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January-February 2012
Flynn, 10 weeks old, with Amber, the lab/mastiff cross (photo courtesy of Sandi Gibbons)
An official publication of the Basenji Club of Western Australia Incorporated
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 2
Basenji Club of Western Australia Incorporated Founded 1974 Incorporated 1998
Club Co-Founders - Mrs Beth Swallow & Mrs Inge Gregory
President
Davina Hopkins
08 9398 4616
Vice President
Mark Smith
08 9401 1049
Secretary
Yvonne Morant
08 6150 2430
Treasurer
Leanne Cooper
08 9332 3352
Committee Member & Editor
Peter Morant
08 6150 2430
Committee Member
Liz Smith
08 9401 1049
Committee Member
Lissette Grammer
04 1709 5774
Committee Member
Sian Bennett
08 9443 9272
Librarian (not a Committee position)
Ray Perry
+61 8 9593 9862
Fees – Renewals Due 31 August Each Year ** NEW **
Dual/Family Membership AU$25 (no voting rights for members under 18 years of age)
Single Membership AU$20
Associate Member AU$18 (only applies to those who do not own a pure-bred Basenji)
Overseas Members Please add AU$13 for postage
Advertising (due 31 July each year for Issue 4)
Breeders Directory A$15 per year
Business Card A$15 per year
Full Page A$20 per issue
Half Page AU$15 per issue
Quarter Page AU$10 per issue
Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the Basenji Club of WA Inc., and sent to:
Treasurer: Leanne Cooper, 5 Jarvis Street, Leeming, WA 6149 ** NEW **
Please send submissions for The Western Yodel to:
Editor: Peter Morant, 150A Jersey Street, Jolimont WA 6014 (email [email protected])
Closing Date for material intended for publication in the next issue of The Western Yodel is 31 March 2012
The views expressed in the various articles in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, Officer Bearers, or the Club. Neither the Editor, the Club nor its
Members warrant the truth of any claim in any advertisement appearing herein, or the quality of goods and services offered by any of those advertisers. The Club
reserves its copyright in this publication. The duplication of any part of it for bona fide information or research purposes is permitted providing acknowledgment is made
of the article’s author and the Club; however this permission does not include matter reprinted herein by permission of its copyright owner.
The Western Yodel is Published Bi-Monthly
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 3
From the Editor’s Desk
s there anybody out there? After 10 years in
the Editor’s role, I have notified the
Committee that I intend to stand down as
Editor this June. Yvonne and I will also be stepping
down from the Committee. Please contact the
Committee if you would like to take on any of
these roles.
In this issue of The Western Yodel:
On page 5 ...
Chey Miller reports on the importance of dental
hygiene for dogs. How come we learned decades
ago that it wasn’t necessary for humans to lose
their teeth in middle age, and that poor dental
hygiene is linked to other major health issues in
humans, yet we accept gingivitis in our pets... and
the damage this does to their overall health.
On page 11...
Yvonne Morant discusses an initiative by the
Basenji Club of America, called Basenji University,
which provides home study programmes in Basenji
breed education. Don’t expect Senji to be donning a
mortar board any time soon (though he certainly has
the smarts for it!), but we humans can learn a lot
about our chosen companions.
On page 12 ...
We re-publish a public-domain article by Garry
Jenkins on Cushing’s Disease in dogs. Cushing’s
Disease is a common condition in dogs and occurs
when the body produces excessive amounts of the
hormone, cortisol. We recently heard of a local
Basenji that had been diagnosed with the disease.
On page 16 ...
We don’t have to be told what makes a Basenji so
appealing, but we couldn’t resist re-publishing a
delightful article by freelance web content writer,
HarvardHorror – More Human than Humans.
The Club has also recently purchased new stock of
various Basenji-related merchandise, see page 18-
19 and contact Leanne Cooper for prices and
further details. We also have some Basenji related
books for sale.
Basenji Club of WA Inc
Your Club Needs You
WANTED
Editor
From July 2012
Contact a Committee member
Basenji Club of WA Inc
Calendar 2012
A few copies still available
* * Half Price – just $5 plus p/p * *
Contact Yvonne Morant Ph 08 6150 2430 or [email protected]
Basenji Club of WA Inc
March Fun 2012
See flier for details
I
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 4
I Need a New Home Kanibaru Basenjis have available a young Basenji.
