ABOUT THE BASENJI BREED. HISTORY AND CHARACTERISTICS.

old photo of basenjis

BASENJI. A BIT OF HISTORY

Basenji - is one of the oldest breeds, which commonly known as the "non-barking dog". The first traces of dogs Basenjis have been found in Egyptian tombs that are over 6,000 years old.
wall images, figurines, caskets and other household and religious items, made in the form of a dog (Basenji). During the excavations of the tombs of the fifth dynasty of Egyptian pharaohs in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun were found Basenji - embalmed, wrapped in fine fabrics, impregnated
incense, these dogs were wearing collars made of precious stones.

Presumably, for the Egyptian pharaohs, the Basenji were more than hunting dogs, they were living amulets protecting their lords from black magic and witchcraft. And now the natives in Central
Africa believe that their "M`bwa m`kubwa M`bwa" (jumping up and down) - native name of the breed - they can protect their master, take away negative energy and restore the destroyed aura.... The first type of dogs Basenji were brought from the source of the Nile as a gift to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
Later, when the civilization of Egypt declined and ceased to exist, the Basenjis were passed into oblivion.
However, in this homeland breed, in Central Africa, she continued to be valued for her mind, speed,
magical properties, hunting abilities and... silence. natives wide use all these abilities when hunting for small animals: for corralling game in the net, chasing a wounded beast, as well as for hunting
cane rats - vicious creatures with long teeth that weigh about the same as the Basenji, and the "silence" of the dog plays a huge role in this hunt. In addition, Basenji is used for escort the hunter through the jungle and to warn them of their approach dangerous animals.

In 1895, explorers brought a pair of dogs to England. But try to acquaint the "outside" world with these amazing creatures, unfortunately, failed, because these little dogs did not endure many months of
journey, fell ill and soon died.

basenji in history

The official debut of the breed took place in 1937 at the Kraft show, where Basenji passed under exotic names: "Congo Terrier" and "Dog jungle". In the same year, America saw them. After the Second World War Basenji began their triumphal march through the countries of Europe and America. And above all, this is due to their exhibition success: a rare final "Best-in-show" does without Basenji, but it's hard to list them all exhibitions in which these shining aliens from Africa. Non-barking Basenji. So hunters carry their dogs to hunt, with dried pumpkin bell. History was published in 1942 James Street's "Goodbye My Lady", which was very much loved in America. V In 1956, the film of the same name was made with Brandon de Wild. He conquered the hearts of ordinary Americans, aroused great interest in the breed,
which persists to this day. Hunter and companion. It's small smooth-haired, unusually graceful and quick-witted dog, similar to graceful gazelle.

FEATURES OF BASENJI

One of the features of the Basenji is the lack of barking, moreover, everything is in order with the vocal cords of this dog, tk. she publishes various sounds corresponding not only to any situation, but also to its mood: growling and giggling, muttering and groaning, snorting and a kind of Tyrolean howl - yodel, which is quite melodic, so as not to irritate even the most refined ear.
Another feature is her coat. Coming from countries with a tropical climate, she has a silky coat that shimmers with copper in the sun. In countries with in colder climates, the coat of dogs coarsens, but does not lose its shining shine, this coat has other advantages, for example, it practically does not cause allergies, never smells, even if it becomes wet. Attractiveness is also given to her ears - set high,pointed, slightly inclined forward, giving the impression of two graceful hoods, as well as a forehead covered with "wise" wrinkles. 

Tail - set high, carried close to the thigh and curled into one or twoflirtatious rings. Compliant character, but not obsequious she mischievous and curious, infinitely fond of children, unusually clean.

basenji in red flowers
basenji in flowers

BASENJI'S CHARACTER

This is a charming and sweet companion, very playful and at the same time affectionate,
like a kitten. Attract refinement and neatness of this dog, which licks herself like a cat. This is the only breed of dog that food will not wipe his soiled muzzle on clothes, the hands of the owners
or, even worse, about your favorite chair. All this makes the Basenji ideal for those who care about cleanliness in the house.

When communicating with these dogs, their eyes are striking, mysterious and mysterious. In this regard, there are many legends, according to one of them, once the Basenjis knew how to talk and one day one of them learned very important secret of his master, but, fearing it to someone, he kept silent forever and only the eyes spoke eloquently that the dog knew what was under cover of secrecy. This breed has found many ardent admirers in many countries of the world. Some found in her a loving friend, others - a cheerful companion, saving from loneliness. Third - a source of pride on exhibitions, but they all have one thing in common - love for these dandy beautiful dogs that are imposing, like English lords dressed in tuxedos. AND this dandy can easily outsmart you and get his way with his natural charm, not stubbornness. Basenjis are absolutely fearless. and can repulse any of their relatives, and with a person they are gentle and affectionate, but at the same time they do not lose their self-esteem.

BREED LOVERS

Fans of this breed include representatives of the world elite. Among them: the previous Queen Juliana of Holland, whom the people on silver anniversary presented a portrait depicting Basenji Zara - a favorite the queen sitting on her lap; Egyptian king Farouk, who even after abdicating the throne and leaving for Monaco, did not part with his favorites.

Many of the royal houses of the world keep throughout decades of dogs of this breed, and among them Queen Elena, the Queen Mother Kingdom of Romania, King Michael of Romania and Queen Anna, princess Kingdom of Monaco Antoinette, former Crown Prince of Japan and lot others.

basenji with owner

You can talk endlessly about this wonderful breed, which I love immensely. I want our country to have as much as possible more fans of these unique animals. To the credit of the national cynology, breeding of the Basenji breed in Russia began with very high world class manufacturers. And although in our country BASENJI appeared in 1997, and the breed is still small in our country, most of our dogs can compete on any international exhibition.
М. Ermakova, President of the National Basenji Club, expert

М. Ermakova, President of the National Basenji Club, expert