All dog breeds need special care for the physical and character characteristics they treasure. The basenji is no exception: although it is not a well-known dog throughout the world, it is one of the breeds with more history and antiquity. During its development it has hardly undergone changes, so it has not been modified by the human being from its roots.

Before adopting any breed of dog, it is necessary that you inform yourself about all the care you need to know if you are able to assume such a great responsibility. In the case of basenji, the same thing happens: their arrival at home affects family life in many ways, so it is important to ensure their well-being. To find out what are the care of a basenji and its origins, in we recommend that you continue reading this article.

Origin and history of basenji

There is evidence about the basenji dog since the Egyptian civilization, that is, more than 5,000 years ago. But the real origins of this breed are in Africa, specifically in the areas of Sudan and Congo were where the first copies were found.

The native population used the basenji as a hunting dog because they were very good at stalking prey, collecting and driving them to the traps set by humans to hunt them. Although it is incredible, it is one of the few races that are preserved semi pure, that is, it has hardly experienced changes that differ from the current specimens with respect to the first ones that were seen.

The only way in which man has intervened in the development of the basenji was precisely in its origins, since the specimens that were not used for hunting were used as food to survive. Therefore, it is a dog that went through a process of natural selection: the less skilled dogs were eliminated and those that demonstrated great skill in hunting remained.

Characteristics of basenji

The physical characteristics of the basenji are as follows:

• Its approximate height is 40-43 cm, weighs between 10 and 13 kilos and its fur is short and silky.
• Usually, this breed has three basic hair colors combined with white. These colors are black, brindle and chestnut.
• It has a high insertion tail and is not very long, staying curled on the back.
• On the head it has wrinkles on the forehead and the muzzle is medium wide.
• Its ears are large, erect and triangular in shape, the eyes are dark and almond-shaped and the nose is black.
• As for the character of the basenji, it is a dog that likes to be busy as it is very active. It’s important to keep him entertained so he channels his energy and doesn’t feel frustrated. It is a playful dog, so it can be a good family companion with the little ones, as long as it is well educated, children also learn to relate to a dog and there is always an adult present, as in any other situation between a minor and an animal. It is a close, kind and affectionate animal with its closest environment.

Basenji Health

A fundamental aspect that you must know to know how to take care of a basenji is what refers to health. It is a breed with a certain tendency to suffer some pathologies. They are as follows:

• Eye diseases, such as progressive atrophy in the retina.
• Sensitive skin.
• Fanconi syndrome, which affects your kidneys.
• Intestinal problems.

Basenji feeding

Dogs are facultative carnivores, so they are themselves carnivores but can also digest some plant nutrients, such as carbohydrates. Therefore, basenji dogs should eat meat, fish and derivatives, but they can also supplement their diet with some vegetables, such as rice, in small quantities.

It is important that you accustom your furry to eat a food focused on their needs from puppy so that they grow and develop correctly. Remember that these needs, and therefore the food you give them, will vary somewhat during their growth. What you should avoid is to give him food that is in itself human and unbalanced, such as fast food, highly processed foods with many additives, meals with sauces and many spices, etc.

Always inform yourself and talk to your trusted veterinarian to find out which feeding option is best for your dog (good feed, wet food, dehydrated or adapted homemade food). We give you some tips on how to make homemade dog food.

Basenji exercise

The basenji needs to get plenty of exercise. It is a restless and active dog by nature, so it loves to go for a walk every day several times. In general, it adapts without problems to city life and can stay at home for a few hours, if the necessary adaptation is made so that it learns to be calm and at ease, adapting the environment. Do not neglect to take him for a walk several times a day, each walk of several minutes or a few hours, through green areas such as parks, so that he can run and interact with other dogs and people and with his environment in general.

Apart from letting him run and being with other dogs, it is important that you play with him so that he channels the physical and mental energy and your relationship is as good as possible, mutually you will benefit. In this way, you will be able to satisfy their needs in the exercise and also the mental and emotional ones.

We recommend you read this article about How to take my dog by bike.

Basenji hygiene

The basenji is a dog quite aware of its own hygiene. In fact, it is often compared to a cat for the daily grooming routines it carries out. To keep his skin and coat in good condition, it is enough to perform one or two brushes every week and bathe him only when he is really dirty, for example with mud.

In OneHowTo we recommend using a shampoo for dogs and specific for delicate skin, since it is a breed with sensitive skin that requires special care.

Did you know that the basenji is one of the dogs that shed less hair? Here you can meet more breeds that shed little hair.

Basenji education and socialization

Socialization is an essential point in the education of the basenji and any other dog. It requires socialization from puppy to adapt to all possible situations in the best possible way. He can be shy and reserved with people outside his environment, but working this aspect with him from a young age will prevent him from feeling uncomfortable when he is an adult.

With his family, he is a good, close and affectionate dog. He enjoys playing with children as long as he receives the same respect and affection from them. It can present some problems when relating to other animals, since it tends to take a dominant attitude in living with them. Even so, if you educate it properly, it will be able to coexist without problems with other races and species. Remember to educate and socialize him from puppyhood, or as soon as possible, and always from positive reinforcement and positive experiences as much as possible. Never squabble, yell or hit, as it is not an effective way to educate anyone nor does anyone like to receive such treatment and, in reality, it generates the opposite results than expected.

If you want to read similar articles to What are the care of a basenji, we recommend that you enter our category of Pets.