MyDogBreeds
Basenji is originated from Congo but American Foxhound is originated from United States. Basenji may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than American Foxhound. Basenji may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than American Foxhound. Both Basenji and American Foxhound has almost same life span. Basenji may have less litter size than American Foxhound. Both Basenji and American Foxhound requires Low maintenance.
The Basenji is an old breeds of domesticated dog and the dog was discovered by Westerners in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century. The word ‘Basenji’ means ‘dog of the bush’ the Congo area of Africa. The Basenji falls into the hound category as a hunting dog.
The dogs were first imported into England and the United States in the 1930s.The Basenji Club of America was started in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. The new additions also introduced the brindle color pattern to the Western Basenji.
As a cousin of the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound is a scent hound and bred for hunting. Robert Brooke brought the first hunting dogs to the colonies in 1650. These dogs were the starting point for several American hound breeds including the American Foxhound.
For almost 300 years the Brooke family owned and bred dogs from this bloodline.
At the same time that Brooke was hunting with and breeding his hounds, George Washington was given French Foxhounds. These were crossed with the Brooke’s dogs to create the American Foxhound. This breed is said to have been originally bred in Virginia and Maryland.
They are the state dog of Virginia. After Red Foxes were imported or migrated, Irish Foxhounds were brought to American and added into the line, increasing the stamina and speed that today’s dog’s still display.
The American Foxhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today’s American Foxhound presents in many different lines but are all considered the same breed even though some ay look very different. These strains include the Trigg, Walker, Penn-Marydel, Goodman, July and Calhoun.
Described as being catlike, this is an unusual dog to say the least. The reason for this is that he doesn’t have a bark but rather emits a characteristic noise which is likened to a chortel and a yodel. The Basenji is a medium sized dog but he isn’t robust looking. He is a lightly built dog of 40 – 43cm in height and his coat is short and sleek. He has long legs which help with being quick and agile and his shortish tail curls over his back and he has naturally upright ears.
As we’ve said, this is an unusual dog, and his wrinkled head gives the dog a quizzical expression. Another strange feature is that not only is this dog breed looked upon as being somewhat primitive, the odd thing about these dogs is that the female only comes into heat once a year. Another somewhat unusual aspect of this self-confident, friendly dog is that unlike other dogs which have a typical dog odour, this canine is odourless, making him a particularly excellent household pet.
His coat comes in different colors and this can be red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white or tri-color. These particular dogs are well known for their excellent eyesight and their excellent sense of smell.
Given the variety of bloodlines and strains mentioned above, there can be many differences in the American Foxhounds. Because of this most American Foxhounds bred to show are Walkers as they most closely fit the AKC Breed Standard.
In general, the American Foxhound has long, straight legs and is taller than the English Foxhound. They have a narrow chest and domed skull with a long muzzle.
They have low, wide set eyes that should be dark – brown or hazel, never blue. They have feet like a fox and laid-back shoulders with a curved tail. Athletic and muscled, the American Foxhound is bred to run. They are one of the rarest breeds in the United States.
The Basenji is an affectionate dog with his family, but he doesn’t take kindly to strangers. If he is socialized when young, he’ll be fairly friendly with other pets in the family too. The Basenji is an intelligent dog but not particularly easy to train, and will require patience as he has a will of his own.
These short-haired dogs are clean-living with grooming habits similar to a cat. They shed just a little too. They love their human family and will make a good watchdog because they are courageous dogs, ready to defend what they love.
This is an unusual dog, and not everyone will appreciate him as a pet as he is independent, obstinate and determined to do his own thing. If you’re a single person or a family who spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, swimming and hunting – then the Basenji can make an affectionate devoted, loyal companion.
With a reputation as a docile, sweet dog, the American Foxhound is great with kids and animals. They are gentle and often very shy with strangers. They are strong willed and stubborn especially when training them, so they are not a good first dog. They need an owner who has handled dogs before and knows how to be the pack leader without being angry or mean.
The American Foxhound is a scent hound and once he is on the scent it is close to impossible to distract him from it. They have a tendency to ignore commands when they are in this state. A strong owner/leader is needed for this reason. Don’t let him off leash in an unfenced area.
Basenji are generally healthy dogs. As with most other canines, these dogs are also prone to health disorders such as canine hip dysplasia. Check your Basenji for hereditary eye diseases which can lead to blindness.
This is a kidney disease where your pet will urinate out the protein he so badly needs. He’ll be excessively thirsty and the disease mostly sets in from 4 years of age. It is an inherited kidney disease which can be fatal.
Many health problems can be partially- or totally prevented by the way you raise your puppy, and the lifestyle you provide him with. By doing everything you can to give him good food, a dry, warm space to sleep, lots of activities and exercise and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have less health problems.
The American Foxhound, like most hunting dogs does not carry a lot of genetic disorders. But they can easily become overweight and this can cause major problems. Dysplasia of any type had been mostly unknown in this breed, but due to obesity it is cropping up on occasion. Breeders have not, and do not usually screed for any genetic diseases.
The most devastating health issue the American Foxhound faces is thrombocytopathy. We will go into more detail on this in the Care for Pet section. This is a disease of the blood system, namely the platelets.
Basenjis are fastidious – much like a cat, and they like to be licking at their coats to keep themselves clean. They have a short coat, and this will need to be brushed once or twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to also stimulated skin oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny and glossy.
As with all dog breeds, the Basenji‘s ears should be checked over and his nails regularly trimmed.
The Basenji needs high quality dog food, regardless of whether you food him commercially manufactured foods or you make your own. If you aren’t sure about how to feed a dog properly to maintain good health, speak to your veterinarian. Dog food needs to be appropriate to the dog’s age and his breed type. Certainly it can be wise to learn what human foods can be dangerous for your dog. Clean, fresh water from bowls which are regularly cleaned should be accessible at all times.
Whether feeding a pup, or an adult American Foxhound, you need to be sure the food is high quality and that you don’t overfeed. The Foxhound is happy to eat as much as you give him. They like to eat. Make sure you measure and don’t free feed. Control what they are eating.
For a puppy feed twice, a day – 2 to 3 cups of high quality puppy food. When he becomes an adult feed him once a day with 2 cups of adult food.
As mentioned previously, the American English Foxhound, like most of the hound breeds is a very healthy dog. They do not have many genetic health issues. They do have a risk for thrombocytopathy. This risk is slight, but all owners of American English Foxhounds should be aware of it.
This disease is a circulatory system disease with poorly or non-functioning platelets. Platelets are designed to assist in the control of bleeding and without functioning ones the dog can bleed excessively from just a minor cut or bleed internally from a minor injury. The disease can be treated but you have to notice it first. Depending on how severe the disease is, the treatment will vary. Some dogs will have to be given platelets.
This is a high energy breed that is very active and needs a lot of exercise. They are not good for the first-time owner as they are stubborn and hard to train. They need room to run and get frustrated and out of sorts if they don’t have it. They can live in the suburbs but only with a large fenced yard, an even larger dog park and regular walks. This dog needs a lot of exercise. The simplest thing to do is take him hunting.