Have you ever wondered why it seems difficult to train your local Ghanaian dog? Have you ever questioned what breed it is and why it’s not popular among preferred dog breeds abroad? Or why do they need little to no grooming at all?
The Basenji is a rare dog breed that originates from Africa. It is also known as the “barkless” dog, but don’t let that fool you; they are not silent. The Basenji have a strong prey drive and endless energy and are happiest when tracking a scent, but this also makes them prone to wandering off. I wondered why Bingo never stayed home. Well, that’s why.
Basenjis are known to be highly self-willed and playful, demanding a lot of patience and a good sense of humor from their owners.
Appearance
The Basenji is a small hunting dog breed with a short, fine coat that comes in four main colors. They have a white chest, feet, and tail tip and are low-shedding, requiring very little maintenance. Basenjis are fastidious groomers and don’t have a strong dog smell. They are cat-like in their behavior and don’t like being wet. It’s recommended to brush them weekly and give them an occasional bath.
Temperament
Basenjis are a highly energetic and clever breed that needs daily exercise and mental stimulation. They make a unique yodeling noise instead of a traditional bark. Basenjis are playful and prefer to be within sight of their owners. If not properly exercised or left alone for too long, they can become noisy and display undesirable behaviors. Proper socialization is important, especially for children.
Care and Health
Basenjis are low-maintenance dogs that groom themselves like cats. They require patience, creativity, and positive reinforcement during training. The breed is generally healthy but susceptible to certain diseases. Breeders are required to test for various conditions, including hip dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, Fanconi syndrome, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and conduct thorough eye exams annually until age 6 and every two years thereafter, according to the American Kennel Club. Basenji’s ears should be checked regularly, and the teeth should be brushed often.
Additional Basenji health issues to be aware of include:
Basenji enteropathy is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic diarrhea and vomiting, while persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) are strands of tissue in the eye that can sometimes interfere with vision.
Immunoproliferative small intestinal disease (IPSID) is a dangerous condition causing diarrhea, vomiting, emaciation, and weakness in dogs. No cure exists, but treatment is possible. Coloboma is a congenital eye defect.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is a disease that affects a pup’s red blood cells, leading to low energy levels, jaundiced skin, and liver failure.
Fun Facts
Basenjis are believed to have inspired the image of Anubis, the Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife.
The first attempt to export the Basenji breed to England in the late 1800s ended in tragedy, with the breeding pair dying soon after arrival.
Though still considered rare, the breed became more popular after a Basenji starred in the 1954 film Good-bye, My Lady.
In ancient times, Basenjis were brought up the Nile from central Africa as gifts for the Egyptian pharaohs.
If you own a Basenji, also known fondly in Ghana as a “Suronipa” or “Bingo,” you have a rare breed of dog. Be proud!
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Sharon Cofie
