THE BASENJI
('BARKLESS' DOG)
Highly intelligent, spunky, fairly dominant, can be independent -- and lovable.
Courtesy of Marie
Knight - KUSA Registered Breeder - [email protected]
ABOUT YOUR BASENJI
When you buy a dog represented as Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) registered, you should receive a KUSA Pedigree Certificate for the dog. On the back is a form to be completed by the seller, which will enable you to transfer the dog into your own name.When the application has been processed, you will receive a KUSA Registration
Certificate. Other conditions and agreement of sale should be in writing, signed by both seller and buyer with a signed copy provided to the buyer.
KUSA is only a registration body and does not in any way guarantee the quality or health of the dog you buy. A registration certificate identifies the dog as the offspring of a known sire and dam, born on a known date. Quality in the sense of "show quality" is determined by many factors including the dog's health, physical condition, ability to move and appearance. Breeders breeding show stock are trying to produce animals that closely resemble the description of perfection described in the breed standard. Some ignore health issues while a really good breeder will health test and provide the buyer with the test results of the Sire and Dam. Many people breed their dogs with no concern for the qualitative demands of the breed standard. When this occurs repeatedly over several generations, the animals, while still purebred, can be of extremely low quality. The same is true about the potential health risks. If breeding happens without testing and making sure that only healthy stock is bred from the problems will get progressively worse over several generations.
When you buy a dog represented as Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) registered, you should receive a KUSA Pedigree Certificate for the dog. On the back is a form to be completed by the seller, which will enable you to transfer the dog into your own name.When the application has been processed, you will receive a KUSA Registration
Certificate. Other conditions and agreement of sale should be in writing, signed by both seller and buyer with a signed copy provided to the buyer.
KUSA is only a registration body and does not in any way guarantee the quality or health of the dog you buy. A registration certificate identifies the dog as the offspring of a known sire and dam, born on a known date. Quality in the sense of "show quality" is determined by many factors including the dog's health, physical condition, ability to move and appearance. Breeders breeding show stock are trying to produce animals that closely resemble the description of perfection described in the breed standard. Some ignore health issues while a really good breeder will health test and provide the buyer with the test results of the Sire and Dam. Many people breed their dogs with no concern for the qualitative demands of the breed standard. When this occurs repeatedly over several generations, the animals, while still purebred, can be of extremely low quality. The same is true about the potential health risks. If breeding happens without testing and making sure that only healthy stock is bred from the problems will get progressively worse over several generations.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BASENJI
The dogs of the Stone Age were small foxy fellows, who gathered around the first campfires. As ancient man went from place to place about his business, they followed at a respectful distance, probably attracted by occasional handouts, possibly because they felt an affinity to him. The first dogs, according to palaeontologists, were very like Basenjis, and there are scientific reasons for supposing that the Basenji was this "Canis Palustrus" of prehistoric times.
The Basenji made an appearance in civilization at the dawn of history. Brought down the Nile as tribute by people from Central Africa, he was a palace dog of the pharaohs so long ago that he watched the pyramids being built. Pictured in bas-relief and sculptured in stone as far back as 4000 BC, the Basenji is shown both as a hunter and as a favoured house pet lying under the pharaoh's chair. He was found in Mesopotamia many centuries later. The Metropolitan Museum of Art owns a bronze statue of a man and a Basenji-like dog, including curled tail and wrinkled forehead. This is identified as Babylonian, 1500 BC. Ancient empires, crumbling, disappeared along with the Basenji, and without a trace. Only as recently as the latter half of the 19th Century was he rediscovered in his original habitat - - the headwaters of both the Nile and the Congo - in the heart of Africa. There, Basenjis are still hunting dogs of native tribes, and so necessary are they to the Pygmies that a wife can be purchased for less than a Basenji.
English nobility rediscovered these little dogs during their hunting expeditions. For fifty years, the British made many attempts to bring Basenjis to England, but they were not successfully acclimated there until 1937. At the same time, a pair was taken to America. The Basenji does not bark. This unusual characteristic does not seem too unusual when you remember that original canines -- wolves, coyotes, and jackals -- don't bark, either. Since the Basenji is silent on the trail, the Congolese, as did the ancients, required him to wear a hunting bell so they could trail him. Though he doesn't "BOW-WOW-WOW," the Basenji is not mute, and can make all the other sounds dogs make: growls, whines, yips, and howls. He has, in addition, an unusual sound called a "yodel" that he uses when he is happy.
Sleek short coat, pricked ears, and a curly tail are Basenji trademarks. Wrinkles appear on the forehead, giving a questioning look; however, he actually knows all the answers. An elegant, deer-like little fellow, he averages 38 – 43cm in height at the shoulders and 9 to 11 kg in weight. Colour-coded red, black, black with tan trimming (tri-colour), he always has white on the feet, chest, and tail tip. Some have more white than others, sometimes with a blaze on the face, full collar and full white legs. His short coat is n that it has no doggy odour, and he keeps it immaculate without being bathed for months.
The Basenji is happy to fit his mood to those he loves -- yet he is a proud dog always, not bowing and scraping. He is a staunch believer in person and property rights. The silent hunter is also silent watchdog. A sound outside brings him noiselessly to the door, to await an intruder. He will give the housebreaker a rough time. Owners will testify to his
phenomenal intelligence, his inventiveness, his curiosity, and his clownish sense of humour. He is a quiet, satisfied dog when desired. Yet no dog enjoys play more, whether in the home or the field. He will roughhouse and race. However, when his owner is ready to call it quits the little Basenji is content to lie at the feet of the master just as his forebears did thousands of years ago in the courts of Ancient Egypt, his wrinkled forehead imparting an anxious expression to his face -- the look of one who, having known man from the beginning, is terribly worried about the outcome.
The dogs of the Stone Age were small foxy fellows, who gathered around the first campfires. As ancient man went from place to place about his business, they followed at a respectful distance, probably attracted by occasional handouts, possibly because they felt an affinity to him. The first dogs, according to palaeontologists, were very like Basenjis, and there are scientific reasons for supposing that the Basenji was this "Canis Palustrus" of prehistoric times.
