funny wrinkles on the forehead, which appear with interest or excitation, and the tail twisted by the bagel.
The growth of boys in the withers reaches 43 cm. Girls grow up to 40 cm. The weight of an adult animal varies from 9.5 to 11 kg. Consider other characteristics of the breed according to the standard.
- Head. Skull is a bit flat, medium size. The muzzle is elongated, narrows to the nose. On the forehead can notice folds (especially they are expressed in puppy age). The ears are small, V-shaped, standing. On the head they are pretty high, slightly tilted forward. Nose black. Beautiful eyes, dark brown, almond-shaped. The look is smart, expressive.
- Frame. The body is harmonious, well balanced. The medium length, provides a good review and royal posture. Back straight. Belly pull up. The tail is small, highly supplied, twisted into the ring and lies on the back.
- Limbs. Legs are long, muscular, straight, provide speed and ease of movements, excellent coordination. Paws are equipped with thick pads and closer claws.
Wool in animals is very short, soft and shiny. She fits tightly to the body. There are no undercoat in these dogs, so they are frozen in the medium strip climate.
Already at a temperature of +5 degrees Celsius Pettza need to be insulated with clothes.
As for the color, permissible options are several. The most common is black, brown or red with white spots. White-white in these cases are usually paws, chest, neck, tail end. And also occurs tricolor. Three-color individuals can combine black, red (brown) and white colors. Rare, but very beautiful are the dogs of the tiger color. In this case, the red shade is complemented by black stripes.
It is worth noting that experts allocate 2 subspecies of the basinji differing in dimensions. The flat species is represented by larger individuals with light tones. Forest - low dogs (below 40 cm) darker shades.
Why is it called "silent"?
As already mentioned, these unique dogs do not know how to bark. However, voice ligaments work for them. Animals are sometimes growling and publish different interesting sounds, resembling singing, sighs or snort.
Beautiful legend is connected with labeling dogs. According to her, in ancient times, a flock of wild dogs accidentally heard the secret of one of the tribes of the natives.
To preserve it, the animals swore to silence forever.
Character features
Basenges are very active and temperament. By nature, they are hunters. Despite the fact that today representatives of this breed contain as companions, to ignore the need for animals in the implementation of a huge amount of energy cannot be.
For the health of the pet, it is important to regularly walk it for a long time, take interesting activities, games.
Silent pets are distinguished by a good temper. They are affectionate, devotees. To someone else's dogs can be indifferent, but they love their owners.
The breed is suitable for families with children.
They will relate to all people in the house with tenderness. However, it is worth considering that the pet has a character, so it does not want to perform the function of living toys. But it can be a true friend.
With other dogs, these individuals also easily find a common language. In natural conditions, such animals live with flocks, so they are very social. But smaller animals (cats, hamsters, ferrets, and so on) the pet will consider how "prey". It is extremely difficult to change this situation. Basenges are smart, have good memory.
They are easily learning, but they are very old.
Living in wildlife, the dogs became very independent. Despite the love and respect for the owner, sometimes they may not obey if they do not like something. In addition, if you leave the PSA for a long time, he can start to stitch, entertaining himself.
Curiosity and foulness can give a pet to an unpleasant situation. He can run away if let him go from a leash on a walk. For example, it may take an interesting smell passing by a car or a running cat. In the latter case, the "hunter" will begin the harassment, ignoring and calling the owner and any other circumstances.
Therefore, it is important to closely follow the four-legged friend, especially if you walk in a unmarconized place.
Experts say that every detaching dog can also have individual traits. But with each of them you can install a solid emotional connection.
The main thing is to treat pets with love and respect, to show patience and understanding.
Advantages and disadvantages
The inability of Basenji leaving is a certain plus for dog breeders living in high-rise buildings. But on the other hand, this quality does not allow the dog to become a real guard. Of course, animals have excellent small. With the appearance of strangers, they get up and publish a displeased rumbage. But to scare this no one.
Boarding is another lack of silent pets.
Without solid control, animals are hooligany.
And also this feature sometimes manifests itself in disobedience and failure to perform commands. Because of this, some dog breeders call Basenji "cats-cats."
The complexity of walking is another problem.
