Basenji Basenji

The Basenji or the "Bush Thing" is an ancient breed originating from the Congo in Africa. This dog has many characteristics which make it unique in the dog world, most interestingly the Basenji does not bark but prefers to make howling and whining noises. He is a meticulously clean animal, and will groom himself from head to toe. The Basenji has a wrinkled forehead, giving it a constant inquisitive look. Most breeds of dog have two breeding cycles per year, the Basenji is like the wolf and only has one breeding cycle per year.

This dog of all breeds is the one most like a cat. Clever, inquisitive, independent and reserved with a disposition that is both gentle and friendly. House training is quite easy due to their "clean" nature, though other training requires more patience. Their desire to chase is still quite strong, therefore daily exercise is a must and preferably off-leash in a fenced area.

The Basenji is one of the oldest breed of dogs, with similar dogs being depicted on Egyptian Pharaoh's tombs dating back to 3600 BC. He was first discovered in Sudan and Zaire being used by pygmy hunters to flush game into nets strung out on trees. The first dog appeared in Europe at a London Dog Show in 1895. Early attempts to bring the dog to England were unsuccessful as they succumbed to distemper, and it wasn't until the 1930's that they were successfully brought over.