The Basenji made an appearance in civilization at the dawn of history. Brought down the Nile as tribute by people from Central Africa, he was a palace dog of the pharaohs so long ago that he watched the pyramids being built. Pictured in bas-relief and sculptured in stone as far back as 4000 BC, the Basenji is shown both as a hunter and as a favoured house pet lying under the pharaoh's chair. He was found in Mesopotamia many centuries later. The Metropolitan Museum of Art owns a bronze statue of a man and a Basenji-like dog, including curled tail and wrinkled forehead. This is identified as Babylonian, 1500 BC. Ancient empires, crumbling, disappeared along with the Basenji, and without a trace. Only as recently as the latter half of the 19th Century was he rediscovered in his original habitat - - the headwaters of both the Nile and the Congo - in the heart of Africa. There, Basenjis are still hunting dogs of native tribes, and so necessary are they to the Pygmies that a wife can be purchased for less than a Basenji.
English nobility rediscovered these little dogs during their hunting expeditions. For fifty years, the British made many attempts to bring Basenjis to England, but they were not successfully acclimated there until 1937. At the same time, a pair was taken to America. The Basenji does not bark. This unusual characteristic does not seem too unusual when you remember that original canines -- wolves, coyotes, and jackals -- don't bark, either. Since the Basenji is silent on the trail, the Congolese, as did the ancients, required him to wear a hunting bell so they could trail him. Though he doesn't "BOW-WOW-WOW," the Basenji is not mute, and can make all the other sounds dogs make: growls, whines, yips, and howls. He has, in addition, an unusual sound called a "yodel" that he uses when he is happy.
Sleek short coat, pricked ears, and a curly tail are Basenji trademarks. Wrinkles appear on the forehead, giving a questioning look; however, he actually knows all the answers. An elegant, deer-like little fellow, he averages 38 – 43cm in height at the shoulders and 9 to 11 kg in weight. Colour-coded red, black, black with tan trimming (tri-colour), he always has white on the feet, chest, and tail tip. Some have more white than others, sometimes with a blaze on the face, full collar and full white legs. His short coat is n that it has no doggy odour, and he keeps it immaculate without being bathed for months.
The Basenji is happy to fit his mood to those he loves -- yet he is a proud dog always, not bowing and scraping. He is a staunch believer in person and property rights. The silent hunter is also silent watchdog. A sound outside brings him noiselessly to the door, to await an intruder. He will give the housebreaker a rough time. Owners will testify to his
phenomenal intelligence, his inventiveness, his curiosity, and his clownish sense of humour. He is a quiet, satisfied dog when desired. Yet no dog enjoys play more, whether in the home or the field. He will roughhouse and race. However, when his owner is ready to call it quits the little Basenji is content to lie at the feet of the master just as his forebears did thousands of years ago in the courts of Ancient Egypt, his wrinkled forehead imparting an anxious expression to his face -- the look of one who, having known man from the beginning, is terribly worried about the outcome.
CHARACTERISTIC BASENJI BEHAVIOR
Hi, I’m Sila, a Basenji. Since most humans have no idea about us I decided to write an letter about what Basenjis are really like. The first thing you should know that each one of us has our own personality although we share many unique characteristics.
You may have read the story about when all the animals were created little piece of ear one was left over so all these pieces were put together in a package and called a BASENJI. That is why at times we have qualities of the dog, cat, fox, deer, horse, mule, gazelle, kangaroo, and unicorn (bet you did not know about that one), and any other animal you can think of.
Most of us are pretty smart, although not in the way some humans appreciate. Our unique combination of intelligence & independence makes us a challenge to live with on occasion. When we see an opportunity, we will take advantage of it. We are known as both sight and scent hounds; however, we can be selectively hard of hearing and blind! We sometimes love to ignore being called. Some of my favourite pastimes are:-
* Napping in front of the fire, in the sun or by any heat source
* Licking my human dry after her bath.
* Rolling in hair (preferably freshly shampooed)
* My greeting to many guests is to climb up beside them and roll in their hair -kind of unnerving to some people.
* Freshly washed laundry, nothing is better to roll on.
* To sing & yodel & dance when my favourite humans visit the house.
* Raiding the wastebasket, shredding tissues or unrolling TP down the hall.
* Rolling on a wet towel or shredded tissue paper.
* Q-tips are my favourite popsicle! However, a pair of underwear will do nicely for dessert. * Use my paws to explore
and play or to clean my face when dirty.
* Run free and chase strange cats, squirrels and birds out of my yard, and occasionally, I catch a few.
* Doing my crazy dog routine - this is where I race through the house at full speed, bouncing off the couch,
flying off the walls, and across the bed in big loop after loop until I get tired. Then I will stop, panting with a big
smile on my face.
* "Going on a tear" at the end of my leash, around and around until I fly off the ground.
* Cleaning up under the high chair after my kid eats. I even persistently clean up under birdcages. Seed shells are
almost as good as the actual seeds.
* It isn't unusual for me to take an interest in other animals' poo, possibly rolling in it or sampling a taste. I love to
nibble animal droppings, perhaps in lieu of the actual wild animals, but I hear they say that this can pass parasites
to me.
* Baby diapers. Oooh do I love baby diapers!!
* I heard someone say Basenjis like to sleep on the foot of the bed. HA! -I prefer under the covers. If that's not
possible, then up by the head of my human. When my master or mistress grabs a quilt or afghan or comfy throw,
I run to get under too.
* To snuggle and be scratched and I am happiest where the action is.
* Check out the window to see what the weather is like before I go outside in the morning. If it's raining, I'd rather wait
hours than to venture out and get my feet wet. I resemble a ballet dancer when in wet grass, yet I hear a few (very
few!) of my kin actually like to swim. Snow can be fun though although I have not seen any since I arrived in Africa.
* Although I don't normally bark, I can make a wide variety of noises from cute little yodels to loud screams and
howls. I can even sound like a little kid crying & screaming. Sometimes my human and neighbours are not very
happy with my noise making.
* And do I love to chew! (see chewing section page).
* Some of my kin have masters who don't permit some of these antics. They hide waste paper baskets and close
doors. They have taught my kin to stay off the furniture and to sleep in dog beds or a den at night.
Now that you know me a little better, I hope you'll find my antics endlessly amusing. I try to be entertaining.
... Love, Sila.
You may have read the story about when all the animals were created little piece of ear one was left over so all these pieces were put together in a package and called a BASENJI. That is why at times we have qualities of the dog, cat, fox, deer, horse, mule, gazelle, kangaroo, and unicorn (bet you did not know about that one), and any other animal you can think of.
Most of us are pretty smart, although not in the way some humans appreciate. Our unique combination of intelligence & independence makes us a challenge to live with on occasion. When we see an opportunity, we will take advantage of it. We are known as both sight and scent hounds; however, we can be selectively hard of hearing and blind! We sometimes love to ignore being called. Some of my favourite pastimes are:-
* Napping in front of the fire, in the sun or by any heat source
* Licking my human dry after her bath.
