Silent African: description and photo

Among the dogs there is one very interesting breed called Basenji, or African Silent. It was formed in a natural way, without human involvement, several thousand years ago. A distinctive feature of the Basenji is that these dogs publish rumbling sounds instead of barking, like snorting or choked laughter.

Appearance

African silent - a dog with a muscular body with a light bones and high legs. Its body is proportional, with a wide straight back and deep chest. The head is planted high, which gives the animal a proud appearance. The tail is tightly twisted into a ring that fits snugly to the rump. Ears are erect, slightly inclined forward. On the forehead, characteristic wrinkles, especially well manifested in puppies. Almond-shaped eyes of dark color make the dog's look expressive and intelligent.

The short coat is smooth, silky to the touch and very dense. It has a number of advantages - it does not shed, does not cause allergies, in addition, even at high humidity it does not have an unpleasant smell. Color can be black and white, red-white, tiger or tricolor, when black and white color is combined with a red tan. All marks - with clear boundaries, well-formed. Whatever color the African mule has, the description of the breed requires that the paws, the tip of the tail and the chest are white. The height at the withers is 40-43 cm, weight - from 9 to 11 kg.

History

Tracking the breed began about 5000 years ago. The homeland of these dogs is Africa. Their images in the form of bas-reliefs, figurines were found on the tombs of the pharaohs. Embalmed canine bodies, soaked in incense, were found during excavations alongside their lords. This says that the African silent - breed, which was very revered. And today on this continent, the Basenji is considered a family charm, an animal that brings happiness and joy. Researchers who arrived in the Congo at the end of the XIX century, drew attention to dogs with amazing hunting abilities, driving the game in the net. From Africa, several individuals were exported to England in 1885, but, unfortunately, did not survive. Nevertheless, it was in this country that the standard of the African Silent breed was subsequently approved, and it is still valid today.

The next attempt to take out the dogs was more successful. It took place in 1937, when the Basenji appeared first in the US, and later in Europe. Gradually, this breed was introduced to the inhabitants of many countries, fell in love with self-confident and fearless dogs. In 1988, World Dog Training Organizations officially approved it.

Character

For the entire breeding period the dogs earned an excellent reputation. Basenji differ in compliant character, but they do not show servility. Infinitely loyal to their master, they at the same time respectfully treat other members of the family. Non-conflict, try not to engage in a fight, even if it is provoked by someone. This indicates a high degree of poise, which can boast a silent African. Responses of owners about this breed are mostly positive. The hosts are usually very satisfied with the behavior of the dog and note the complete absence of aggression in its nature.

Many of them are attracted by the unusual cleanliness and neatness of the Basenji. After each meal, the dog carefully wipes the muzzle, and looks after its fur with the help of a tongue, constantly licking it, as usually cats do.

The breed of dogs African Silent refers to the hunting, therefore its representatives possess a very sensitive sense of smell and developed instinct of persecution. If you have to chase the prey, then it must necessarily be overtaken. And the dog is so passionate about it that it can get lost.

Relationship in the family

African silent - the dog is ideal for a house in which there are small children. They easily find a common language with each other, participate in joint games. True, the representative of this breed is not one of those who allow you to do anything with you, so you should not leave it alone with the child.

With other animals in the house the Basenji will get along only if they allow it to dominate. Then between them the relationship will be benevolent and even grow into a strong affection over time. At the same time, the size of a friend does not matter at all - the African mule will be friends with a huge dog that is much larger than himself, and with a hamster. You can keep several of these dogs at the same time.

Features of the breed

The main thing that distinguishes basenji among all other dogs is the absence of barking. There are two versions for explaining such a feature. According to one of them, it is believed that hunting in conditions of almost absent vegetation, the game was not required to be lured out of the forest, but it was necessary to creep toward it. Therefore, barking dogs gradually forgot how unnecessary. Another version explains the absence of barking by the fact that African silent - the breed is very old, formed from ancient dogs that did not know how to bark.

These animals are unusually mobile and very active, as befits real hunters. They are constantly striving to escape somewhere. This is a vital necessity for them. In this apartment the dog behaves quite calmly and quietly. But it is necessary for her to get out of the house, as her whole life potential is revealed.

South African silence is very negative about bathing. Perhaps this is due to genetic memory, reminiscent of living in the water crocodiles. So do not force the pet to swim.

Basenji is sometimes called a cat dog. And there are reasons for this. In addition to the amazing cleanliness, their behavior in the house is very similar: just like a cat, an African silent man moves smoothly and noiselessly, emits rumbling sounds, washed his paw and can even walk into the tray.

Care and maintenance

The small size of the dog, the inability to bark and the extreme neatness make it one of the most suitable breeds for living in an apartment. Care for her is practically the same as caring for any other pet. Basic hygiene procedures are reduced to rubbing the eyes, cutting the claws and cleaning the ears. Short hair does not need to be combed, it is enough only to wipe it with a hard glove sometimes to get rid of dead hairs.

You can wash them only in case of emergency - probably no one is so afraid of water as an African silent. The description of the dog given above explains the probable causes of this fear. In order for the pet not to freeze on a walk in a severe frost, you can buy him special clothes. Regular procedures for parasite treatment and timely vaccination are mandatory.

It should be noted that these dogs are very active, easy to climb and need long daily walks. It is almost impossible to tire them. At home, the Basenji will be a quiet and calm dog, only if he walks well. Otherwise, he can spill his energy, outraged in the apartment.

Feeding

Despite incredible mobility, has a tendency to obesity African silent. Reviews about the breed of owners of these dogs note the exactingness to food from their pets. Many people say that they have no sense of proportion. Basenji can eat as much as it is suggested. It is necessary to monitor the moderation of portions. In the diet must be present meat of low-fat varieties. In addition to it, include in the menu a little fish, offal, porridge. Occasionally, not more than once a week, you can give bones. Dairy products and cottage cheese are needed for puppies.

The use of ready dry food in the basenji diet is not recommended. Not suitable for these dogs is food from the master's table. They are contraindicated in salty, smoked, spicy, fatty and sweet food.

Education and training

A true friend and companion for a person can become an African silent. The description of this dog marks her high intelligence and ingenuity. Nevertheless, no matter how clever the dog is, it must be educated and trained. Basenji is fairly easy to learn and understands the team perfectly. For them, the approval of the host is very important, so a gentle word and praise is the main method of training. In addition to teaching the dog to react to his name and approach the owner, it is very important that the pet learn for ever that nothing can be picked up from the ground. Silent African refers to that breed of dogs who like to "stunt", that is, in case they do not miss the opportunity to grab some carrion or old bone.

During training, it is unacceptable to abuse the dog, raise the voice. Each performance of the team must be followed by praise. The memory of these dogs is excellent. All the teams they can absorb the first time.

Health

Due to the fact that the breed was formed in natural wild conditions, its representatives have excellent health. Nevertheless, the disposition to some diseases is available. Most often in these dogs met atrophy of the retina, cataracts, entropy with loss of protein, urolithiasis.

Approximately once every six months it is recommended to visit a veterinarian in order to start treatment in case of a health problem.

Today it is still considered a fairly rare breed of African silent. Kennel, engaged in its breeding, can not be found in every city. The cost of these dogs can not be called low. Therefore, deciding to purchase a Basenji puppy, it is best to contact a monopedigree nursery, where experienced breeders will help in choosing a future friend and growing it.