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Basenji

Basenji are generally quiet dogs and do not bark. They do produce a wide variety of other vocalizations including yodels, crows, chortles, howls, growls, and some which are simply beyond description. Each dog has it"s own repertoire and it is rare to find two that sound alike. Other Basenji are very quiet. They usually make these sounds when they are happy. The following is just a few of the many different sounds and more will be added in the future.The Basenji is a small, short haired hunting dog from Afrca. It is short backed and lighyly build,appearing high on the leg compared to its length. The wrinkled head is proudly carried on a well arched neck and the tail is set high and curled.Elegant and very graceful, the whole demeanor is one of poise and aquiring alertness. The balanced structure and the smooth musculature enables it to move with ease and agility. The Basenji hunts by both sight and scent. Characteristics the Basenji should not bark but is not a mute. The wrinkled forehead, tightly curled tail and swift, effortless gait resembling a racehorse trotting full out and are typical of the breed.

General appearance Lightly built, finely boned aristocratic - looking animal, high on leg compered with his length, always poised, alert and intelligent. Wrinkled head with pricked ears, proudly carried on a well arched neck. Deep brisket runs up into a definite waist, tail tightly curled presenting a picture of a well balanced dog of gazelle like grace.

Characteristics Barkless but not mute, its own special noisee a mixture of a chortly and a yodel. Remarkable for its cleanliness in every way.

Temperament An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with strangers.

Head and skull Flat, well chiselled and medium width, tapering towards nose, with slight stop. Distance from top of head to stop slightly more than from stop to tip of nose.Side lenes of skull taper gradually towards mouth, giving a clean - cheeked appearing . Fine and profuse wrinkles appearing on forehead when ears pricked, side wrinkles desirable but not exaggerated into dewlap. Wrinkles more noticeable in puppies, but because of lack of shadowing, not as noticeable in tricolours; black nose desirable.

Eyes Dark, almond - shaped, obliquely set, farseeing and rather inscrutable in expression.

Ears Small, pointed, erect and slinghtly hooded, of fine texture, set well forward on top of head, tip of ears nearer centre of skull than outside base.

Mouth Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e.upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck strong and of good length, without thickness well crested and slinghtly full of base of throat with graceful cure accentuating crest. Well set into shoulders giving head a lofty carriage.

ForeQuarters Shoulders well laid back, muscular, not loaded. Elbows tucked in against brisket. When viewed from front, elbows in line with ribs and legs should continue in a straight line to ground giving a medium front. Forelegs straight with fine bone and very long forearms. Pasterns good length, straight and flexible.

Body Balanced with short level back. Ribs well sprung, deep and oval. Lion short - coupled, deep brisket running up into definite waist.

Hind Quarters Strong and muscular hocks well let down, turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles.

Feet Small, narrow and compact, with deep pads, well arched toes and short nails.

Tail High set, with posterior curve of buttock extending beyond root of tail giving a reachy appearance to hindquarters.Curls tightly over spine and lies closely to thigh with a single or double curl.

Gait Movement Legs carried straight forward with a swift, long, tireless,swinging stride.

Coat Short, sleek and close, very fine. Skin very pliant.

Colours Pure black and white, red and white, black, tan and white with tan melon pips and mask, black, tan and white. The white should be on feet, chest and tail tips. White legs, blaze and white colour optional.

Size Ideal height: dogs; 43 cms * 17 ins * at withers; bitches: 40 cms * 16 inch * at whithers. Ideal weight: dogs 11 kgs * 24 lbs * bitches: 9 kgs * 21 Lbs *.

Faults Any deparure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.