BRITISH BASENJI STANDARD von 1954
Approved by the Kennel Club, January 1954
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CHARACTERISTICS
The Basenji should not bark, but is not mute. The wrinkled forehead, springy poise and the swift tireless running gait (resembling a racehorse trotting full out) are typical of the breed.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Basenji is a lightly built, short-backed dog, giving the impression of being high on the leg compared to its length. The correct proportion is that the measurement from the ground to the top of the shoulder should be the same as, or slightly greater than, the measurement from the front of the chest to the furthest point of the hindquarters. The wrinkled head must be proudly carried, and the whole demeanour should be one of poise and alertness.
HEAD AND SKULL
The skull is flat, well chiseled and of medium width, tapering towards the nose. Wrinkles should appear upon the forehead when the ears are pricked, and should be fine and profuse. Side wrinkles are desirable, but should never be exaggerated into dewlap. Black noses are desirable.
EYES
Dark hazel or dark brown, almond shaped, obliquely set and far seeing.
EARS
Should be small, pointed and erect, of fine texture, set well forward on top of the head.
MOUTH
Teeth must be level, with scissors bite.
NECK
Of good length, well crested and slightly full at the base of the throat. It should be well set into flat laid-back shoulders.
FOREQUARTERS
The chest should be of medium width. The legs straight, with clean, fine bone, long forearm and well-defined sinews. Pasterns should be of good length, straight but flexible.
BODY
The body should be short and the back level. The ribs well sprung, with plenty of heart room, deep brisket, short coupled and ending in a definite waist.
HINDQUARTERS
Should be strong and muscular, with hocks well let down, turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs.
FEET
Small, narrow and compact, with well-arched toes.
TAIL
Should be set on top, and curled tightly over to one side.
COAT
Short and silky. Skin very pliant.
COLOUR
Pure, rich chestnut, or pure black, or black and tan, all with white feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, white blaze and white collar optional.
WEIGHT AND SIZE
Dogs are approximately 24 lb. and 17 ins. Bitches approximately 22 lb. and 16 ins.
FAULTS
Coarse skull or muzzle. Domed or peaked skulls. Cheekiness. Round or light eyes. Low-set ears. Overshot or undershot mouths. Wide chest, barrel ribs. Wide hind movement. Heavy bone. Thin, flat, open feet. Short in the leg. Cow hocks. Creams, sables or off-colours, or any colours other than those defined above should be heavily penalized.
