Brinkley and Kodiak are basenjis. Basenjis are also known as the “African Barkless Dog”. They belong in the Hound group, and use both scent and sight for hunting down their prey. The basenjis we have today originate from Africa, however, it is uncertain of where they originaly came from thousands of years ago. Some say they originated in Ancient Egypt, and that they were given as gifts to the Pygmies. Others say that it is the other way around, with the Pygmies giving them as gifts to the pharoahs. Either way, there is no doubt that they did reside with both of the above mentioned, and that they are an ancient breed.
Basenjis are very intelligent animals, and you must always stay a step ahead of them. They are very much like small children, therefore, they require a lot of time and patience. When they are young (usually up until age two or three), they must be properly confined when unsupervised. If you fail to do so, you just may come home to find your valuables in ruins. If this happens, it is important not to take it out on the basenji after the fact (releasing your anger on him will not only force him to never trust you, but this could be very detrimental to him overall). If you leave a young basenji alone in your home with nothing to do, and you expect him not to destroy anything… It is like leaving crayons and a piece of paper in front of a child and then leaving it alone for several hours, and expecting nothing to happen. Many basenjis require being crated when unsupervised for the whole of their life. Basenjis also get cold very easily, as their place of origin is Africa. So if you plan on leaving them outside during the day, please make sure it will be a warm, sunny day. You will also need to escape proof your yard, as basenjis are excellent escape artists. Basenjis need to be a part of the family, so they cannot be left outside all of the time.
This is not the ideal breed for the average working person. Basenjis have a lot of energy. Because of the need to crate them while you’re gone, they have all of that energy built up in them by the time you get home. Logically, if you work 40 hours a week, you’re usually gone for a total of 9 to 10 hours on weekdays. Plus 8 hours of sleep, that is only 6 to 7 hours your basenji has to spend with you. It is important that if you go somewhere after work, you take him along with you, or arrange for someone to stay home with him. Additional crating is far too much, and is cruel to the dog. Basenjis require a lot of love and attention, as well as exercise.
Basenjis are wonderful, beautiful animals. All of them deserve to have a good, loving home. So if you decide that a basenji is the right breed for you, please consider getting a rescue. Yes puppies are cute and irresistible. But please remember that puppies take up even more of your time than what is mentioned above. Most rescues are not puppies, but at least they are out of their maniac puppy stage. :) Please visit B.R.A.T. and B.E.A.R. for more information. |