* Rolling in hair (preferably freshly shampooed)
* My greeting to many guests is to climb up beside them and roll in their hair -kind of unnerving to some people.
* Freshly washed laundry, nothing is better to roll on.
* To sing & yodel & dance when my favourite humans visit the house.
* Raiding the wastebasket, shredding tissues or unrolling TP down the hall.
* Rolling on a wet towel or shredded tissue paper.
* Q-tips are my favourite popsicle! However, a pair of underwear will do nicely for dessert. * Use my paws to explore
and play or to clean my face when dirty.
* Run free and chase strange cats, squirrels and birds out of my yard, and occasionally, I catch a few.
* Doing my crazy dog routine - this is where I race through the house at full speed, bouncing off the couch,
flying off the walls, and across the bed in big loop after loop until I get tired. Then I will stop, panting with a big
smile on my face.
* "Going on a tear" at the end of my leash, around and around until I fly off the ground.
* Cleaning up under the high chair after my kid eats. I even persistently clean up under birdcages. Seed shells are
almost as good as the actual seeds.
* It isn't unusual for me to take an interest in other animals' poo, possibly rolling in it or sampling a taste. I love to
nibble animal droppings, perhaps in lieu of the actual wild animals, but I hear they say that this can pass parasites
to me.
* Baby diapers. Oooh do I love baby diapers!!
* I heard someone say Basenjis like to sleep on the foot of the bed. HA! -I prefer under the covers. If that's not
possible, then up by the head of my human. When my master or mistress grabs a quilt or afghan or comfy throw,
I run to get under too.
* To snuggle and be scratched and I am happiest where the action is.
* Check out the window to see what the weather is like before I go outside in the morning. If it's raining, I'd rather wait
hours than to venture out and get my feet wet. I resemble a ballet dancer when in wet grass, yet I hear a few (very
few!) of my kin actually like to swim. Snow can be fun though although I have not seen any since I arrived in Africa.
* Although I don't normally bark, I can make a wide variety of noises from cute little yodels to loud screams and
howls. I can even sound like a little kid crying & screaming. Sometimes my human and neighbours are not very
happy with my noise making.
* And do I love to chew! (see chewing section page).
* Some of my kin have masters who don't permit some of these antics. They hide waste paper baskets and close
doors. They have taught my kin to stay off the furniture and to sleep in dog beds or a den at night.
Now that you know me a little better, I hope you'll find my antics endlessly amusing. I try to be entertaining.
... Love, Sila.
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A SECURE YARD
The Basenji is a master escape artist. The degree to which one will go to escape varies from Basenji to Basenji, but most Basenjis are quite capable of climbing a chain link fence regardless of the height, can master a standing vertical leap of 1m, climb a tree, and can clear some structures with a single bound. Should he find no way to go over, he may find a way under. If he doesn't succeed at digging his way out, he may try removing the fencing with his teeth, pulling with unbelievable force, or chewing his way through. These escape traits are the extremes which a Basenji may or may not exhibit. Some Basenjis show little or no desire to escape, and are quite content to be confined by a 1m high porch railing, even though this would be an easy leap. On the other extreme, others are master escape artists, no matter what is tried. |
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GROOMING
The short sleek coat of the Basenji requires very little grooming to look its best. Your dog will keep himself clean, sometimes even using his tongue much like a cat does.
For that rare bath use a shampoo specifically made for dogs. Keep the water out of his eyes and ears by using a washcloth on his face.
In the spring, your dog may 'blow his coat' or lose his fuzzy undercoat if he has grown one in the winter(many do not have an undercoat). You will find his hair will come out easily with a pinch of your fingers. This normal shedding process can be hastened by the use of either a stripping comb, a shedding blade, a rubber curry, or a 'hound glove'.
These items can be found at any pet store. Do not use metal combs or brushes with metal pins, as these
are too harsh for the short coat and fine skin. Some owners get good results using the edge of a hacksaw blade rubbed along with the grain of the coat to pull out. dead hair. Ask your breeder to show you this method of removing the loose dead hair. During most of the year you will notice very little shedding from your dog's coat.
If you are going to show your dog, the amount of grooming required is dependent on your dog's coat. Some dogs may need a bit of trimming to give the tailor fringe along the back of his legs a neater appearance. Ask someone to show you the correct way to do this trimming, if you think your dog needs it, so it will appear neat and not just hacked away. Most breeders do not trim the whiskers or the hair inside the ears, as these serve as sensory and
protective functions necessary for the health of your dog.
There are various sprays and coat conditioners available that, depending on your dog's coat, you mayor may not want to try. Consult the Kennel Club rules pertaining to their use for the show ring. Most dogs require only a bath the night before a show.
Your dog's toenails will require an occasional clipping to keep his feet in good health. Try to do this every week so that the dog gets used to the procedure. If his dewclaws were removed when he was just a few days old, he has just 4 toes on each foot. The necessary frequency of cutting is dependent on several factors: rate of growth, amount of exercise on what types of surfaces, and the age of your dog (puppy nails tend to grow faster). The front feet may need cutting more often than the rear feet. It is best to snip off a small amount, more frequently, rather than waiting until the nails are long so that you need to snip off a big chunk.
There are several different types of clippers and grinders available. Their ease of use depends mostly on what you practice and get used to. Clipping nails is not difficult, but does take some practice. If at all possible, avoid taking him to the vet to have it done. Ask your breeder or resource person to show you the correct way to do it. The first few times you trim your dog's nails he will probably hate it, fighting and struggling to get away. You must be firm in holding the dog, but be careful not to squeeze or pinch his paws. Have another person hold the dog if necessary while you clip; kneel on the floor with the dog between your knees. Do not allow the dog to struggle and get away.
Hold him firmly until you are done with one paw (or one nail if he is really struggling), then set the clipper down and continue to hold him until he is quiet, then release him (with lots of praise). Remember, if he struggles and gets away he will struggle harder the next time. You are the boss and should always win the battle. If he learns that struggling will get him nowhere, he will soon learn to sit quietly while you do the clipping. If you are consistent, even the worst of them will eventually be quiet while you do the nails. Be very careful not to cut into the 'quick' (the blood and nerve supply to the nail). It is best to snip off a tiny amount of nail and make two snips per nail rather than trying to snip off
one big chunk.
The short sleek coat of the Basenji requires very little grooming to look its best. Your dog will keep himself clean, sometimes even using his tongue much like a cat does.
