BREED HISTORY

The Basenji, popularly known as the "barkless dog," is one of the oldest breeds. The first specimens were brought from the source of the Nile as presents to the Pharoahs of ancient Egypt. Later, when the civilization of Egypt declined and fell, the Basenji lapsed into obscurity. However, it was still valued and preserved in its native land of Central Africa, where it was highly prized for its intelligence, speed, hunting power and silence.

Centuries later an English explorer rediscovered the Basenji and a pair was brought to England in 1895. Unfortunately, these little dogs contracted distemper and shortly thereafter died. Aside from that abortive attempt to make the breed known, the 'outside' world in general did not hear of the Basenji until 1937, when it was successfully introduced to England. At the same time, a pair was brought to America but unfortunately for America, this pair and a litter of puppies produced from mating these specimens contracted distemper and all dies, except the older male dog, Bois.

In 1941 a young female Basenji was brought from Africa to Boston, Alexander Phemister of Kingston, Mass., obtained her and shortly afterward also acquired the male dog Bois. The young female, Congo and Bois, both African bred were mated, resulting in the first litter of Basenji puppies to be raised to maturity in the United States. Later other Basenjis were imported from the Canadian kennels of Dr. A. R. B. Richmond and still others were brought over from England.

Dog lovers all over the country became interested in this breed, so old, yet so new to North America, and dlater purchased young specimens as foundation breeding stock.

The Basenji is about the size and build of a Fox Terrier. The first impression one gets of a Basenji is that he is a proud little dog, and then one is impressed with his beauty, grace and intelligence. In fact, he has often been compared to a little deer.

The Basenji's intelligence and courage are proved by his hunting ability in his native habitat. The natives use him for pointing, retrieving, for driving game into nets and hunting wounded quarry. He is also used for hunting the reed rats, vicious long toothed creatures weighing from twelve to twenty pounds, and here the silence of the Basenji is a particulary great asset. These dogs have wonderful noses, scenting at eighty yards, so together with their keen scent and gift of silence, it is no wonder the natives value them so highly.

Those who have had the opportunity to know the little Basenji have found him to be all they could hope for in a dog. He is a fascinating, endearing fellow, full of play, yet gentle as a kitten. His fastidious, dainty habits, such as cleaning himself all over, as does a cat, make him an ideal dog for the immaculate housekeeper.

The Basenji"s distinctive sound of happiness fairly thrills one, yet this sound he makes is hard to describe. It is somewhere between a chortle and a yodel. However, he is usually very happy when he makes it and one can't helpt but share the happiness with him.