Juma is 1.5 yr old, red & white, sterilised, male Basenji with the most gorgeous fun loving nature. He has
been raised with young children, well socialised and is very friendly with people and other dogs. He will
make a wonderful companion and is available now.
If you live in WA and are interested to learn more about Juma then please email me, [email protected],
or phone 9398 4616
The photo is of Juma playing with another little dog. Juma loves to play with dogs and toys and is very
entertaining to watch.
Basenji Steals Show at Tea Launch Australia’s Foreign Minister (and former
Prime Minister) Kevin Rudd, a self-confessed
tea lover, won the right in a nationwide
competition to concoct a new Australian tea
blend for Twinings. Mr Rudd chose the
RSPCA as the charity to receive 10c for each
Australian Afternoon Tea packet sold.
At a recent promotion for his Australian
Afternoon Tea blend, Mr Rudd was
upstaged by a young Basenji, proving the
old chestnut of show business, “never work
with children or animals”.
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 5
Maintaining Those Pearly Whites
By Chey Miller (published with permission of the Author; © 2005 Chey Miller)
n the dim, dark days of dog ownership, back
when I was growing up in the ‘50s, our dogs
ran free and lived on table scraps and Kennel
Ration. The more enlightened dog owners took
their dog to the vet for his rabies and distemper
boosters, and some even had him “fixed”. All
things considered, Spot had a pretty good life.
His life might have been a little longer and more
enjoyable if his owners had been more aware of
Spot’s dental health. Fifty or sixty years ago we
were just figuring out that humans didn’t have to
lose teeth to decay in middle age. No surprise,
then, that preventive oral hygiene wasn’t stressed
for man’s best friend! But, even today, many
people expect their dog to have abominable
breath and lose a few teeth as they age. “He’s a
dog. Of course his breath reeks, look at the stuff
he eats!” “He’s old, so you have to expect him to
lose a few teeth.”
But it’s not “the stuff he eats” or normal aging that
causes the trouble, it’s the assault on his teeth and
gums by bacteria, salivary proteins, and food
debris, which form a substance called plaque. The
plaque settles in the channel between the teeth
and gums and causes irritation and swelling, i.e.,
gingivitis. Gingivitis is curable; periodontal disease
is not. When pockets form beneath the gums,
bacterial infection is able to enter the bloodstream
directly. Those organs which receive the greatest
blood flow — lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and the
brain — can be damaged by the infection,
effectively shortening the life of the dog. At the
very least, if he lives long enough without attention
to oral hygiene, the dog will experience pain, tissue
damage and bone loss. It is the loss of bone that
permits the teeth to fall out.
Obviously, just as with humans, the answer is to
keep plaque to a minimum. We can do that by
feeding a high quality kibble, providing safe
chewables such as Greenies and knuckle bones,
and brushing the dog’s teeth daily with a
toothpaste formulated especially for dogs.
(Human toothpastes contain ingredients that
should not be swallowed, so do not use Colgate on
your dog!) Yet, even with this attention to good
dental health, you may eventually notice that your
dog’s teeth are mottled with yellow/brown tartar,
and your vet may advise prophylactic treatment.
I
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 6
Ruby Gets Her Teeth Cleaned
That was precisely the case with Ruby, my 8-year-
old Basenji. When my vet recommended a
cleaning, I wanted to make sure, first of all, that he
was aware that the Basenji metabolizes drugs
differently than other breeds; sighthounds have a
higher muscle to fat ratio, and a safe anaesthetic
for a German Shepherd or a Yorkie may not be
safe for a Basenji. Specifically, barbiturates are
contraindicated in sighthounds or dogs with little
body fat. (I am not implying that my vet is
ignorant! However, Basenjis are uncommon in my
area and some vets have never seen or treated
one and may not know or remember that it is a
sighthound. Better safe than sorry! And luckily,
my vet is very understanding... I hope!) If you
decide to have your Basenji’s teeth cleaned, be
sure to mention that he should
receive the same drugs as a
Greyhound. Also, do not try to cut
corners by eliminating pre-
anaesthesia blood work. It is
important to ensure there are no
underlying liver or kidney issues that
could create an emergency situation
under anaesthesia. The liver and
kidneys metabolize and excrete the
sedatives; if they are compromised,
the drugs remain in the system
longer and sedation can be deeper
and longer lasting. Even young
animals can have poorly functioning organs and
should have blood work done.