For that rare bath use a shampoo specifically made for dogs. Keep the water out of his eyes and ears by using a washcloth on his face.
In the spring, your dog may 'blow his coat' or lose his fuzzy undercoat if he has grown one in the winter(many do not have an undercoat). You will find his hair will come out easily with a pinch of your fingers. This normal shedding process can be hastened by the use of either a stripping comb, a shedding blade, a rubber curry, or a 'hound glove'.
These items can be found at any pet store. Do not use metal combs or brushes with metal pins, as these
are too harsh for the short coat and fine skin. Some owners get good results using the edge of a hacksaw blade rubbed along with the grain of the coat to pull out. dead hair. Ask your breeder to show you this method of removing the loose dead hair. During most of the year you will notice very little shedding from your dog's coat.
If you are going to show your dog, the amount of grooming required is dependent on your dog's coat. Some dogs may need a bit of trimming to give the tailor fringe along the back of his legs a neater appearance. Ask someone to show you the correct way to do this trimming, if you think your dog needs it, so it will appear neat and not just hacked away. Most breeders do not trim the whiskers or the hair inside the ears, as these serve as sensory and
protective functions necessary for the health of your dog.
There are various sprays and coat conditioners available that, depending on your dog's coat, you mayor may not want to try. Consult the Kennel Club rules pertaining to their use for the show ring. Most dogs require only a bath the night before a show.
Your dog's toenails will require an occasional clipping to keep his feet in good health. Try to do this every week so that the dog gets used to the procedure. If his dewclaws were removed when he was just a few days old, he has just 4 toes on each foot. The necessary frequency of cutting is dependent on several factors: rate of growth, amount of exercise on what types of surfaces, and the age of your dog (puppy nails tend to grow faster). The front feet may need cutting more often than the rear feet. It is best to snip off a small amount, more frequently, rather than waiting until the nails are long so that you need to snip off a big chunk.
There are several different types of clippers and grinders available. Their ease of use depends mostly on what you practice and get used to. Clipping nails is not difficult, but does take some practice. If at all possible, avoid taking him to the vet to have it done. Ask your breeder or resource person to show you the correct way to do it. The first few times you trim your dog's nails he will probably hate it, fighting and struggling to get away. You must be firm in holding the dog, but be careful not to squeeze or pinch his paws. Have another person hold the dog if necessary while you clip; kneel on the floor with the dog between your knees. Do not allow the dog to struggle and get away.
Hold him firmly until you are done with one paw (or one nail if he is really struggling), then set the clipper down and continue to hold him until he is quiet, then release him (with lots of praise). Remember, if he struggles and gets away he will struggle harder the next time. You are the boss and should always win the battle. If he learns that struggling will get him nowhere, he will soon learn to sit quietly while you do the clipping. If you are consistent, even the worst of them will eventually be quiet while you do the nails. Be very careful not to cut into the 'quick' (the blood and nerve supply to the nail). It is best to snip off a tiny amount of nail and make two snips per nail rather than trying to snip off
one big chunk.
CARING FOR YOUR BASENJI
IMMUNIZATIONS/WORMING
Preventive Immunizations are a vital part of the health care of your puppy. The following serious, often fatal diseases are preventable through early immunization, followed by regular boosters.
* DISTEMPER (D): A highly-infectious viral disease of young dogs - often fatal, characterized by rhinitis and fever.
* HEPATITIS (H): A viral infection characterized by inflammation of the liver.
* LEPTOSPIROSIS (L): A series of bacterial infections cause by several members of the genus Leptospira, involving
liver and kidneys.
* PARAINFLUENZA (P):and/or ADENOVIRUS TYPE 2 (A2): A complex of viral respiratory infections, characterized
by bronchitis, including "Kennel Cough".
* PARVOVIRUS (PV):' A viral infection characterized by severe enteritis with vomiting and bloody diarrhea - often
rapidly fatal in young pups.
* CORONA VIRUS (CV): Similar to Parvovirus, but somewhat less severe.
* RABIES: An always-fatal viral disease of the central nervous system. When your puppy is born, his own immune
system is not fully mature and is not capable of making antibodies against infectious diseases. The pup is afforded
some protection at birth and during the early weeks of his life by maternal antibodies acquired from his mother. If
she is immune to the various diseases, the pup will acquire immunity from her blood via the placenta, and her milk
as he nurses after birth. During the first few weeks of life, as the pup's own immune system develops, the level of
maternal antibody falls. At some point in the pup's early life, he will be unprotected and susceptible to the infectious
diseases. It is at this point that preventive immunizations must be begun, to stimulate the pup's own immune
system to produce antibodies.
There is a difference of opinion among authorities, veterinarians, and breeders, as to the best time to begin immunization, i.e., vaccination. If begun too early, immunizations mabe ineffective for either of two reasons:
1) the pup's own immune system may not yet be mature and capable of making antibodies;
2) maternal antibodies may interfere with the action of the vaccine on the pup's immune system. If begun too late, the
pup is left unprotected.
Therefore a series of vaccinations is recommended.'During the first few months of life, the pup should be protected from unnecessary exposure to other dogs, except your own dogs that you know are vaccinated. This vital part of your pup's health is entrusted to you, with the advice and assistance of your breeder and your veterinarian.
BASENJI HEALTH
Our friend the Basenji is a sturdy little breed from Africa, and when compared to other purebred breeds has few health problems. This article is a summary and introduction to some of the more prevalent diseases.
PERSISTENT PUPILLARY MEMBRANE (PPM) - Persistent Pupillary Membrane is not life threatening, but should be considered when planning any breeding program.
During fetal development, a fibrovasular tissue, the Pupillary Membrane, forms a layer across the front of the eye to form a blood supply to nourish the developing lens. In the normal course of events, this temporary vascular mesoderm regresses and deteriorates and is generally completely gone by the time the puppy is 14 days old.
When the Pupillary Membrane does not deteriorate completely by age 14 days, it is labelled Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM). It may persist for several months before disappearing, or the remaining strands may attach to the cornea or lens creating cataracts.
PPMs come in all shapes, sizes, and severities, may be very extensive and visible to the naked eye, or may be very small and require considerable magnification to be seen. As a general rule, the condition does not significantly reduce vision but in extreme cases may cause marked reduction in vision or even blindness. It has been estimated that the majority of' Basenjis do have PPM to some degree.
