|
| |
BASENJIS
also known as the BARKLESS dog; Congo
Dog
Breed Standard
General Appearance
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. Elegant and graceful, the whole demeanor is one of poise and
inquiring alertness. The balanced structure and the smooth musculature enables
it to move with ease and agility. The Basenji hunts by both sight and scent.
Characteristics--The Basenji should not bark but is not mute. The
wrinkled forehead, tightly curled tail and swift, effortless gait (resembling a
racehorse trotting full out) are typical of the breed. Faults--Any
departure from the following points must be considered a fault, and the
seriousness with which the fault is regarded is to be in exact proportion to its
degree.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Ideal height for dogs is 17 inches and bitches 16 inches. Dogs 17 inches and
bitches 16 inches from front of chest to point of buttocks. Approximate weight
for dogs, 24 pounds and bitches, 22 pounds. Lightly built within this height to
weight ratio.
Head
The head is proudly carried. Eyes--Dark hazel to dark brown,
almond shaped, obliquely set and farseeing. Rims dark. Ears--Small,
erect and slightly hooded, of fine texture and set well forward on top of head.
The skull is flat, well chiseled and of medium width, tapering toward the eyes.
The foreface tapers from eye to muzzle with a perceptible stop. Muzzle shorter
than skull, neither coarse nor snipey, but with rounded cushions. Wrinkles appear
upon the forehead when ears are erect, and are fine and profuse. Side wrinkles
are desirable, but should never be exaggerated into dewlap. Wrinkles are most
noticeable in puppies, and because of lack of shadowing, less noticeable in
blacks, tricolors and brindles. Nose--Black greatly desired.
Teeth--Evenly aligned with a scissors bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck of good length, well crested and slightly full at base of throat. Well set
into shoulders. Topline--Back level. Body--Balanced
with a short back, short coupled and ending in a definite waist. Ribs moderately
sprung, deep to elbows and oval. Slight forechest in front of point of shoulder.
Chest of medium width. Tail is set high on topline, bends acutely
forward and lies well curled over to either side.
Forequarters
Shoulders moderately laid back. Shoulder blade and upper arm of approximately
equal length. Elbows tucked firmly against brisket. Legs straight with clean
fine bone, long forearm and well defined sinews. Pasterns of good length, strong
and flexible. Feet--Small, oval and compact with thick pads and
well arched toes. Dewclaws are usually removed.
Hindquarters
Medium width, strong and muscular, hocks well let down and turned neither in nor
out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles. Feet--Same
as in "Forequarters."
Coat and Color
Coat short and fine. Skin very pliant.
Color--Chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and chestnut
red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white
feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, blaze and collar optional. The amount of
white should never predominate over primary color. Color and markings should be
rich, clear and well-defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between the
black and red of tricolors and the stripes of brindles.
Gait
Swift, tireless trot. Stride is long, smooth, effortless and the topline remains
level. Coming and going, the straight column of bones from shoulder joint to
foot and from hip joint to pad remains unbroken, converging toward the
centerline under the body. The faster the trot, the greater the convergence.
Temperament
An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with
strangers.
Approved May 8, 1990
Effective June 28, 1990
|