Ruby was injected with Domitor to sedate her
prior to intubation. It was unsettling, to say the
least, to watch her practically melt into the
examining table within a minute or so of the
intramuscular injection. At this point, Dr Murphy
wrapped her in a towel (hypothermia is an issue
when respiration is depressed) and carried her
into the surgical room. Sarah, the veterinary
technician, applied ophthalmic ointment to Ruby’s
eyes, explaining that her reflexive blink would be
suppressed for as long as she was sedated; the
ointment would prevent her corneas from drying.
Isoflurane is one of the newest and safest
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 7
inhalation anesthetics in use, and is one of those
recommended for sighthounds. (Sevoflurane is
another.) Here, Ruby receives Isoflurane gas
through a mask. While she is being inducted via
mask, Sarah shaves a hind leg to create a good
contact for the the blood pressure sensor that will
be taped in place throughout the procedure.
The depth of anesthesia is monitored via the rate
and quality of the pulse and heartbeat, body
temperature, and color of mucous membranes.
The inhalation of gas by the dog through the mask
allows the vet to comfortably insert a tube into
the dog’s windpipe. The tube establishes an
unobstructed airway that could be vital should
complications arise.
Now that she is sufficiently “under” Dr Murphy
prepares to insert the tube into the windpipe,
while Sarah steadies Ruby’s head. A long piece of
gauze-like material will tie the endotracheal tube
in place and prevent it being coughed out.
Dr Murphy shaves an area on one of the front legs
for insertion of an intravenous catheter. Ruby will
receive fluids during the procedure to keep her
blood pressure up, and pain medication to smooth
the recovery from the procedure. The catheter is
also a gateway for emergency drugs such as
epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate, or atropine, if
needed.
Aside: Ruby leaked urine throughout the procedure.
At one point, Dr Murphy tilted the table downward
and pressed her abdomen to empty her bladder.
Since I made sure she peed before we arrived at the
hospital, I was astonished at the volume, until I
remembered that her tissues were being suffused
with fluids through the IV drip.
As long as Ruby was anaesthetized, I decided to
have her microchipped, as well. You can just see
the spot near her right shoulder where Dr Murphy
shaved to insert the quarter-inch-long Home Again
chip. That’s another good thing to consider if your
dog has to be anaesthetized for some reason.
Ruby has moderate tartar, not bad for an 8-year-
old, but those teeth definitely need some
attention! Dr Murphy points out that there are
salivary glands embedded in the gums above the
upper molars which constantly bathe the teeth
with the proteins which, combined with food and
bacteria, produce plaque.
Large areas of tartar, also known as calculus, are
removed with a special tool. Removing large areas
all at once shortens the duration of the
anaesthesia. Ruby’s jaws are held open with a
spring retractor.
Once the large areas of tartar have been removed,
Sarah uses a Cavitron ultrasonic scaler to remove
smaller pieces of calculus. Despite emitting a
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 8
Note the slight irritation of the gums where they meet the teeth. This is gingivitis.
continual fine mist of water, the tool creates
friction on the tooth surface that can burn if left in
place too long. Sarah makes sure the Cavitron is
never on a tooth longer than four seconds. If
necessary, she comes back to work on that tooth
later. Ruby’s teeth are looking good!
Sarah discovers very two shallow pockets beneath
Ruby’s gums, an early sign of gingival detachment.
If this were ignored, it would progress to gum
recession and periodontitis.
The gauging tool is marked in 5 millimetre
increments. 2-3 millimetres is the “normal”
measurement of depth of gum line. Ruby’s will
require no further treatment.
No tooth cleaning would be complete without
polishing! Sarah uses a compound called Zircon-F,
which smoothes the surface of the enamel and
fills in any grooves made by the scaling tool. The
polish smells like bubble gum.
The cleaning completed by Sarah, Dr Murphy
comes in to double check. Ruby’s teeth get a
clean bill, and Sarah applies a two-week coating of
OraVet Gel, which should provide additional
protection against plaque.
Dr Murphy administers an injection of Antisedan,
the reversal agent of Domitor, and carries Ruby to
a cage in a darkened room. Within a couple of
minutes, Ruby will awaken from the anaesthesia,
but the IV catheter is left in place until she begins
to stir, just in case there is trouble. Dr Murphy
watches very closely at this time. “If I lose a dog, I
don’t ever want it to be because I wasn’t paying
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 9
“Ah, back home in my favorite chair. What a day!
attention,” he says. I appreciate his
vigilance. The recovery period is the
most critical time because there are
often other distractions in a veterinary
hospital and sometimes the dog is not
faithfully monitored.