PPM is believed to be an inherited failure of the papillary membrane to deteriorate at the proper time. The exact mode of inheritance of PPMs has not been determined. Siblings of the same litter may be mildly or severely affected, and mildly affected animals may produce severely afflicted offspring. It is also not known what effect the pregnant bitch's
diet may have on the development of PPM.
Examination for PPMs should be done by the veterinary: ophthalmologist through the use
of a 'slit lamp' 'exam when the puppy is 2-4 months 0: age.
COLOBOMA - is a depression or perforation in the optic disk which is sometimes associated win PPM. An examination for this condition should be made when checking for PPM. It is considered more serious than iris to iris PPM.
PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA) PRA - affects the retina, which is the 'picture screen' at the back of the eye. PRA causes the blood vessels of the retina to atrophy and die When the retina dies, the 'picture screen' no longer functions and the dog becomes blind. This condition is irreversible, and there is no cure. PRA has been found in several different breeds of dogs, and al though some breeds vary in the age of onset, they share the same clinical abnormalities and signs (night blindness, progressive loss of day vision, and total blindness). The typical age of onset for PRA has not been established for the Basenji. It has shown up as early as age 3 and as late as age 6 Testing is done by ophthalmic exam by an Ophthalmologist. A dog testing clear of PRA at age 5 or 6 may still develop the disease later on. Ophthalmoscope examinations should be repeated annually. Mode of inheritance is thought to be a simple recessive gene (see HA section below) however, a carrier will be "normal-eyed".
HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA - Haemolytic Anaemia at one time was considered a major threat to the breed but today is rarely seen. This is a real triumph for the breeders who worker so hard to eliminate the disease. H.A. is a condition in which the red blood cell: are destroyed more rapidly than normal.
This genetically transmitted disease is caused by a partial lack of a very important enzyme in the red blood cells called Pyruvate Kinase (PK for short) A similar anaemia (due to PK deficiency) has beer known to occur in man.
Symptoms for the dogs begin very early and owners notice that the affected animals tire easily and sleep a great deal. Most succumb when at proximately two years of age. In the early 1970's, much research into this disease proved that PK deficiency in the Basenji was due to a recessive gene. This means that Basenji could be divided into three categories:
• Those clear of the disease (a dog which has 2 genes for normal PK activity).
• A carrier (a dog which has one gene for normal PK activity and one gene for PK deficiency). This is a healthy animal
which will not have HA, which should have normal behaviour and activity, and a normal life span.
• An affected dog (a dog which carries two genes for PK deficiency).The extensive research done at that time led to
sensitive testing that could distinguish between the clear, carrier, and affected animals.
Through discriminate breeding practices, avoiding mating a carrier to a carrier, and continued testing over severaL
generations, HA has been drastically reduced.
FANCONISYNDROME - Fanconi Syndrome is a renal tubular dysfunction that was first reported in the Basenji in 1976, and has since drawn the interest of researchers due to its similarity to Human Fanconi Disease. It has also been found in several of the other sighthound breeds.
The normal function of the kidney is to "filter" the blood, reclaiming amino acids, salts, and various important chemicals and letting the wastes go into the urine. With Fanconi Syndrome, the cells of the proximal tubule in the kidney do not function properly so that things that should be reclaimed go into the urine. The body thus loses vital constituents needed for normal functions.
Symptoms of this disorder are polydipsia (increased thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), dehydration, weight loss, changes in haircoat, and weakness. These signs can mimic diabetes. However, there are no correspondingly high blood sugar levels. Many vets have falsely labelled the disorder diabetes, kidney failure or thyroid deficiency due to lack of knowledge of the syndrome. The signs may appear as early as the age of three, but Basenjis between the ages of five and eight have shown the highest rate of occurrence.
Unfortunately, by this age, the dogs may have passed the condition on to new generations. While there is yet no cure for 'Fanconi Syndrome, research does go on. Meanwhile the prognosis for the health of your affected pet is very good if you work with your veterinarian on identifying your dog's metabolic deficiencies and place them on a vitamin,
mineral, bicarbonate, replacement regimen, combined with a high protein diet, to make up for the kidney's losses. A Fanconi dog has what is termed medically as 'high output' failure. There is NO problem with toxin build up since the kidney is filtering things OUT just fine. Thus the treatment for Fanconi involves almost the opposite of 'low output
failure'. Fanconi dogs need free access to clean water, high protein diets, and the replacement of whatever electrolytes and bicarbonate they are urinating away, in order to restore a normal blood, chemistry and acid base balance. Periodic follow-up blood work to measure electrolytes and venous pH will be essential to the maintenance of your affected pet's health. With proper medical management, Fanconi Syndrome does NOT have to be a slowly debilitating, lethal condition and affected dogs may expect an active full life expectancy.
Research has led to the identification of a Gene marker that can now be tested for. Results will give a
• Probably clear
• Probably carrier
• Probably affected result.
While it is not at present fully definitive and although the move of inheritance in not yet understood it is still a good indication that should be used when breeding to avoid breeding potentially affected puppies.
IPSID - Case reports of a chronic intractable diarrhoea in the Basenji have been discussed in the veterinary literature since the early 1960's. It was called by various names such as Basenji Diarrhoea Syndrome, Chronic Intractable Diarrhea, or Malabsorption Syndrome. In the early 1980's the combination of signs and symptoms was labeled Immunoproliferative Small Intestinal Disease GPSID).
IPSID is a genetically-mediated severely debilitating diarrhoea disease of the Basenji. Clinical symptoms can be various -- you may see chronic diarrhoea, poor appetite, aversion to food, occasional vomiting, weight loss, unthriftiness, dry coat & skin, hair loss, etc. The disease is characterized by variable age of onset, malabsorption, protein-losing enteropathy, and abnormal immune function.
Most dogs afflicted with this disorder will experience progressive emaciation associated with chronic diarrhoea, or a cyclically exacerbating course, characterized by episodes of anorexia and/or diarrhoea. Many times it is precipitated by a stressful episode, such as boarding, transport, oestrus, pregnancy, major surgery, or even exhibition at dog shows.
An electrophoresis study of the serum (the liquid portion of the blood) shows a marked increase in the gamma globulins and a corresponding decrease in the albumin. These changes noted in the Protein Electrophoresis Test (P.E.T) have proven to be a useful tool in confirming the diagnosis of IPSID in dogs with some of the symptoms.
Current research is aimed at the effects of diet on the development and course of the disease; treatments with antibiotic and vitamin therapies; and attempts to discover the mode of inheritance.
