FOR LOVE OF THE BASENJI

No surprise here, I am an animal lover. I have spent enough money rebuilding strays that could have provided a financially secure retirement. Guess what, no regrets. While the "Mutts" I found hold my heart, they are like a "box of chocolates." You are never quite sure what you will get. That is not a bad thing.

Pedigreed dogs cut out the surprise as there are pretty specific characteristics attached to each breed. At favorite of mine that I have owned are the Great Danes. They are magnificent dogs and will fill your life, literally. Just try to find couch space when you own a Dane. Greyhounds have crossed my threshold and warmed my heart. No dog is more grateful for attention nor more awesome to watch at full speed.

The Blue Heeler you all ready know about from a previous post and while I love the dog, I would want more land than I have for another one. They are high energy dogs that love to work. For pure lap pleasure and singular devotion to its master, you can't beat a Chihuahua. I have had them totally steal my heart. Last but certainly not least on my short list,is the Basenji.

I would like to introduce those of you who are animal lovers to this very unique but really cool dog that I just adore. In 1956 I saw a movie that touched me an made me a huge fan of the Basenji (phonetic pronunciation: buh-SEN-jee). Until that time, I did not know such a dog existed. In the 50's, the Basenji barely did exist outside of Africa and a few in England. The movie was "Goodbye My Lady" with Walter Brennan and Brandon de Wilde. Netflix does not carry the movie and a copy can now days costs from $40 to $200. Guess I can live with the memories if not the hard copy.

The Basenji is a very ancient breed which dates back to the days of the Pharaohs. He is both a scent hound and a sight hound and is, to this day, highly prized by the natives in the Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for hunting.

The Basenji is known as "the barkless dog", caused by their flat larynx. However, he is certainly not mute, being capable of all the other 'doggy' noises, plus a delightful yodel or chortle when happy. The sounds are unlike any I had heard before and the chortle can only make you smile. I have done some pretty silly things trying to encourage the chortle.

Basenji is a remarkably clean dog, hates being dirty or getting wet, and possesses no 'doggy' odor. They will groom themselves in a cat like manner. In fact they are very cat like. He is extremely intelligent, independent, alert, and affectionate to those he knows and loves, but can be rather aloof with strangers.

They are rather small dogs that typically weigh 24 pounds (11kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6cm) at the shoulder. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a "double-suspension gallop." When running flat-out at their top speed, their characteristic curled tail straightens out for greater balance. It will also straighten out when they are relaxed.

The Basenji are accomplished escape artists. Fences are easily climbed which makes owning one a challenge. This talent will invariably get them into trouble. They can get lost hunting game or can let their cocky little natures get them into fights they can not win with strange dogs. If you don't have a solid board or electric fence, they can only go outside on a leash.

They have unique facial muscles and are very expressive, often wrinkling their foreheads quizzically. Besides being very intelligent, exceptionally clean and delightful to listen to, they have two traits I have never seen in another dog. Forcing a Basenji to do something it doesn't want to do or correcting with any physical punishment (newspaper) will likely cause him to snarl or even snap at you. This is a breed trait. They won't be bullied.

However, if they know they have broken a cardinal rule, they act very chagrined and will cry actual tears when punished, even if only reprimanded verbally. I have seen it happen and it makes you feel like a brute. It can break your heart. Either reaction to rebuke is painful to the owner. I highly recommend only "reward" training of these dogs which works marvelously.

I have owned three of these wonderful animals. One was given to me as he kept escaping from his former owner, picking fights with bigger dogs and coming home in pieces. Rex was a handful but I loved him. When he died , I bought a replacement from a breeder in Kentucky who actually hand delivered Spock to me in Florida.

Spock was only the second dog I ever paid for, the first was the Australian Heeler. Spock eventually suffered from blindness in his later years, which is unfortunately an inherit disease of the breed along with kidney failure. A portion of the breed are subject to these diseases for the Basenji in the United States comes from a very small gene pool. Most of the Basenji outside of Africa are descendants of 12 original dogs. In the 80's new dogs were brought in from Africa to try to expand the gene pool.

Third Basenju I had was a little female stray who had most likely gotten lost from her owner. She was found 10 miles from any house in deplorable shape. These dogs do not mind well off leash and will often run off in chase of game and get lost. I placed a lot of ads but got no response. She had one eye, the other, which was sewn shut, I am sure she lost in battle as they can be aggressive towards other dogs. She eventually went to a lovely home familiar with the breed.

Guess you can tell by now, I like the unique type of dogs. That really is a foolish statement for all dogs are unique. The Basenji however is certainly not for everyone, but for those who know and understand the breed, they are truly delightful and worth the extra effort.

If you want a little less complications, think Mutt. There are plenty out there that will fill your home with love. Again I ask, please support your local Humane Society or shelter and please spay/neuter.

And your dog of choice is-----

None of the above are my pictures but are from the Net.