Most often cited as the inspiration for the image of Anubus, (along with the jackal and greyhound) a principal Egyptian God of the dead, Basenjis have been around for quite a long time.
Basenjis are medium-sized dogs. The male Basenjis are about 17 inches tall while the females are about 16 inches tall. Males and females are about the same sizes – the male Basenji dogs weigh about 24 pounds while the female ones weigh around 22 pounds.
Though Basenjis are bred to be a hypoallergenic and defensive dog, their DNA puts them at risk for many conditions. Hip dysplasia, which occurs when the hip muscles don’t form properly, is one of the most common issues. However, this is a common issue in dogs with longer legs.
– Hip dysplasia – Corneal dystrophy – Patellar luxation – Progressive retinal atrophy – Basenji enteropathy
These dogs have a history of being relatively reserved in nature. They are clever and inquisitive and also known to be very stubborn. These dogs are intelligent and strong decision-makers.
In order to own a Basenji dog, you would want and need to know how to properly take care of it. The dog was specially bred for individuals that want a more sinus-friendly pup, but it also comes with some special needs. Here are some things that you should know about the breed:
Basenji dogs should ideally have meat as the core ingredient in their diet. These dogs are not known to be lovers of dry food. You could also add some raw vegetables to the food for your Basenji dogs or canned pumpkin works fine too.
Basenji dogs do not need a lot of grooming. They are tidy and like to keep themselves very clean. They only need to be bathed every four to six months.
Canaan dogs love to learn and are surprisingly easy to train. You can start working with your new puppy as soon as they get home from the breeder. Remember to establish yourself as a strong leader as quickly as possible; these dogs are pack animals, and they will attempt to assert dominance if they feel that the family isn’t being taken care of.
This dog breed is highly intelligent which means that these dogs are quick at picking up commands. However, it could be difficult to obedience train your Basenji dog, but they can learn with a lot of dedication and hard work.