The Basenji Club of America has a ton of useful information regarding basenjis!
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The following is adapted from the AKC Standard for Basenjis from http://www.akc.org
The Basenji is known for his fastidious habits and being full of play and activity. Because he often worked out of sight of hunters, he can tend to be independent and aloof and prefers to meet strangers on his own terms. Grooming is minimal due to his short coat, which lacks the typical “doggy” odor.
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 enable 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.
An added benefit of the breed is it lacks the typical “doggy” odor. Keeping their coat in god order only requires regular cleaning with a hound glove or mitt. Their nails should be trimmed every 10 to 14 days with a trimmer or grinder to avoid overgrowth and cracking. Their prick ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Created in relative isolation in remote African villages, Basenjis have unique qualities. In addition to the vocalizing and the horsey gait, Basenjis are among dogdom’s most fastidious citizens and will groom themselves like cats. Basenjis have been called a “cult breed”—small in numbers, but those lucky enough to own one do so with singular devotion. Basenjis are fascinating, one-of-a-kind hounds, best suited to owners who can meet their exercise needs and the challenge of training this most catlike of canines.
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 enable 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 are dark hazel to dark brown, almond shaped, obliquely set and farseeing. Rims dark. Ears are 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 is shorter than skull, neither coarse nor snipy, 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 are evenly aligned with a scissors bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck should be of good length, well crested and slightly full at base of throat. Well set into shoulders. Topline should display a level back. Body is 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 include 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. Dewclaws are usually removed. Hindquarters of medium width, strong and muscular, hocks well let down and turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles. Feet should be small, oval and compact with thick pads and well arched toes.
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.
