BASENJI

The Basenji is a member of the sub-group of hounds known as ‘sighthounds’. It is small and agile, and adapts well to most living conditions. It is a small, short-haired, lightly-built dog with prick ears and a curly tail. He gives the impression of being either inquisitive or worried because of his wrinkled brow and his puzzled expression. He is immaculate in his grooming, cleaning himself much like a cat, and rarely requiring a bath. He is also odorless. Said to be of ancient origin, this hunting breed was valued for its speed, intelligence, and silent workmanship. Basenjis have very pliant skin that allows them to navigate the dense underbrush without injury. They have a tight foot with a thick pad to help in travelling over rough terrain. They have excellent sight, very mobile ears, and an outstanding sense of smell. The Basenji is often called the “African Barkless” dog, but it is not mute. It can howl, growl and snarl. In addition it can make a yodeling noise and puppies can crow like roosters.

General Appearance - The Basenji is a small, lightly-built, short-backed dog, giving the impression of being high on the leg compared to its length. The wrinkled head must be proudly carried, and the whole demeanor should be one of poise and alertness. The Basenji should not bark, but is not mute. The wrinkled forehead and the swift, tireless running gait (resembling a race horse trotting full out) are typical of the breed.

Size - Height: Bitches 16 inches (41 cm) and dogs 17 inches (43 cm) from the ground to the top of the shoulder. Bitches 16 inches (41 cm) and dogs 17 inches (43 cm) from the front of the chest to the farthest point of the hindquarters. Weight: Dogs 24 lbs. (10.886 kg.); Bitches 22 lbs. (9.979 kg.).

Coat and Colour - Coat short and silky. Skin very pliant. Colour: chestnut red, or pure black, or tricolour (pure black and chestnut red), or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white feet, chest, and tail tip. White legs, blaze and collar optional. The amount of white should never pre-dominate over primary colour. Colour and markings should be rich, clear and well-defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between the black and red of tricolours and the stripes of brindles.

Head - The skull is flat, well chiseled and of medium width, tapering towards the eyes. The foreface should taper from eye to muzzle and should be shorter than the skull. The muzzle neither coarse nor snipey but with rounded cushions. Wrinkles should appear upon the forehead, and be fine and profuse. Side wrinkles are desirable, but should never be exaggerated into dewlap. Black nose greatly desired. A pinkish tinge should not penalize an otherwise first-class specimen, but it should be discouraged in breeding. Teeth must be level with scissors bite. Eyes dark hazel, almond shaped, obliquely set and far seeing. Ears small, pointed and erect of fine texture, well forward on top of head.

Neck - Of good length, well-crested and slightly full at base of throat. It should be well set into shoulders.

Forequarters - Shoulders flat, laid back. The legs straight with clean fine bone, long forearm and well-defined sinews. Pasterns should be of good length, straight and flexible.

Body - The body should be short and the back level. The chest should be deep and of medium width. The ribs well sprung, with plenty of heart room, deep brisket, short-coupled, and ending in a definite waist.

Hindquarters - Should be strong and muscular, with hocks well let down, turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs. Feet small, narrow, and compact, with well-arched toes.

Tail - Should be set on top and curled tightly over to either side.

Faults - Coarse skull or muzzle. Domed or peaked skull. Dewlap. Round eyes. Low set ears. Overshot or undershot mouth. Wide chest. Wide behind. Heavy bone. Creams, shaded or off-colours other than those defined above, should be heavily penalized.