African Basenji Project

[Barklessdog]

I found this article about a trip to Africa to get  more breeding stock of Basenji's for the US. What most people do not realize is that basenji's are are one the oldest breeds of dog not created by man. They are ferrel dogs that live with villagers in the deep Congo.


An interesting story

http://www.hicotn.com/LukuruImportsTheBasenjimagazine.pdf

The Basenji is the second oldest
distinct breed to diverge from the proto-dog/wolf common ancestor, making it one of the
most ancient domesticated breeds in the world.  In other words, as a group it has been
isolated from other breed development longer than almost all other dogs, which ensured
the distinct differentiation of the specific canid type we call Basenji.  This isolation was
crucial in avoiding the exchange of genetic material from the general canine population. 
Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs were incorporated into the social structure of
humans and domesticated away from the proto-dog/wolf ancestor about 14,000 years
ago. That may provide some idea of the length of time that the breed, we have known for
about a century, has actually been reproducing within its own typology, thus fixing the
desired physical traits that distinguish it as unique. The word primitive is sometimes used
to describe the Basenji because it is one of the breeds of dog that is believed to still
remain close in morphology (appearance) and behavior (hunting style) to that earliest
ancestral canine.
The Basenji is a natural breed found within the milieu of equatorial Africa,
principally the Congo Basin forest block corresponding to the watershed of the Congo
River.

If we are to direct our efforts at preservation of the primitive Basenji type, we must remember that the
ancestors of present day Basenjis were forest dwellers, adapted to a niche as efficient
hunters in dense jungle vegetation.  We must look for our true Basenji's in the most
remote, isolated villages occupied by forest-dwelling people. 

One of my gratuitous dog pictures!

[Barklessdog]

When they were originally discovered they were put in zoos and stuffed, along with the native people for museums in England, etc.

I think it would be pretty cool to on a expedition like they did, except for the fear of unstable governments & rebel forces.

[Dave W]

That was a nice story and quite an adventure.

[uwe]

I actually remember these (or at least dogs that looked a lot like them and probably had some of their genes) from Zaire. While the urban Africans were not fond of dogs which they forever identified with colonial oppression you did see quite a few of them roam the streets in packs. I always thought back then they were mutts  (some of them probably were) and it's right they did not bark.

Of course, now I know I should have grabbed a few and traded them against John's Fenderbird!

[Barklessdog]

Cool Egyption artifact basenji site-

http://bleedingeyeballs.com/basenjiart/artifacts.htm

[Barklessdog]

Here's why I wont take them to dog parks. They will terrorize other dogs or start fights. They are little maniacs once they get going.

[felig]

The people around the corner have a Basenji who at times behaves like the one in the video.  My shih tzus will just sit down & watch in awe while the Basenji bounces off of everything in sight.  He's a bit autistic, though, & sort of just looks through my dogs like they're not there.

[eb2]

I love the fact that a primitive breed was able to exist on its own for so long.  And that while such a rare and ancient strain, they still go batty in the park and take a dump.  That stuff just intrigues me though, kind of the same way I love finding out about people who have heritage/ancient apple varieties still growing in odd places.  My grandmother had an ancient Roxbury Russet tree in her yard in Roxbury, MA of all places.

You don't have to go so far to find ancient strains of dogs.  Our Johnny Reb friends have been chasing these things away for a few hundred years now.
http://www.carolinadogs.org/geninfo/primative.html

[Barklessdog]

What Basenji's sound like- they dont bark, but are not mute

[Barklessdog]

This one sounds really wild. like a seal or a siren

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fJ2GrU1UlN4

This one likes to sing to piano

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XT0k1GzPEjo&feature=related

[Barklessdog]

A guy on a Basenji site is being a go-between of two puppies bought from a remote village in the Congo in Africa. They are being sent to a Swiss breeder.

They said the true feral Basenji is getting harder to find as other dogs get introduced as civilization encroaches. The breed is disappearing. Soon there will be no more basenji's in the wild. They need new blood to keep the gene pool healthy.

These are pictures of the two African village puppies playing.

[uwe]

"Playing?" Looks more like the lighter colored one is applying for the job of a raptor extra in Jurassic Park IV! 

[Barklessdog]

That's funny you mention that because the owner, made his backyard into Basenji Park!. Pretty cool idea to turn your back yard into a basenji sanctuary.

Basenji owners are just as obsessive compulsive about Basenjis as Gibson bass owners.  Got have one of everything, you know?



They had a basenji on LA Ink-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIw4BEYAGqk&eurl=http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=3040

[shadowcastaz]

A woman here in Enfield NH placed best in breed in the recent dog show for a basenji. Very cool little dogs. very single minded I hear.M

[uwe]

"A woman here in Enfield NH placed best in breed in the recent dog show for a basenji."

Aren't there DNA issues between the two?   And that's discounting the probably slightly hostile legislative environment in most states ...

PS: John, for the avoidance of doubt, it has NOTHING to do with anal sex, ok?