The Basenji has existed since 3600 BC and enjoyed great popularity with the ancient Egyptians. When the Egyptian culture faded away, the Basenji continued to thrive in Central Africa until it was rediscovered by British explorers in the late 1800s. The English were taken by this compact breed's ability to scent, hunt and round up quarry. Successful breeding of imports did not take place until 1936 and since then the popularity of the Basenji has soared.

Appearance
Basenjis are medium sized, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider the Basenjis appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A Basenji's forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.

Character
Basenjis learn quickly, but they also have a cat-like independence and "self-motivation" which can make them somewhat casual about obedience. A healthy Basenji is a mischievous and good-humored animal, and is not above testing the limits of its environment and owner just for sport. They can be aloof with strangers but form strong bonds with their owners. If not supervised or trained properly, Basenjis can become bored and destructive when left alone. Basenjis also have a very strong sense of territory, and they consider their home plus the whole area where they are regularly walked their territory. Because of this, they can be very hostile towards other dogs in those areas.
 

Temperament
Basenjis are alert, very active and extremely intelligent. They can climb fences and tend to chew a lot. A lot of toys to keep the Basenji occupied is essential. This breed is best with patient older children and should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Basenjis have a strong urge to please and should be trained from an early age. The Basenji is somewhat aloof and dislikes wet weather. Like wild canines, Basenjis do not bark. They will, however, give the occasional single "woof." They also chortle, whine, squeal, howl, and make a Basenji-specific noise called a yodel or a baroo. Some Basenji screams, during times of distress such as being locked up, have been compared to the scream of a woman, the crow of a rooster; essentially, their ability runs the gamut of vocalizations. Though they do not bark, the Basenjis are quite capable of making their voices heard.

Also like wild canines, most Basenjis breed only once a year, usually in the autumn.

Exercise/Training
The Basenji is an active dog that needs daily mental and physical exercise. Its needs can be met by a long walk followed by a vigorous game, or by running freely in a safe, enclosed area. The Basenji can be a good companion for jogging, hiking ore running along side a bike. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Basenji will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The Basenji is recognized in the following standard colourations: red, black, tricolour (black with tan in the traditional pattern), and brindle (black stripes on a background of red), all with white, by the FCI, KC, AKC and UKC. There are additional variations, such as the "trindle", which is a tricolour with brindle points, and several other colorations exist in the Congo such as liver, shaded reds(sables), "capped" tricolours(creeping tan) and piebald marked dogs.

Grooming
Coat care of the Basenji is minimal, consisting of only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Basenji shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Basenji as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Basenji should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.