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GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Basenji is a small, lightly built, short backed
dog, giving the impression of being high on the leg compared to its length.
The wrinkled head must be proudly carried, and the whole demeanor
should be one of poise and alertness. The Basenji should not bark, but is not
mute. The wrinkled forehead, and the swift, tireless running
gait (resembling a racehorse trotting full out) are typical of
the breed.
SIZE
Height : Bitches 16 inches (41 cm) and. dogs 17 inches (43 cm) from the ground to the top of the shoulder.
Bitches 16 inches (41 cm) and. dogs 17 inches (43 cm) from the front of the chest to the farthest point of the hindquarters.
Weight : Dogs 24 lb. (10.886 kg). Bitches 22 lb (9.979 kg)
COAT AND COLOUR
Coat short and silky. Skin very pliant.
Color chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and chestnut
red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red);
all with white feet, chest and tail tip. White legs, blaze and
collar optional. The amount of white should never predominate
over primary color. Color and markings should be rich, clear
and well-defined, with a distinct line of demarcation between
the black and red of tricolors and the stripes of brindles.
HEAD
The skull is flat, well chiseled and of medium width, tapering towards the eyes. The foreface should taper from eye to muzzle and should be shorter than the skull. The muzzle neither coarse nor snipey but with rounded cushions. Wrinkles should appear upon the forehead, and be fine and profuse. Side wrinkles are desirable, but should never be exaggerated into dewlap. Black nose greatly desired. A pinkish tinge should not penalise an otherwise first class specimen, but it should be discouraged in breeding. Teeth must be level with scissors bite. Eyes dark hazel, almond shaped, obliquely set and far seeing. Ears small, pointed and erect of fine texture, set well forward on top of head.
NECK
Of good length, well crested and slightly full at base of throat. It should be well set into shoulders.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders flat, laid back. The legs straight with clean fine bone, long forearm and well defined sinews. Pasterns should be of good length, straight and flexible.
BODY
The body should be short and the back level. The chest should be deep and of medium width. 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 either side.
FAULTS
Coarse skull or muzzle. Domed or peaked skull. Dewlap. Round eyes. Low set ears. Overshot or undershot mouths. Wide chest. Wide behind. Heavy bone. Creams, shaded or off colors, other than those defined above, should be heavily penalised.
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