Hello and welcome to HiCotn.com! My name is CarolAnn Worsham and I hope you enjoy your visit today. In the south when you are in high cotton, you're in good times. Thus the name. The Basenji, is a small, smooth-coated, barkless dog, standing 16-17 inches high, weighing 22-24 lbs. It is usually red and white in color, but the breed can also be black and white, brindle, and like my Peaches, tricolor. Yes, the breed is naturally barkless. They are not mute however and make sounds common to all dogs. When Peaches greets me at the door with her gutteral "ba-ruuuu," I have to laugh. Safari's Painted Peach
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The Basenji is a sighthound, often referred to as the barkless dog from Africa. Actually, Basenjis emit a wide variety of sounds and can emulate a dog's bark. However, the Basenji is not for everyone. Basenjis are not known to be an obedient family dog. They are highly intelligent and will try to distract, divert and outsmart at any opportunity. Being masters of deceit appear to be a game they enjoy playing. I enjoy playing their game and trying to stay "top dog." Basenjis were known to exist before Christ, they are an ancient breed. It is evident their high intelligence enabled them to survive so many centuries. The breed is not accustomed to waiting for a command before taking action, such as dogs used for guarding or herding. In their native habitat, the African hunter used a hunting style different from what normally is associated with training dogs to hunt. Usually the hunter plays an integral part in the hunt or at least the kill. But the method used by these hunters made the hunt solely the dog's responsibility. The dog hunts and the hunter must make it to the kill before the dog devours it. For the Basenjis to survive in the jungle, they had only their wit to outsmart whatever situation presented itself, usually life or death in the form of a much larger jungle animal. It is this intelligence that will not permit them to be "obedient" dogs. If presented with an illogical situation, the Basenji instinctively decides what is best. This extreme independence and fearless attitude is a challenge most owners find difficult to understand. If you cannot deal with total independence, the Basenji breed is not for you. You can expect this breed to be obedient to a point. At will, they may obey you if you have earned their respect. However, you will alter the temperament of the dog if you try to correct this trait of the breed by any type of cruel physical punishment. |
It is virtually impossible to teach this breed not to prey on small furry animals and birds. Being natural hunters, their instincts are too strong. Basenjis are a dominant breed and, although they get along well with other breeds when introduced properly, situations may arise between breeds or the same sex. Basenjis are curious about the world all of their life. Having a Basenji is like having a perpetual puppy. They have absolutely no fear and eagerly anticipate the next challenge, especially when it comes to cars. Most new owners who lose their Basenjis lose them to car accidents. Once a Basenji escapes, their swift "cat-like" movement makes it almost impossible to catch them. And since they have no fear of cars, they are quite likely to run out in front of a car before the owners or driver has time to react. In spite of everything I have said above, I would not trade my Peaches for anything in the world. She gives and receives love like no other animal on earth. She is truly sorry for all the grief she has caused me by chewing my antiques, brushes, razors, books, money, underwear and anything else I have not put away. She has taught me more lessons than I will ever teach her. I know I will always have a much more tidy house as long as Peaches is with me. |