Basenji

[ronin]

Don't know if any of you remember but I was asking if anyone knew anything about the African hunting dog-Basenji, a few months ago. I couldn't find any data on the breed for US hunting but I read a lot of first hand accounts on them being used by African tribesmen. I picked up a pup when he was 9 weeks old. He's 5 months now and a natural. I did some basic wing find and retirevel training with him and that's been about it. I'm hunting quail with him 2-3 days per week right now. He points and locates shot birds amazingly well. However, he does have a hard mouth which we are working on. This is the easiest dog i've ever worked with...truly amazing.

[carbonhunter]

pic's??

[Tominator]

good deal

yeah, i remember. my cooperating teacher when i was student teaching had one. if you didn't know better, you'd think Basenjis were little mutts. they certainly don't look pedigree.

[ronin]

Yeah...kind of a cross between a large rat and a wrinkle faced hound! But...they are positively predatory!!! He is absolutely great for any small game. I used him this year to find and bust turkey flocks so I could call 'em in later. I couldn't find turkeys all season and as a last resort I threw the dog out. He tracked down 5 flocks and and got my bird later that afternoon.

[ronin]

Here's the 'lil bugger while trying to eat my turkey. [image] [/image]

[ronin]

Speaking of pedigree...I learned the basenji is probably the world's oldest, untainted pure breed dog.

They were companion dog/ hunters for Egyptian Pharohs and their busts are often seen in relief in tombs, pyramids, sculpture, etc.

Their DNA is different than that of the domestic dog, Canis familiaris. Recent DNA studies have shown that they are an offshoot of the Asiatic Wolf, Canis lupus pallipes. They were unknown in the US until after WWII. It is unclear how the breed ended up in central and coastal Africa from it's historical roots in Egypt. Some people surmise that the reverse is actually true and the Egyptians imported the little hunter from the African interior and later, the dogs in Egypt died out with the Egyptian dynasty.

These dogs are very interesting. I train police dogs of various breeds. Yet, I have never had a dog quite this smart and malleable before.

[carbonhunter]

Ronin, its a good looking dog, pedegree dosnt mean squat if ya know how to train right. As long as they have a nose and the will that dog will hunt.

[ronin]

I agree!

[ronin]

Here is another photo from a quail hunt. This is a Basenji Point. [image] [/image]

[Tominator]

no mistaking there. he/she's smelling something eh?

BTW--nice hunting vehicle you had there in the other picture.

[Palssonater]

How's the 4x4 in that thing?

[ronin]

Yeah, I know...but a guy has to have his toys. Far as I'm concerned guns and huntin' gear don't count 'cause they're tools!

Palssonator, it's actually great...it's all wheel drive! Ground clearance sucks, though. I beheaded a ground squirrel at 175 MPH one time.

[Palssonater]

[ QUOTE ]
Yeah, I know...but a guy has to have his toys. Far as I'm concerned guns and huntin' gear don't count 'cause they're tools!

Palssonator, it's actually great...it's all wheel drive! Ground clearance sucks, though. I beheaded a ground squirrel at 175 MPH one time.

[/ QUOTE ]


Ha Ha Ha

[RyanH]

LOL nice one D!

[ronin]

I got some...along with others. But, as you can see...I can still fit into my Army uniforms from the '80's. I believe that's an accomplishment!!!!