The dog of the pharaohs is an affectionate and faithful friend

The history of the origin of the pharaoh dog or Basenji goes to the African antiquity. The first mention of such a breed was found in Egyptian pyramids, where animals are represented in the form of wall paintings, figurines, frescoes, boxes and other objects of culture and life. In the tomb of Tutunhamon, embalmed puppies of the pharaoh dog were found, wrapped in beautiful fabrics, with collars of jewelry. We can assume that for the pharaohs these animals were larger than normal dogs. They were kind of amulets, protecting their masters from witchcraft and black forces.

At home, in Central Africa, a pharaoh's dog is valued for intelligence, magical properties, quickness, hunting ability and silence. Local residents use the abilities of Basenji, hunting for small animals, reed rats.

It is believed that the progenitors of the modern breed were dogs that were imported to Europe at the beginning of the last century by their Zaire.

In the world the dog of the pharaoh has acquired many other names: Congolese dog, bongo, nyam-nyam, dog Zande.

Basenji is a small, smooth-haired, very elegant and quick-witted breed. Its feature is the absence of bark. In this case, the animal, depending on the situation and mood, produces a variety of sounds that are like a growl, muttering, giggling, snorting and howling.

The pharaoh's dog has about 42 cm of height at the withers, the average weight is 10 kg, the length of the body is 42 cm. The head is set high, the muzzle narrows from the eyes to the nose. The neck is long, widens to the base and smoothly passes into the withers. The body is compact, with a short loin and back, tapering from behind. Forelegs straight, with long forearm. Paws small, oval with thick pads. The hind legs are strong and muscular in Basenji.

Color of the dog is brindle, black, chestnut red, trichromatic. In this case, always white paws, the tip of the tail and neck. The spots and colors are saturated, with clear boundaries between red and black with trichrome and stripes with tiger color.

The peculiarity of the breed is its wool. Born in tropical countries, the pharaoh's dog has a silky, soft-skinned "clothing". In territories with a colder climate, wool coarsens, but does not lose its luster. Also, it does not cause allergies and is odorless.

Attractiveness to the dog is attached to pointed, high set, with ears bent forward, and also wrinkled forehead. The tail folded into one or two rings is highly located and pressed firmly against the thigh.

The nature of the dog is flexible. She is curious and a little naughty, extraordinarily clean and very fond of children. Basenji is very affectionate and playful, like a kitten, attracts with neatness and refinement.

Animals are very hardy. Short hairs on the body and ears and white markings allow them to easily transfer the heat and stay in the open sun for a long time.

Dogs are prone to games, they are very lively. Because of their active temper, the Basenji are almost always on the move. They wash like cats, licking their hair with their tongue. All the time they adore spending with people, not feeding aggressive feelings to strangers and other animals.

A pharaoh's dog has an average life expectancy of 12 years. The most common disease is a hernia. Those wishing to have an animal should remember that unlike other dogs, the estrus in this breed happens only once a year.

With the content, Basenji should pay increased attention and control. The dog is able to slip out of any, even protected space, and her living temper and speed skills can create problems in catching an escaped individual. Do not leave the dog alone for long, longing, she can chew the furniture in the house.