Basenji

The Basenji is one of the oldest and most primitive of all dog breeds. This animal was discovered by Pygmy hunters in the lands of the African Congo. The early tribes used them as pack hunters which helped drive small game into net traps.

England started to see Basenji dogs brought to their lands during the 1800s and into the 1900s, but most of them did not survive due to distemper. However, sometime during the mid-1930s, quite a few Basenji's for successfully brought to England and became the basis for all future breeds that took place outside of Africa.

It was at this time when the term “Basenji” was made the official name of this particular dog breed. It means “bush thing”.  More and more of these dogs were imported to England and eventually they came to America.

The Basenji started to grow in popularity at a rapid pace and became a very common household pet.  Eventually, fanciers of this breed began entering them into dog shows, which soon influenced a Basenji-based book and even a Hollywood movie which starred the dog.

Read more about the Basenji.