PANCREATIC ENZYME DEFICIENCY - The symptoms of this disorder may appear similar to IPSID. The dog will be unthrifty and appear undernourished. The dog will have frequent copious amounts of loose, fatty appearing stools. The disorder is frequently triggered- by a stressful event such as a dog fight or surgery.
Diagnoses can be made by having a stool sample checked for the presence or absence of the pancreatic enzymes. Treatment consists of a combination of easily digestible diet andsupplemental pancreatic enzymes.
UMBILICAL HERNIA - Umbilical Hernia results from failure of the umbilical ring to close after birth allowing protrusion of fatty tissue (belly button). In severe cases, the intestinal lining protrudes which can cause intestinal blockage. In most cases, the umbilical ring will eventually close, leaving a small lump of fatty tissue for a belly button.
Young puppies whose umbilical ring has not closed can benefit from repeatedly reducing the hernia by gently pressing in with your thumb. The pup should always be lifted with a hand under its tummy to support any hernia.
If the hernia itself should appear red or inflamed, seek immediate medical attention. If the hernia should fail to close by one year of age, it might have to be surgically repaired.
HYPOTHYROID - Thyroid deficiency is characterized by a coarse brittle coat, aggressiveness, lethargy, obesity, mental dullness, and irregular heat cycles. Trainers have noted a definite improvement in behaviour with dogs which have tested low normal range of thyroid when given a low dose thyroid supplement. Diagnosis requires a thyroid blood test.
The current threats to the breed are Fanconi Syndrome as outlined above. Since research into these diseases is ongoing and constantly changing, specific information about theories and testing studies has not been included in this manual. Contact your breeder to find out what studies may have been done on your puppy and his parents. Your breeder or breed club will be able to provide you with current information on research studies pertaining to
these disorders.
If your Basenji has any serious health problem, make sure you contact the breeder. Breeders need to be informed of these serious health problems in order to assess breeding programs and to determine where further research is necessary.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Preventive Immunizations are a vital part of the health care of your puppy. The following serious, often fatal diseases are preventable through early immunization, followed by regular boosters.
* DISTEMPER (D): A highly-infectious viral disease of young dogs - often fatal, characterized by rhinitis and fever.
* HEPATITIS (H): A viral infection characterized by inflammation of the liver.
* LEPTOSPIROSIS (L): A series of bacterial infections cause by several members of the genus Leptospira, involving
liver and kidneys.
* PARAINFLUENZA (P):and/or ADENOVIRUS TYPE 2 (A2): A complex of viral respiratory infections, characterized
by bronchitis, including "Kennel Cough".
* PARVOVIRUS (PV):' A viral infection characterized by severe enteritis with vomiting and bloody diarrhea - often
rapidly fatal in young pups.
* CORONA VIRUS (CV): Similar to Parvovirus, but somewhat less severe.
* RABIES: An always-fatal viral disease of the central nervous system. When your puppy is born, his own immune
system is not fully mature and is not capable of making antibodies against infectious diseases. The pup is afforded
some protection at birth and during the early weeks of his life by maternal antibodies acquired from his mother. If
she is immune to the various diseases, the pup will acquire immunity from her blood via the placenta, and her milk
as he nurses after birth. During the first few weeks of life, as the pup's own immune system develops, the level of
maternal antibody falls. At some point in the pup's early life, he will be unprotected and susceptible to the infectious
diseases. It is at this point that preventive immunizations must be begun, to stimulate the pup's own immune
system to produce antibodies.
There is a difference of opinion among authorities, veterinarians, and breeders, as to the best time to begin immunization, i.e., vaccination. If begun too early, immunizations mabe ineffective for either of two reasons:
1) the pup's own immune system may not yet be mature and capable of making antibodies;
2) maternal antibodies may interfere with the action of the vaccine on the pup's immune system. If begun too late, the
pup is left unprotected.
Therefore a series of vaccinations is recommended.'During the first few months of life, the pup should be protected from unnecessary exposure to other dogs, except your own dogs that you know are vaccinated. This vital part of your pup's health is entrusted to you, with the advice and assistance of your breeder and your veterinarian.
BASENJI HEALTH
Our friend the Basenji is a sturdy little breed from Africa, and when compared to other purebred breeds has few health problems. This article is a summary and introduction to some of the more prevalent diseases.
PERSISTENT PUPILLARY MEMBRANE (PPM) - Persistent Pupillary Membrane is not life threatening, but should be considered when planning any breeding program.
During fetal development, a fibrovasular tissue, the Pupillary Membrane, forms a layer across the front of the eye to form a blood supply to nourish the developing lens. In the normal course of events, this temporary vascular mesoderm regresses and deteriorates and is generally completely gone by the time the puppy is 14 days old.
When the Pupillary Membrane does not deteriorate completely by age 14 days, it is labelled Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM). It may persist for several months before disappearing, or the remaining strands may attach to the cornea or lens creating cataracts.
PPMs come in all shapes, sizes, and severities, may be very extensive and visible to the naked eye, or may be very small and require considerable magnification to be seen. As a general rule, the condition does not significantly reduce vision but in extreme cases may cause marked reduction in vision or even blindness. It has been estimated that the majority of' Basenjis do have PPM to some degree.
PPM is believed to be an inherited failure of the papillary membrane to deteriorate at the proper time. The exact mode of inheritance of PPMs has not been determined. Siblings of the same litter may be mildly or severely affected, and mildly affected animals may produce severely afflicted offspring. It is also not known what effect the pregnant bitch's
diet may have on the development of PPM.
Examination for PPMs should be done by the veterinary: ophthalmologist through the use
of a 'slit lamp' 'exam when the puppy is 2-4 months 0: age.
COLOBOMA - is a depression or perforation in the optic disk which is sometimes associated win PPM. An examination for this condition should be made when checking for PPM. It is considered more serious than iris to iris PPM.
PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA) PRA - affects the retina, which is the 'picture screen' at the back of the eye. PRA causes the blood vessels of the retina to atrophy and die When the retina dies, the 'picture screen' no longer functions and the dog becomes blind. This condition is irreversible, and there is no cure. PRA has been found in several different breeds of dogs, and al though some breeds vary in the age of onset, they share the same clinical abnormalities and signs (night blindness, progressive loss of day vision, and total blindness). The typical age of onset for PRA has not been established for the Basenji. It has shown up as early as age 3 and as late as age 6 Testing is done by ophthalmic exam by an Ophthalmologist. A dog testing clear of PRA at age 5 or 6 may still develop the disease later on. Ophthalmoscope examinations should be repeated annually. Mode of inheritance is thought to be a simple recessive gene (see HA section below) however, a carrier will be "normal-eyed".
HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA - Haemolytic Anaemia at one time was considered a major threat to the breed but today is rarely seen. This is a real triumph for the breeders who worker so hard to eliminate the disease. H.A. is a condition in which the red blood cell: are destroyed more rapidly than normal.
This genetically transmitted disease is caused by a partial lack of a very important enzyme in the red blood cells called Pyruvate Kinase (PK for short) A similar anaemia (due to PK deficiency) has beer known to occur in man.
Symptoms for the dogs begin very early and owners notice that the affected animals tire easily and sleep a great deal. Most succumb when at proximately two years of age. In the early 1970's, much research into this disease proved that PK deficiency in the Basenji was due to a recessive gene. This means that Basenji could be divided into three categories:
• Those clear of the disease (a dog which has 2 genes for normal PK activity).
• A carrier (a dog which has one gene for normal PK activity and one gene for PK deficiency). This is a healthy animal
which will not have HA, which should have normal behaviour and activity, and a normal life span.
• An affected dog (a dog which carries two genes for PK deficiency).The extensive research done at that time led to
sensitive testing that could distinguish between the clear, carrier, and affected animals.
Through discriminate breeding practices, avoiding mating a carrier to a carrier, and continued testing over severaL
generations, HA has been drastically reduced.
FANCONISYNDROME - Fanconi Syndrome is a renal tubular dysfunction that was first reported in the Basenji in 1976, and has since drawn the interest of researchers due to its similarity to Human Fanconi Disease. It has also been found in several of the other sighthound breeds.
The normal function of the kidney is to "filter" the blood, reclaiming amino acids, salts, and various important chemicals and letting the wastes go into the urine. With Fanconi Syndrome, the cells of the proximal tubule in the kidney do not function properly so that things that should be reclaimed go into the urine. The body thus loses vital constituents needed for normal functions.
Symptoms of this disorder are polydipsia (increased thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), dehydration, weight loss, changes in haircoat, and weakness. These signs can mimic diabetes. However, there are no correspondingly high blood sugar levels. Many vets have falsely labelled the disorder diabetes, kidney failure or thyroid deficiency due to lack of knowledge of the syndrome. The signs may appear as early as the age of three, but Basenjis between the ages of five and eight have shown the highest rate of occurrence.
Unfortunately, by this age, the dogs may have passed the condition on to new generations. While there is yet no cure for 'Fanconi Syndrome, research does go on. Meanwhile the prognosis for the health of your affected pet is very good if you work with your veterinarian on identifying your dog's metabolic deficiencies and place them on a vitamin,
mineral, bicarbonate, replacement regimen, combined with a high protein diet, to make up for the kidney's losses. A Fanconi dog has what is termed medically as 'high output' failure. There is NO problem with toxin build up since the kidney is filtering things OUT just fine. Thus the treatment for Fanconi involves almost the opposite of 'low output
failure'. Fanconi dogs need free access to clean water, high protein diets, and the replacement of whatever electrolytes and bicarbonate they are urinating away, in order to restore a normal blood, chemistry and acid base balance. Periodic follow-up blood work to measure electrolytes and venous pH will be essential to the maintenance of your affected pet's health. With proper medical management, Fanconi Syndrome does NOT have to be a slowly debilitating, lethal condition and affected dogs may expect an active full life expectancy.
Research has led to the identification of a Gene marker that can now be tested for. Results will give a
• Probably clear
• Probably carrier
• Probably affected result.
While it is not at present fully definitive and although the move of inheritance in not yet understood it is still a good indication that should be used when breeding to avoid breeding potentially affected puppies.
IPSID - Case reports of a chronic intractable diarrhoea in the Basenji have been discussed in the veterinary literature since the early 1960's. It was called by various names such as Basenji Diarrhoea Syndrome, Chronic Intractable Diarrhea, or Malabsorption Syndrome. In the early 1980's the combination of signs and symptoms was labeled Immunoproliferative Small Intestinal Disease GPSID).
IPSID is a genetically-mediated severely debilitating diarrhoea disease of the Basenji. Clinical symptoms can be various -- you may see chronic diarrhoea, poor appetite, aversion to food, occasional vomiting, weight loss, unthriftiness, dry coat & skin, hair loss, etc. The disease is characterized by variable age of onset, malabsorption, protein-losing enteropathy, and abnormal immune function.
Most dogs afflicted with this disorder will experience progressive emaciation associated with chronic diarrhoea, or a cyclically exacerbating course, characterized by episodes of anorexia and/or diarrhoea. Many times it is precipitated by a stressful episode, such as boarding, transport, oestrus, pregnancy, major surgery, or even exhibition at dog shows.
An electrophoresis study of the serum (the liquid portion of the blood) shows a marked increase in the gamma globulins and a corresponding decrease in the albumin. These changes noted in the Protein Electrophoresis Test (P.E.T) have proven to be a useful tool in confirming the diagnosis of IPSID in dogs with some of the symptoms.
Current research is aimed at the effects of diet on the development and course of the disease; treatments with antibiotic and vitamin therapies; and attempts to discover the mode of inheritance.
PANCREATIC ENZYME DEFICIENCY - The symptoms of this disorder may appear similar to IPSID. The dog will be unthrifty and appear undernourished. The dog will have frequent copious amounts of loose, fatty appearing stools. The disorder is frequently triggered- by a stressful event such as a dog fight or surgery.
Diagnoses can be made by having a stool sample checked for the presence or absence of the pancreatic enzymes. Treatment consists of a combination of easily digestible diet andsupplemental pancreatic enzymes.
UMBILICAL HERNIA - Umbilical Hernia results from failure of the umbilical ring to close after birth allowing protrusion of fatty tissue (belly button). In severe cases, the intestinal lining protrudes which can cause intestinal blockage. In most cases, the umbilical ring will eventually close, leaving a small lump of fatty tissue for a belly button.
Young puppies whose umbilical ring has not closed can benefit from repeatedly reducing the hernia by gently pressing in with your thumb. The pup should always be lifted with a hand under its tummy to support any hernia.
If the hernia itself should appear red or inflamed, seek immediate medical attention. If the hernia should fail to close by one year of age, it might have to be surgically repaired.
HYPOTHYROID - Thyroid deficiency is characterized by a coarse brittle coat, aggressiveness, lethargy, obesity, mental dullness, and irregular heat cycles. Trainers have noted a definite improvement in behaviour with dogs which have tested low normal range of thyroid when given a low dose thyroid supplement. Diagnosis requires a thyroid blood test.
