Basenji – a dog that does not bark: a description of the Congo Terrier breed, behavior and training

There are a huge number of dog breeds in the world that have certain characteristic features by which they can surely be distinguished from others. Today we will talk about a dog that does not bark. That’s what they call a dog of the Basenji or Congo Terrier breed. What this breed is, how to properly care for it, you will learn all this in this material.

The main characteristics of the Congo Terrier

In addition to being known as a Congo Terrier or Basenji, a dog that cannot bark is also known as a Congolese bush dog. The breed came from Africa and has been popular in Europe and Russia for many years.

The key characteristics of this breed, by which it can be accurately distinguished from others, are:

• boys have withers about 43 cm, body length up to 43 cm and an average weight of about 11 kg;
• the height at the withers in girls is on average about 40 cm, the body is about 40 cm long, the average weight of girls is about 9 kg;
• Congo Terrier puppies may be tricolor (black, red and red), as well as brindle, red or black. Regardless of the general color, the paws, the tip of the tail and the breast of the dog are white. White markings on the head may also be observed, but this is not typical for all representatives of this breed. The white color does not stand out as the main one, and the remaining shades are saturated and have clear boundaries when they change;
• the dog has a strong skeleton, which at the same time looks elegant to everyone;
• the ears of a representative of this breed are;
• the tail is slightly curled;
• eye color is always dark;
• the dog can’t bark.

Many believe that the non-barking Basenji dogs are the oldest breed in the world, but some cynologists claim that this breed, although one of the oldest on Earth, is not the oldest.

As already mentioned, according to some reports, the Congo Terrier breed appeared in Africa, but there is evidence that it originally appeared in East Asia and only then it was brought to Africa. Basenji dogs were common in ancient Egypt, as evidenced by archaeological finds and rock art. Officially, this breed was registered only in the middle of the 20th century, when it became widespread in Europe.

Features of the behavior of a dog of this breed

Earning the trust of the Basenji is not so easy. Dogs of this breed are distinguished by independence and pride, but at the same time they love their owners in their own way. For the Basenji to be satisfied, it is not enough just to feed, drink and provide a place to play and sleep. They want to be full members of the family, so they should be given enough attention.

Dogs of the Congo Terrier breed have a very well developed hunter’s instinct. Therefore, on a walk, you should carefully monitor that the dog does not chase potential prey, such as a cat.

The Congo Terrier does not know how to bark, but at the same time he can whine, squeal slightly, growl, but he rarely even makes such sounds. Dogs of this breed are not suitable as a home guard, as they will not be able to signal potential danger.

Who is the best fit for the basenji?

This breed of dog is suitable exclusively for those people who already have considerable experience in terms of raising pets. basenji are highly stubborn, so don’t expect them to execute your command the first time.

But, despite its restless nature, Congo Terrier will quickly find a common language with someone who will perceive him as an equal to himself. Here are some tips for those considering it as a pet:

• the Congo Terrier is a great friend for active people who perceive dogs as companions, and not someone who just follows commands;
• you should not get a dog of this breed to elderly and inactive people, because she loves long walks and maximum attention to herself;
• such a dog become a child’s best friend and will play with him with pleasure, unless, of course, the child offends her;
• the Congo Terrier does not tolerate bullying, remember this;
• The Basenji gets along well with representatives of its own breed of the opposite sex, but living together with dogs of other breeds depends on the circumstances. It is highly undesirable to start a basenji when there is a cat in the house. They are unlikely to find a common language.

Basenji care features

Ideal conditions for keeping dogs of this breed is a large yard next to a country house. But, if you live in the city, then get ready for the fact that you will have to walk a lot and for a long time with your pet.

If a dog of this breed lacks physical activity, then it begins to show dissatisfaction in this way:

• gnaws furniture;
• tears wallpaper;
• chews things and shoes.

Well, if you create all the conditions so that your pet does not have to be bored in the apartment and walk and play with him enough, then all this will bypass you.

The Congo Terrier is clean, in some cases dogs even wash themselveslike cats. The recommended diet is a balanced dry food or dry with wet in a proportional ratio of three to one.

Basenji training features

At first glance, it may seem that the basenji is poorly capable of training, but this is not at all the case. They simply require more attention during training and personal approach. The main thing for you is to break the stubbornness of your pet and make him learn.

For training, you should choose a game form, do not use brute force. Training should begin from the moment the puppy comes into your hands.

It will not be easy to prove something to your pet, because basenjis are always confident in their opinion and the correctness of their actions, they can ignore your instructions. But after a long training, he will learn to obey you and will do it all the time.

If you have become the happy owner of a puppy of this breed, but are not sure that you are able to properly raise him, invite professionals in their field who will help you overcome the stubbornness of your basenji friend.

What are the problems with Congo Terriers?

The average life expectancy of this breed of dog is 10 to 14 years. All these years they are equally active. The most common diseases characteristic of the basenji are:

• Fanconi syndrome is a kidney disease that affects the ability to process proteins and sugar. Most often it affects dogs aged 4 to 7 years. Previously, the disease was not treated, but now veterinarians already have experience of its successful treatment. There is an opinion that disease is inherited, although there is no scientific confirmation of this;
• hemolytic anemia, predominantly characteristic of puppies. Not subject to treatment;
• coloboma, which is a cleft in the iris of the eye. Is transmitted by heredity;
• joint dysplasia – requires surgical intervention, curable. But individuals with such a disease do not participate in divorce.

The average cost of a basenji in Russia

On the territory of Russia there are kennels where they breed dogs of this breed. They can be found throughout the country from Moscow to the Far East. Depending on the exterior and the title of the puppy’s parents, its cost will be from 20 to 60 thousand rubles.

Before you go to the kennel in order to choose a puppy of this breed, pay attention to the following:

• reputation of the selected nursery;
• specify if there were any sick pups in the early litters of the parents of the selected puppy;
• see that the puppy is active and well-fed;
• if possible, take a look at the puppy’s parents;
• the selected puppy should not have suspicious discharge from the ears or nose.

If you have chosen a puppy of the Basenji breed, then from the first day you meet, start educating him, constantly let him know that he is your best friend and give him maximum attention.