Basenji
Schensi Africa Dog
information worth knowing about Basenjis
BREEDING START
The history of acceptance as the Basenji Breed
May be the Egyptians in the age of the pharaohs, are the earliest breeders of Basenjis in the world. Possible Basenjis were carefully bred as family dog or hunting companion. It is possible that by crossing dogs and jackals a basenji Type dog of Ancient Egypt was created, probably the Tesem identifable by the curled tail.
1868/71 the explorer Dr. Georg Schweinfurth discovered Basenjis what seemed remarkable to him. He reported as the first one about these dogs in Africa . He described them as "Congo Terrier". They served with native tribes as hunting dogs.
1882 Sir Harry Hamilton Johnston found similar dogs that never barked in an expedition from the mouth of the Congo to Bolobo which he described as the Basenji as we know it.
1894 the first published mention in Europe of Basenjis appeared in a travel report not yet introduced as a breed.
1895 the first Basenjis being imported into England came from Mr. James Garrow and were exhibited at Cruft's Show. Afterwards the Basenjis were purchased but on the show they contracted distemper and died.
At the turn of the century, "Congo terriers" were reported in European newspapers and were displayed in various zoos, such as in Berlin and Paris.
Basenjis Zoo Berlin
Photo Dr.O.Heinroth Pariah Hunde R.Menzel
Bosc " Congo Terrier" Zoo Paris 1890
Photo The complete Basenji by Elspet Ford