As Ruby begins to stir, Dr Murphy
removes the catheter and bandages the
entry site. Because Domitor can cause
agitation when the dog awakens, we
move outside the room to reduce any
stress. We watch through the window
as she stands and moves about. Leaving
Sarah in charge of Ruby’s recovery, Dr
Murphy fixes me a cup of coffee while I
wait for Ruby to regain her senses.
An hour later, Ruby and I leave to come
home. Under ordinary circumstances, she
would have remained at the hospital to
recover for the remainder of the
afternoon. She was a bit unsteady and
spent the most of the next six hours
sleeping in her favorite chair. Apparently
experiencing some discomfort, she moaned
occasionally through the afternoon and early
evening. However, by the time the dinner bell rang,
she was feeling like herself again and was ready to
put those gleaming white teeth to use!
My sincere thanks to Dr William Murphy of
Palmyra Animal Hospital, Palmyra, NY for allowing
me to observe and photograph this procedure.
Thanks also to veterinary technician Sarah Bott for
her patient explanations and for holding a pose so
I could get the shot I needed. Ruby thanks them
for taking such good care of her!
Additional thanks to Linda Siekert, C.V.T., V.D.T., for
checking this material for accuracy and for
numerous helpful suggestions.
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 10
Vale Tux
On 25 January 2012, Debrak Black Tuxedo collapsed and was put to sleep.
TUX was in his 17th year, born on 23 June 1995.
He was cremated and his ashes placed in a rose garden. The big black dog never
to be forgotten.
Kay and Max Raper
Tux, dressed as a fallen angel at the Club’s 2002 Christmas Fun Day, aged 7 years
Max and Kay,
On behalf of the Club, we are very saddened to read of Tux’s departure – while, at the same time, we
rejoice at his long and happy life with you both. Our hearts go out to you as we know you’ll miss him every
day. He was a beautiful Basenji, a true gentleman, always debonair in his tuxedo.
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 11
Basenji University By Yvonne Morant
he Basenji University has been set up by the
Basenji Club of America to provide home study
programmes in Basenji breed education. It is
for the general public and for those already engaged
with the breed. The concept is similar to any self-
paced learning course, with workbooks, exercises
and additional resources. There are no fees.
The University, which uses templates provided by
The Basset Hound University, is divided into four
Colleges, each of which is designed to meet the
learning needs of a separate segment of the
Basenji community:
College for Basenji Owners
College of Basenji Activities
College for Basenji Breeders
College for Basenji Judges
The Basenji Owners College comprises 101
Owner’s Guide, with Workbook and Flash Cards;
102 Coloring Book (downloadable pictures for
children); 103 Basenji Timeline; Workbook Course
103 and 104 Books to Read.
The overriding value of The Basenji University is its
ability to bring together in one site a comprehensive
foundation of Basenji resources. The Basenji
Timeline, for example, is a concise authoritative
summary of what is known about Basenji origins
with links to supporting documentation, starting in
6000BC and continuing to the present.
For many, the Owner’s Guide will be the most
popular resource as it covers all the basics of
raising and caring for a healthy Basenji.
The College of Basenji Activities is still under
construction with planned courses on How Dogs
Learn; Conformation: The Show Ring; and AKC and
ASFA Lure Coursing. Other courses available now
include 204 Agility Events; 205 Obedience and
Rally; 206 Home Projects; 207 Hunting and 208
Additional Activities.
There is a way to go before The Basenji University
can fulfil its aims. Naturally, there is an American
bias to the information but it is extremely valuable
nevertheless. Much course content remains to be
added but the BCOA is to be congratulated for its
efforts to gather knowledge pertaining to our
beloved breed into an accessible site. The site is
easy to navigate but, unfortunately, some pages
are very slow to load which may be due to local
difficulties.
To visit the Basenji University, Google it, or go to:
http://www.basenji.org/BasenjiU/niversityIndex.html
T
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 12
We recently heard of a Member Basenji diagnosed
with Cushing’s Disease. We hope this article will
help inform all members. All the best, Misty.