The current threats to the breed are Fanconi Syndrome as outlined above. Since research into these diseases is ongoing and constantly changing, specific information about theories and testing studies has not been included in this manual. Contact your breeder to find out what studies may have been done on your puppy and his parents. Your breeder or breed club will be able to provide you with current information on research studies pertaining to
these disorders.
If your Basenji has any serious health problem, make sure you contact the breeder. Breeders need to be informed of these serious health problems in order to assess breeding programs and to determine where further research is necessary.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
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BASENJI STANDARD – SOUTH AFRICA
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Lightly built, finely boned aristocratic-looking animal, high on leg compared with its length, always poised, alert and intelligent. Wrinkled head, with pricked ears, proudly carried on a well arched neck. Deep brisket runs up into a definite waist, tail tightly ruled presenting a picture of a well balanced dog of gazelle-like grace.
CHARACTERISTICS
Barkless but not mute, its own special noise a mixture of a chortle and a yodel. Remarkable for its cleanliness in every way.
TEMPERAMENT
An intelligent, independent but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with strangers.
HEAD AND SKULL
Flat, well-chiselled and medium width, tapering towards nose, with slight stop. Distance from top of head to stop slightly more than from stop to tip of nose. Side lines of skull taper gradually towards mouth, giving a clean cheeked appearance. Fine and profuse wrinkles appearing on forehead when ears pricked, side wrinkles desirable but not exaggerated into dewlap. Wrinkles more noticeable in puppies, but because of lack of shadowing, not as noticeable in tricolours; black nose desirable.
EYES
Dark, almond-shaped, obliquely set, far-seeing and rather inscrutable in expression.
EARS
Small, pointed, erect and slightly hooded, of fine texture, set well forward on top of head, tip of ear nearer center of skull than outside base.
MOUTH
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
NECK
Strong and of good length, without thickness, well crested and slightly full at base of throat with a graceful curve accentuating crest. Well set into shoulders giving head a ‘lofty’ carriage.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders well laid back, muscular, not loaded. Elbows tucked in against brisket. When viewed from front, elbows in line with ribs and legs should continue in a straight line to ground giving a medium front. Forelegs straight with fine bone and very long forearms. Pasterns good length, straight and flexible.
BODY
Balanced with short, level back. Ribs well sprung, deep and oval. Loin short -coupled, deep brisket running up into definite waist.
HINDQUARTERS
Strong and muscular, hocks well let down, turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles.
FEET
Small, narrow and compact, with deep pads, well arched toes and short nails.
TAIL
High set, with posterior curve of buttock extending beyond root of tail giving a reachy appearance to hindquarters. Curls tightly over spine and lies closely to thigh with a single or double curl.
GAIT/MOVEMENT
Legs carried straight forward with a swift, long, tireless, swinging stride.
COAT
Short, sleek and close, very fine. Skin very pliant.
COLOUR
Pure black and white; red and white; black, tan and white with tan melon pips and mask; black; tan and white, Brindle, red background with black stripes, the more clearly defined the stripes the better. The white should be on the feet, chest and tail tips. White legs, blaze and white collar
optional.
SIZE
Ideal height : Dogs : 43 cm (17 ins) at withers
Bitches : 40 cm (16 ins) at withers.
Ideal weight : Dogs : 11 kg (24 lbs)
Bitches : 9½ kg (21 lbs).
FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog.
NOTE
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Lightly built, finely boned aristocratic-looking animal, high on leg compared with its length, always poised, alert and intelligent. Wrinkled head, with pricked ears, proudly carried on a well arched neck. Deep brisket runs up into a definite waist, tail tightly ruled presenting a picture of a well balanced dog of gazelle-like grace.
CHARACTERISTICS
Barkless but not mute, its own special noise a mixture of a chortle and a yodel. Remarkable for its cleanliness in every way.
TEMPERAMENT
An intelligent, independent but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with strangers.
HEAD AND SKULL
Flat, well-chiselled and medium width, tapering towards nose, with slight stop. Distance from top of head to stop slightly more than from stop to tip of nose. Side lines of skull taper gradually towards mouth, giving a clean cheeked appearance. Fine and profuse wrinkles appearing on forehead when ears pricked, side wrinkles desirable but not exaggerated into dewlap. Wrinkles more noticeable in puppies, but because of lack of shadowing, not as noticeable in tricolours; black nose desirable.
EYES
Dark, almond-shaped, obliquely set, far-seeing and rather inscrutable in expression.
EARS
Small, pointed, erect and slightly hooded, of fine texture, set well forward on top of head, tip of ear nearer center of skull than outside base.
MOUTH
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
NECK
Strong and of good length, without thickness, well crested and slightly full at base of throat with a graceful curve accentuating crest. Well set into shoulders giving head a ‘lofty’ carriage.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders well laid back, muscular, not loaded. Elbows tucked in against brisket. When viewed from front, elbows in line with ribs and legs should continue in a straight line to ground giving a medium front. Forelegs straight with fine bone and very long forearms. Pasterns good length, straight and flexible.
BODY
Balanced with short, level back. Ribs well sprung, deep and oval. Loin short -coupled, deep brisket running up into definite waist.
HINDQUARTERS
Strong and muscular, hocks well let down, turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles.
FEET
Small, narrow and compact, with deep pads, well arched toes and short nails.
TAIL
High set, with posterior curve of buttock extending beyond root of tail giving a reachy appearance to hindquarters. Curls tightly over spine and lies closely to thigh with a single or double curl.
GAIT/MOVEMENT
Legs carried straight forward with a swift, long, tireless, swinging stride.
COAT
Short, sleek and close, very fine. Skin very pliant.
COLOUR
Pure black and white; red and white; black, tan and white with tan melon pips and mask; black; tan and white, Brindle, red background with black stripes, the more clearly defined the stripes the better. The white should be on the feet, chest and tail tips. White legs, blaze and white collar
optional.
SIZE
Ideal height : Dogs : 43 cm (17 ins) at withers
Bitches : 40 cm (16 ins) at withers.
Ideal weight : Dogs : 11 kg (24 lbs)
Bitches : 9½ kg (21 lbs).
FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog.
NOTE
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
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This article is copyrighted and remains the property of the author. Individuals are welcome to print or copy same for their own use in furthering their knowledge of dogs. However, no reproductions or alterations/variations are allowed without the express written consent of the author.