Ratings

Breed Introduction

The Basenji, known as the Barkless Dog, belongs to the hunting dog category. The Basenji has a strong physique, with smooth body parts, beautiful form, and deep wrinkles on its head, tapering from the eyes to the nose. The nose is medium in length, with a black muzzle and tidy cheeks. The ears are short and pointed, standing erect; the body length is moderate, with a straight back, slightly wide and expanded chest, and a concave abdomen. Its limbs are powerful, with well-proportioned and firm muscles. The tail is set high and curled up close to the back. It has fine short hair, with various coat colors including black, chestnut, white, black and white, and reddish with white. The body is smooth and beautiful, and it rarely barks, having a distinctive call. Due to its social instincts, it also tends to dominate other dogs and, when living with them, may have minor competitions or fights before establishing hierarchy. The breed tends to gain weight easily, so regular exercise is necessary to maintain its shape.

The Basenji originated from Africa as a small short-haired hunting dog. Its back is short, and its body structure appears very light; compared to its body length, its legs may seem slightly longer. The head is wrinkled and held high, with a rounded neck supporting it, and the tail is set high on the hips and curled. It has an elegant and graceful temperament, appearing harmonious, curious, and full of vigilance. The overall body maintains balance, with smooth muscle tissue, resulting in relaxed and agile movements. The Basenji hunts using its sight and smell. It is characterized by ‘not barking but is not mute’. The forehead has wrinkles, and the tail is tightly curled; its gait is agile and light, like a racehorse at full speed. These are the typical characteristics of this breed.