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs, an Owner’s Guide Understanding, Diagnosing & Treating Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs
Jenkins, Garry; Guild (KPG), Knol Publishing. Canine Health: Cushing’s Disease In Dogs, An Owner’s
Guide:Understanding, Diagnosing & Treating Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs [Internet]. Version 10. Canine Health.
2009 Dec 28 [revised 2010 Mar 19]. Available from: http://knol.google.com/k/garry-jenkins/canine-health-
cushing-s-disease-in-dogs/19tjln1ywaolr/208
ushing’s Disease or Syndrome is a common
condition in dogs and occurs when the
body produces excessive amounts of the
hormone, cortisol. This knol offers a guide to
understanding, diagnosing and treating Cushing’s
Syndrome in your dog.
What is Cushing’s Disease?
Harvey Williams Cushing:
image wikimedia.org
Dogs naturally produce a hormone called cortisol, an
important ingredient in regulating the body’s
metabolism.
Cortisol is produced by the dog’s adrenal glands -
located in the abdomen, next to the kidney - and is
released into the bloodstream at times of stress.
Scientists think it is a device to prepare the canine
body for one of the “fight” or “flight” responses.
Another hormone ACTH - produced from the
pituitary gland located at the base of the brain -
regulates the production and release of cortisol into
the bloodstream.
Cushing’s Disease or Syndrome - also known as
hyper-adrenocorticism - occurs when an excessive
amount of Cortisol is produced. This has a harmful
effect on the dog’s vital organs and its metabolism.
Dogs most prone to the condition tend to be older
dogs and members of smaller breeds.
The condition was first discovered by the American
neurosurgeon Harvey Williams Cushing.
Diagnosing Cushing’s Disease: What Are The
Symptoms?
Not all dogs will display the same symptoms, but
some of the most common signs of Cushing’s
Disease are:
large and frequent intakes of water
unusually frequent urination and incontinence
an unusually large appetite
a pot belly
thin skin
hair loss
frequent and recurring skin diseases
muscle loss
lethargy and general lack of energy
excessive panting
C
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 13
CUSHING'S SYNDROME:
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACTH This is an abbreviation of the adrenocorticotropic hormone. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones, including cortisol. ACTH stimulation test This is the standard test by which vets measure the amount of cortisol being released into the bloodstream. Adrenal glands Two small glands located next to each of the kidneys responsible for producing hormones that help control metabolism, blood pressure and fluid balance. This is where Cortisol is produced and released into the bloodstream. Cortisol The body’s natural stress-fighting and anti-inflammatory hormone. Glucocorticoids Also known as steroids, are a group of hormones released from the adrenal glands that affect the body’s metabolism. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid. Enzyme A protein that triggers chemical reactions in the body. Hormone Hormones act as chemical messengers to body organs stimulating certain life processes and retarding others. Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) This is another name for Cushing’s disease. It is often abbreviated to HAC. Pituitary gland A gland situated at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland releases ACTH which in turn stimulates the production and release of cortisol into the body. Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) A form of Cushing’s resulting from a tumour in the pituitary gland. Adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH) A form of Cushing’s resulting from a tumour in the adrenal glands Trilostane An active ingredient that is known to block the production of cortisol.
If your dog displays one or more of these, consult
your veterinary surgeon.
Cushing’s Syndrome is particularly prevalent in older
dogs and smaller breeds.
How do you test and treat Cushing’s Disease?
Testing For Cushing’s Syndrome
Vets perform two standard blood tests in order to
diagnose Cushing’s Syndrome. Because the amount
of Cortisol produced by the body varies enormously
during the day, the vet has to take a series of
measurements.
The ACTH stimulation test involves measuring the
level of Cortisol in the blood before and after the dog
is given a synthetic version of the ACTH hormone.
The result helps the vet understand how effectively
the dog’s adrenal glands are controlling the
production of Cortisol.
A second test is called the low-dose dexamethasone
suppression test.
Treating Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s Syndrome can’t be eliminated but it can be
controlled very effectively using medication. The
most effective treatment is via drugs containing
trilostane, which rapidly reduces the amount of
Cortisol produced by the adrenal glands.[1] In the
UK, the drug is distributed under the name Vetoryl.
