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Basenjis are darling, and their short coats, moderate size, and stunning appearance as adults only add to their appeal. Plus they don’t bark. But, they’re little dickens! The Basenji may be the only breed where their owners brag about the destruction they wreak. New owners quickly learn to put dirty clothes in the hamper, the remote in a drawer, and the garbage behind a closed door. They also learn that a tired dog is a good dog. And that a Basenji raised with love and patience is a joy unmatched by any other. Visit the Basenji Club of America.
General Appearance
The Basenji is a small, short haired hunting dog from Africa. It is short backed
and lightly built, 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 graceful, the whole demeanor is one of poise and
inquiring 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 mute. The wrinkled forehead, tightly curled
tail and swift, effortless gait (resembling a racehorse trotting full out) are
typical of the breed. Faults--Any departure from the following points
must be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault is regarded
is to be in exact proportion to its degree.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Ideal height for dogs is 17 inches and bitches 16 inches. Dogs 17 inches and
bitches 16 inches from front of chest to point of buttocks. Approximate weight
for dogs, 24 pounds and bitches, 22 pounds. Lightly built within this height to
weight ratio.
Head
The head is proudly carried. Eyes--Dark hazel to dark brown, almond
shaped, obliquely set and farseeing. Rims dark. Ears--Small, erect and
slightly hooded, of fine texture and set well forward on top of head. The skull
is flat, well chiseled and of medium width, tapering toward the eyes. The
foreface tapers from eye to muzzle with a perceptible stop. Muzzle shorter than
skull, neither coarse nor snipy, but with rounded cushions. Wrinkles appear upon
the forehead when ears are erect, and are fine and profuse. Side wrinkles are
desirable, but should never be exaggerated into dewlap. Wrinkles are most
noticeable in puppies, and because of lack of shadowing, less noticeable in
blacks, tricolors and brindles. Nose--Black greatly desired. Teeth--Evenly
aligned with a scissors bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck of good length, well crested and slightly full at base of throat. Well set
into shoulders. Topline--Back level. Body--Balanced with a
short back, short coupled and ending in a definite waist. Ribs moderately
sprung, deep to elbows and oval. Slight forechest in front of point of shoulder.
Chest of medium width. Tail is set high on topline, bends acutely
forward and lies well curled over to either side.
Forequarters
Shoulders moderately laid back. Shoulder blade and upper arm of approximately
equal length. Elbows tucked firmly against brisket. Legs straight with clean
fine bone, long forearm and well defined sinews. Pasterns of good length, strong
and flexible. Feet--Small, oval and compact with thick pads and well
arched toes. Dewclaws are usually removed.
Hindquarters
Medium width, strong and muscular, hocks well let down and turned neither in nor
out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles. Feet--Same as
in "Forequarters."
Coat and Color
Coat short and fine. Skin very pliant. Color--Chestnut red; pure black;
tricolor (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 predominate
over primary color. 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.
Gait
Swift, tireless trot. Stride is long, smooth, effortless and the topline remains
level. Coming and going, the straight column of bones from shoulder joint to
foot and from hip joint to pad remains unbroken, converging toward the
centerline under the body. The faster the trot, the greater the convergence.
Temperament
An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with
strangers.
Approved May 8, 1990
Effective June 28, 1990
For More information visit AKC.org