BASENJI
Sighthound & Pariah Group
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard

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History .............................................

The Basenji is a small, short-haired hunting dog, which originated in the Zaire region of Africa. They are also often referred to as the "Congo Dog". The breed stems from the very earliest pariah-type dogs, being used as hunting dogs as long ago as 3600 B.C.

The breed has maintained its original form for centuries, and was "rediscovered" in the Congo around 1936, when a few specimens of the breed were imported to England.

The Basenji was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948.

The Basenji is a lightly built, short-backed dog, appearing high on the leg in comparison to its length. It has a wrinkled head that is carried proudly upon a well-arched neck. The tail is set high and is curled. The dog conveys an elegant and graceful appearance; its whole demeanor is one of poise and inquiring alertness. Its balanced structure and smooth musculature enables it to move with ease and agility.

The Basenji is a hound, equipped with sharp eyesight and a remarkable scenting ability, which hunts by using both sight and scent. This breed should not bark, but it is not mute. It does growl and yodel. Its wrinkled forehead, tightly curled tail and swift, effortless gait (which resembles a racehorse trotting at full speed), are breed typical. The breed is exceptionally clean. The females cycle once a year, usually between August and November.

The Basenji is alert, intelligent and independent; affectionate to its "family". The breed is characteristically aloof with strangers and protective of its territory. It is not well-suited for structured obedience work.

The head is carried proudly. The skull is flat, well-chiseled and of medium width; and tapers toward the eyes. The foreface tapers from the eye to the muzzle, with a perceptible stop. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, with rounded cushions.

Fine, profuse wrinkles, a breed characteristic, appear on the forehead when the ears are erect. Side wrinkles are desirable, but are not exaggerated into a dewlap. The wrinkles are most noticeable in puppies. Because of the lack of shadowing in blacks, tricolors and brindles, the wrinkles are less noticeable.

Faults: Coarse muzzle. Snipey muzzle. Coarse skull. Domed or peaked skull. Dewlap.

TEETH -- A full complement of strong, white, even teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Faults: Overshot or undershot bites.

EYES -- The eyes are dark hazel to dark brown in color. They are almond-shaped, obliquely set and far-seeing. The eye rims are dark.

Fault: Round eyes.

NOSE -- A black nose is greatly desired.

EARS -- The ears are small, erect, of fine texture and slightly hooded. They are set well forward on top of the head.

Fault: Low-set ears.

The well-crested neck is of good length, is slightly full at the base of the throat and is well set into the shoulders.

The shoulders are moderately laid back, the shoulder blade and upper arm being of approximately equal length. The elbows are tucked firmly against the brisket.

FORELEGS -- Legs are straight, with clean, fine bone. The forearm is long, with well-defined sinews. The strong, flexible pasterns are of good length.

Fault: Heavy bone.

The body is balanced, with a short, level back; short-coupled and ends in a definite waist. The oval ribs are moderately sprung and reach down to the elbows. There is a slight forechest in front of the point of the shoulder. The chest is of medium width.

Fault: Wide chest.

The strong and muscular hindquarters are of medium width.

HIND LEGS -- The hocks are well let down and turned neither in nor out. The second thighs are long and the stifles are moderately bent.

Faults: Heavy bone. Wide behind.

The small, oval, compact feet have thick pads and well-arched toes. Dewclaws are usually removed.

The tail is set high on the topline. It bends acutely forward and lies, well-curled (in a single or double curl), over to either side,
close to the thigh.

The coat is short and fine. The skin is very pliant.

Color and markings should be rich, clear and well-defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between the black and red of tricolors and the stripes of brindles.

Acceptable colors include: chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black, chestnut red and white); and brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white feet, chest and tall tip. The amount of white should never predominate over the primary color.

Serious faults: Creams, shaded or off colors.

Ideal height for dogs is 17 inches. Ideal height for bitches is 16 inches. The length is measured from the front of the chest to the point of the buttocks. Ideal length for dogs is 17 inches; ideal length for bitches is 16 inches.

The breed is lightly built, considering the height to weight ratio. Approximate weights are: dogs, 24 pounds; bitches, 22 pounds.

The breed exhibits a swift, tireless trot, during which the topline remains level. The stride is long, smooth and effortless. Coming and going, the straight column of bones from the shoulder joint to foot, and from the hip joint to the pad, remains unbroken. As speed increases, the dogs single track.

Any departures from the above standard are to be considered faults. The seriousness of the fault is determined by the degree of deviation from the standard. The Basenji is a hunting dog, and all physical characteristics relative to that purpose are to be maintained.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.