References
[1] Neiger R, Hurley KJ, Ramsey I, O’Connor J, Mooney CT,
2002. Trilostane treatment of 78 dogs with pituitary-
dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Veterinary Record, 150,
799-804.
http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/150/26/7
99.abstract
Further Reading:
American Veterinary Medical Association:
www.avma.org
Association of Shelter Veterinarians:
www.sheltervet.org
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 14
Members’ Pics
From Karen Fouweather
Tyger attempting a sneak peek at the pressies...
From Chris Henn
Boris found a new place to get out of the 40°C heat at Christmas...
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 15
Harley’s Hidey – Kaleba wants in
Photos courtesy of Leanne Cooper
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 16
“Coming from Africa, their silence may
have something to do with their survival
because in the jungle, the mighty jungle,
the lion doesn't really sleep at night”
The Barkless African Basenji More Human Than Humans
Cleaner than a cat, faster than a bullet, sly as
a fox, and smarter than Einstein, a Basenji is
a unique dog who raises the bar
By HarvardHorror, see:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/484056_the-
barkless-african-basenji-more-human-than-
humans#ixzz1gDWVN5Cw
s an owner, I found the Basenji a smart,
neat, intelligent, companion, medium in
size, with short hair. They come in 3
varieties; tan and white, tri-colored, and brindle. I
have had many dogs but none were as unique as
Lefty and Yoko. They both thought “outside the
bowl”.
I am proud to say
I survived two
Basenjis, lived to
talk about it, and
feel I have come
away with a
different view of
life. They trained me well and I learned a lot from
my dogs.
The Egyptians kept these dogs as pets (or vice
versa) and attributed them with godlike powers.
The breed appears in hieroglyphics inside the
pyramids but I’m not sure if the inscription is a
picture of the dog chasing a car or driving one.
Boasting a staggering IQ in the upper 30’s, make
no mistake, with the brain power equal to 50
turtles, a Basenji will outsmart the best of us. Ask
any Pharaoh. They’re clever, cunning, and they
cheat. The trick is to not take this personally, get
over it and move on. If you dismiss the past or
future and concentrate on the here and now,
you’ll get along fine.
Don’t underestimate this clever hound and try to
forget most of what you’ve learned about dogs in
the past. This is a horse of a different color. As a
puppy, I had to hold Lefty up so our noses were
nearly touching and then stare him down. Daily,
you have to stare, glare even, until your Basenji
averts his or her eyes and knows who the boss is.
This is very important and you can wind up on the
wrong end of the leash if you don’t take heed.
Basenjis have jackal in their family tree which can
give them a cunning you won’t find in a Beagle or
a Lab. Like wolves, they mate once a year, and like
elephants, they never forget. There’s never any
need to go beyond a stern reprimanding when you
find the dog standing on the kitchen table as if it’s
a sunny day in May because once the rules are
known it’s unlikely this will happen again. A word
to the wise is sufficient.
Most people say they’re as clean as cats but after
owning two Basenjis and a cat, I have to insist
they’re actually
cleaner than cats.
Your hands will
have no odor
after you’ve been
playing with a
Basenji. They
shed briefly during the spring as warm weather
arrives but this is usually just a two-day annual
event.
Although they do have vocal cords, as evidenced
when a tail might get caught in the door, they
choose to remain silent. Coming from Africa, their
silence may have something to do with their
survival because in the jungle, the mighty jungle,
the lion doesn’t really sleep at night.
They have a few quirks, one of which is their
intolerance to cold. A Basenji will automatically
gravitate to the warmest part of the house which
can be a basket of warm folded laundry or the
hollow of your neck. My Basenjis were very
affectionate pets who seemingly did not require
air once they settled under the covers with me.
Truth be known, they make lousy watchdogs and
might even hold the flashlight for the burglar if
there’s something in it for them. I found them to
A
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 17
be exemplary hunters, however, and any squirrel
or rabbit that wanders into the yard is fair game.
They’re the fastest dog in the world and have the
gait of a horse. In fact, they can turn off the light
and jump in bed before the room gets dark.
Lefty was a man of few words but Yoko had a lot to
say. Just because they’re barkless doesn’t mean
they’re mute. Yoko’s ear-piercing yodel could stop
traffic when the wind was right.
They do bolt when given the chance,
unfortunately. Catching one would be like jumping
in the ocean and catching a bluefish with your
bare hands. Go back inside and get something
tasty. Personally, I wouldn’t consider getting a
another Basenji unless I had a fenced in yard and a
good butterfly net.