- Without clothes, a dog can be launched on the street only in the warm season.
- There is a need for constant control. Next to the roadway and in lively places, pet should be kept on a leash. At the same time, walks should be long and active (minimum 1-1.5 hours twice a day).
Such dogs need daily physical and mental loads. They need running, fun games.
If you do not give four-legged pets to spill out all the energy on a walk, they will begin to deliver the owners of the inconvenience of the house.
Another important point is the bad natural habit of dogs to pick something out on the street and is it. If you do not follow the behavior of the animal, it can harm your health.
Dog houses are also waiting for the difficulties of education. Intelligence does not interfere with PSAs try to take a place more comfortably and higher. If you are against the dog lying on the sofa, and even more so on the bed, you will have to gain patience to instill certain rules of behavior four-legged friend.
Basenji do not like water.
Accordingly, it is extremely difficult to force the PSA to take water procedures. However, animals are very clean. He is supported by hygiene, sinking like cats. In addition, African dogs do not smell, which can also be made to the list of their advantages.
So, this breed is very peculiar, not everyone will fit.
However, if you are an experienced dog breeder, an active person with a positive look at life and a strong character, such a pet will be able to become a true friend for you and a companion that can raise the mood at any time.
Life expectancy
On average, representatives of this breed live up to 12-15 years.
Animals are infrequently sick, but still troubles can happen.
Therefore, the owner of the PSA should carefully follow his health and, if necessary, take measures and contact the doctor.
Consider a list of parables that most often affect these dogs.
- Pathology kidneys. Symptoms at an early stage: severe thirst, frequent urination. If you run a disease, it can lead to a lot of weight loss, muscle atrophy and complete dehydration. As a result, the animal threatens a fatal outcome. Treat treatment should be as early as possible. The disease is genetic nature. It is usually manifested when the dog is reached 5-7 years.
- Hypothyroidism. Signs of the disease: Overweight, decrease in body temperature, deterioration of the state of wool and skin, swelling.
- Hereditary vision problems (Usually manifests itself in adults).
- Disorder of digestion, poisoning. To minimize such cases, it is important to provide a CBS high-quality balanced nutrition, ensure that he does not pick up anything on the street. It is advisable to purchase potassium permanganate permafront, magnesia oxide solution, apomorphine, glaublers salt. Of course, it is necessary to understand in advance, in what cases and how these medicines should be applied.
It is also important to make pets vaccinations on the installed schedule. Periodically, it is recommended to carry out warming up heat treatment.
How to choose a puppy?
Puppy this rare and expensive breed is better to buy in the nursery.
Attempts to save and acquire an animal with hands can turn into a deplorable.
In the best case, the dog may not be purebred. In the worst case, you can sell a patient puppy. In nurseries, they give a guarantee that you will get a healthy thoroughbred dog.
For moving to a new house, puppies are ready after reaching 1,5-monthly age. However, it is better to choose from 2-month kids.
If you are offered to buy puppies at the age of 1 month, it should alert you.
Professional breeders do not do that.
When choosing a puppy, pay attention to its appearance. The bite must be correct. In the ears and eyes there should be no discharge. The mouth cavity must have pink color. The nose should be black, look - clear, with a healthy shine in the eyes.
Prefer the active baby, not too thin or thick.
If the puppy is sluggish or awkward, it speaks of health deviations. Watch for the behavior of kids. Pay attention to their relationship with each other. Try to reveal the friendly puppy.
Such a dog in the future will become affectionate and surely. If you can have the opportunity, look at Puppies' Parents. They must be well-groomed, brought up. If dogs are aggressive and inadequate, it is possible that the same features can manifest themselves in the future and their children.
Know what you have to provide all important documents.
This is a veterinary passport, puppy card. The passport should contain information on the survey of the pet for the dysplasia.
Do not be afraid to ask additional questions. IMPORTANT, and how gave birth, and how much the puppy you chosen is born.
Ask, how his body responded to the first vaccinations, whether the heelmithic treatment was carried out. Professional breeders provide all the information and provide recommendations for further care of the dog.
If you are an experienced dog breeder, you can buy a teenage puppy. However, it should be understood that in this case you will have to make much more effort to raise a pet and establish contact with it. It is better to take a calm and priest dog. Adults can already determine the temperament and the established character.
