BRITISH BASENJI STANDARD drawn up in February, 1939 - and approved on 24th June, 1942

HEIGHT Approximately 16 inches bitches, 17 inches dogs. HEAD Of medium width, not coarse, tapering towards the eyes, well-chiseled with lofty carriage. The skull should be flat. The foreface should taper from eye to muzzle, and should be shorter than the skull. Teeth should be level. Wrinkles appear upon the forehead when the ears are pricked, giving a puzzled expression. These are a special characteristic of the Basenji, but exaggerated wrinkle is to be avoided, as the excessive loose skin tends to give a Bloodhoundy appearance and spoils the clean lines of the breed. NOSE Black greatly desired, but a pinkish tinge should not penalise an otherwise first-class specimen. EARS Should be pointed and erect, set well forward, and of fine texture. EYES Dark hazel, almond shaped, small, deep-set and far-seeing. NECK Of sufficient length, well-crested, and slightly full at the base of the throat. It should be well set into flat laid-back shoulders. CHEST Deep and of medium width. BODY The body should be short and level. The ribs well sprung with plenty of heart-room and deep brisket, short-coupled and ending in a definite waist. LEGS Straight with clean bone and well defined sinews. Pasterns straight rather than otherwise, but not of the fox-terrier type. FEET Small, narrow, with well arched toes. HINDQUARTERS Should be strong and muscular, with hocks well let down, and turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs. TAIL Should be set on top and curled tightly over to one side. COLOUR Chestnut with white points and tail tip, also black and white, and black, tan and white. COAT Short and silky, skin very pliant. MOVEMENT Both hindlegs and forelegs should be carried straight forward with swinging stride, greatly resembling that of a racehorse trotting full out, this swift tireless running gait being a special characteristic of the breed. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS Basenjis do not bark. The appearance should be one of springy poise and alertness, greatly resembling an antelope. At the Annual General Meeting, April 29th, 1946, the following additions were made : WEIGHT Approximately 22 lbs. bitches, 24 lbs. dogs. COLOUR Creams are banned from showing and breeding.