Although easy to housebreak, they become bored
with routine tricks so unless you bribe them with
chicken or something equally tempting, they avoid
such things as “sit”, “rollover” or “fetch”, although
Lefty did deign to jump through a hoop.
In most cases, the female dog is more sedate than
the male, but this is reversed with the Basenji.
They both have a sense of humor and live by the
philosophy, ‘finders keepers, losers, weepers’.
Once you find a suitable dog food, stick with it, as
Basenjis are finicky self-feeders who get diarrhoea
if you deviate from their normal diet. Feeding a
Basenji popcorn can cause projectile diarrhoea so
unless you want to create an international event,
I’d discourage this practice.
Basenji Brief Bits
Or what happens when your yodeller gets hold of your undies, and other stories!
Send your contributions to Yvonne Morant
From Brad Kruger
“Couldn’t find my glasses yesterday. After looking everywhere, I finally found them in the dogs’ bed. I’m not
sure which one is responsible (or both?), but I have my suspicions. I have to take some responsibility, I’d left
them on the laundry bench when I’d put the dogs to bed, and completely forgot I’d left them there.
Might be wise to remind the other club members that ANYTHING can be up for grabs, especially if it’s
something ‘new’ for them!”
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 18
What the Papers Say Compiled by Yvonne Morant
Except where otherwise indicated, all of the
magazines discussed in What the Papers Say can
be borrowed from the Club’s library contact Ray
Perry on 9593 9862.
The Rip Van Wrinkler (USA)
February 2012
http://www.rvwbasenjiclub.org/Wrinkler59.html
Another beautifully put together issue that will make
you laugh and cry. Notable Quotables is where
members send in their Basenji snippets and there
are some really funny (true) stories of Basenji
misdemeanours, such as the one at a dog show that
took place in a toilet, involving a man in a stall with
his pants down who happened to have attached to
his pants some tasty doggy bait that proved
irresistible to a Basenji accompanying his owner in
the next stall; the Basenji made a thieving raid on the
man and got away with half the bait!
Basenji Companions (USA) October-
November-December 2011
Features include The Blessing of Ivan and Dasa, by
Peggy Pick, an account of two Basenjis attending a
blessing of the animals event at an outdoor
chapel. Laura Whitney sums up the latest
members’ gathering in The Falls Revels Recap. The
well-known Jean Skaggs writes What I’ve Learned
from Basenjis I’ve Known, the first in a series of
articles; this one on communication.
Basenji Bi-Monthly (VIC) November-
December 2011 Features an article describing The Basenji
University, a new website set up and hosted by
The Basenji Club of America. Also in this issue, the
BCOV 45th Annual Championship Show: The
Sapphire Show, March 5th 2012. This year’s
international judge is Sally Wallis (Zande Basenjis
UK). A report on the Annual Puppy Scramble by
Karen Ordar rounds off the issue.
Basenji Merchandise for Sale
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 19
Items are well priced, eg $15 for T-shirts and $5 for magnets, contact Leanne (08 9332 3352) or
[email protected] for details.
The Western Yodel, January-February 2012 20
Breeders & Business Card Directory
BASENJIS ‘R’ US
Stud Dogs/Puppies/Adults
All Warranted
After-sales service provided
Our breeder’s prefix is KIPENZI
Boarding for purebred Basenjis
Peter & Sandra Wood +61 8 9575 7568
Email [email protected]
Website http://www.Basenjisrus.com.au
KANIBARU
Quality puppies for show and pet homes
Breeding from fully health tested Basenjis
Checking Eyes, Hips, Thyroid & DNA markers for Fanconi
Exports to breeders in America, NZ,
Germany, Finland & Poland
Producing international Champions
Proudly representing WA at national Specialties
RBISS, SBOS, BIS Ch Kanibaru Visual Touch
Multi BISS Ch Kanibaru Caramel Fudge
RBISS, SBOS Ch Kanibaru Vanilla Fruche
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Tel Davina +61 8 9398 4616
www.kanibaru.com
This space is available for your ad
Natural Paws Holistic Pet Care
Boarding All Breeds Dogs & Cats
Basenjis welcome & lovingly
cared for by breed expert
Large Grassed exercise yards
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Air-conditioned Cattery
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Contact Davina 08 9398 4616
www.naturalpaws.com.au
