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Centuries later an English explorer rediscovered the Basenji and a pair were brought to England in 1895 but died shortly thereafter of distemper The world outside of Central Africa did not hear of the Basenji until 1937, when it was successfully introduced to England. At the same time a pair were brought to America by Mrs. Byron Rogers of New York City, Congo and Bois. This pair had a litter of puppies but all died of distemper except the older male dog, Bois. In 1941 a young female, Congo, was brought from Africa to Boston and obtained by Alexander Phemister of Kingston, MA who also acquired Bois from Mrs. Rogers. The pair were successfully mated and produced the first litter raised to maturity in America. |
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The Basenji is a small, short haired hunting dog from Africa. It is short backed and lightly built, appearing high on the leg compared to its length. The wrinkled head is proudly carried on a well arched neck and the tail is set high and curled. 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. |
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The Basenji's distinctive sound of happiness fairly thrills one, yet it's a sound 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 help but share the happiness with him. He is, by nature, an obedient dog--tractable and eager to please. |
 Photographer: Shot On Site |
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 Photographer: Shot On Site |
The coat of the Basenji is one of his most beautiful features. The mixture is silky and shines like burnished copper in the sun. In colder climates the coat tends to become more coarse, but never loses its brilliant luster. |
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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. |
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The Basenji's intelligence and courage stands proven by his continued use in his native habitat. |
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