Basenji prices are quite high. At the same time, they vary depending on the class, the exterior of the puppy, the achievements of parents, the prestige of the nursery.
- Pet-class individual is the most inexpensive. Such a puppy can cost about 15,000 rubles and higher. He will grow healthy, but some deviations will not allow him to take part in exhibitions. And you can not use such a dog for breeding. But if you just need four-legged friend, this option can be considered.
- Brid-class more expensive. Such animals are estimated from 25,000 rubles. They are also not suitable for exhibition events, but the disadvantages of the exterior of these individuals at first glance are invisible. Only a professional can determine what kind of pet does not comply with the standard. For the production of purebred offspring, animals of this category are quite suitable.
- Show class is the most expensive. The minimum cost of such a puppy is 30000 rubles. These are pets with flawless pedigree. Grown, they become champions of prestigious exhibitions. Their offspring will also be evaluated very expensive.
Content and care
Contain the basinji can also be in the city apartment, and in a country house. Caring for animals is easy.
Short wool does not need a haircut and constant combing
Only in a puppy age "fur coat" a pet must be performed periodically to remove dead hairs.
Basenji washed almost like cats. Therefore, they always look neat and well. You can not worry about the purity of carpet coatings, upholstered furniture.
As already mentioned These dogs are afraid of water, so they should only bathe them with a lot of need. Perhaps this attitude towards water procedures is closely related to animal genetic memory. Everyone knows the danger of swimming in the reservoirs of Africa, where crocodiles are found, and it was there that the breed was formed. African origin determines the thermal lobility of dogs.
They do not like cold. Therefore, a sleeping place should be located away from drafts.
As for walking, here without a small dog wardrobe will not do.
Regular eye testing and ears refers to mandatory hygienic procedures. To eliminate secretions and dirt, cotton swabs are used (for eyes) and cotton wands (for ears).
Claws from representatives of this breed are not sufficient, but periodically it should be trimmed or told using a special file. The procedure is carried out 1-2 times a month.
It has already been said about the regular admission of anthelmintic drugs. It should also be checked by a pet for ticks and other pests in the warm season. A good solution will be the use of a special collar that protects against ticks and fleas.
Well, of course, a prerequisite for harmonious development and maintaining a good physical form of a pet is active walks and mobile games.
Feeding
Basenji diet should pay special attention.
The main component should be low-fat meat (for example, veal).
His dog is given in raw form. The bones can be given pets once a week, not more often. In small quantities, include by-products and fish. Boiled cereals (rice, oatmeal, buckwheat) without salt. And you can also give a kefir ps and quail eggs. As for vegetables, grated carrots will be the best addition to the diet.
It is allowed to feed animals with dry professional feeds.
Of course, it should be only super premium products. Pet must always have access to clean drinking water. Therefore, fill the bowl in a timely manner so that the animal could drink at any time.
Follow the weight of the PSA.
It is impossible to overflow it, as representatives of this breed have a tendency to obesity.
In addition, it is forbidden to feed the animal with sweets, smoked, acute food.
Education and training
First of all, you need to teach the animal worthy of behaving at home. Basenji easily climb on any height. Therefore, immediately let the puppy understand that it is impossible to climb on the bed if you are against it. And also do not let the pet food from your table. Whatever the cute expression of the muzzle does not have the PSA trying to reclaim your piece of something tasty, do not give in.
Teach it is in a certain place from my bowl.
Otherwise, the pet will start shamelessly carry food from the table.
Do not leave PSA without attention. Homemade hooliganism, in which they often accuse these cute creatures, usually occurs precisely because the animal is boring.
Dressing African dogs is not easy. Teams they perform reluctantly. But the matter is not in nonsense. The breed is considered rather smart. Just such animals are very self-sufficient. They believe that it is better for them to know when you need to get up when to sit where it is better to walk and, in general, how to behave. However, some success is still possible.
Screams and punishment will not help. Here we should be patient and trick.
For example, when learning the team "To me!" You will help a roulette leash. Do not unleash the animal from the leash, just loosen the roulette. Wait when the pet goes to a large distance, and secure the length of the leash. The dog will feel discomfort and stop moving. Hearing the team, he will turn and go to you.
So you master the lifting by limiting the freedom of choice for the PSA without physical exposure. At the same time, you will show the pet, which of you is the main one. At the same time, do not forget to encourage four friends in affectionate words and treats. It will give him to understand that for the correct actions, he will receive some benefit for himself.
To reduce the desire of the dog to escape on a walk, let us understand that she can also be interesting to you next to you.
Entertain her games, do not let me be bored.
In addition to fair promotion, the regularity of training is important. Skilling must be carried out constantly, changing the conditions and circumstances.
If the dog still ran away, but then returned, in no case do not scold him. Especially unacceptable physical punishment. Pet will not understand that you are unhappy with his escape. He can decide that you shout because he came back. In this case, the next time the dog may simply do not return.
If the dog lies with you on the way, do not go around it and do not step up. The African must understand that you are the main, and give you the way.
So the authority is formed. Experienced dog breeders give another valuable advice. So that Basenji allow you to select it that he is constantly trying to eat on the street, you need to teach it from childhood to this. From the small years, periodically open the puppy to fall and take the food from him. Perturbation is firmly suppress. This will facilitate your life when the dog will grow up.
To walk the silent dog is better at a special spacious platform far from roads and lively places. Here, a restless creation will be able to cut down, until it comes to excess energy.
Clothes and accessories
After buying an unusual dog, you should immediately go to the store for the necessary accessories for walking. First of all, it is a collar and a leash.
Specialists recommend choosing a leather collar called "herring".
In the area of the throat it expands, and on the back narrows. This reduces the pressure on the neck and minimizes the risk of injury. In such a collar, a pet will not suffer, even if a leash strongly pulls.
As for the leash, it is better to give a roulette preference.
The optimal length of the product is at least 3 meters. This will give pet freedom of movement. It is worth noting that the ribbon models are stronger than the rope.
You can replace the collar of the train. The design allows you to transfer the pressure on the animal housing. Preferably adjustable products from dense material. Remember that the ammunition should not shine the movement of the PSA and deliver the inconvenience to him.
If you take away the trash every time, you have no desire, you can get out of the position differently.
Buy a native nurse.
For example, a plastic model will be a good choice. Some preferred metal options with leather lining. In any case, the product must be more PSA muzzle. Thanks to this, the African will not experience discomfort and can slightly open his mouth if desired.
Narrow fabric muzzles tightly hold the mouth of the animal. Usually they are used to travel in public transport. For walking this option is not suitable, since in such a muzzle, the dog should not be for more than 30 minutes.
To protect against wind and low temperatures in the offseason, the owner of the Basenji can purchase a popone. This is a cape on the back with a soft inside that warms the pet. In rainy days it is desirable to wear a raincoat (clothes made of fabric that does not pass moisture). It can be performed in the form of a poppone, and in the form of a jumpsuit.
Warmed overalls are necessary for winter walks.
He closes the whole body of the dog, including belly, legs, neck. Usually such clothes consists of two layers. External - from membrane fabric that does not pass moisture. The inner layer is most often a warm and soft fleece.
So that the dog does not frost the paws, he needs special shoes.
And it also protects the pads from the reagents that the streets often sprinkle in winter. The inner side of the shoes is finished with fur or fleece. External - performed from wear-resistant material.
If winter in your region is severe, you can additionally insulate the PSA using the header. Some models are complemented by a manicheet or slander (such a product closes not only the head, but also the dog's neck). The latter will be useful if the warm jumpsuit has no collar.
Ownership reviews
Judging by the reviews of the owners, Basenji is a difficult breed. Highly, too, independent dogs deliver to their owners a lot of trouble during training and upbringing.
Beginner dogs are particularly difficult.
However, there are practically no negative feedback.
The fact is that Positive qualities Pet overlap and his restlessness, and small hooliganism . The charming face with a unique fairytale leaves no one indifferent. Dogs affectionate, faithful, playful. They are interested in watching them, they are pleased with them. Those owners who love their African miracle with all its shortcomings, the dog is responsible for reciprocity.
About dogs Basenji breed can be found in the video below.