Basenji from West Africa

[Captmidnight]

I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo and I brought my bog home with me. As far as I can tell, he is a Basenji. He doesn't have the typical curly tail, but he has quite a few of the other characteristics. He makes the same sounds as a Basenji when he is annoyed or excited. When he wants to bark at something, he makes something similar to a howl which undulates in pitch. He does make a bark of sorts. It sounds like a muffled "ruff" and he won't do it again for a few seconds.

I thought you guys might want to take a look at a West African cousin of a Basenji.

[curlytails]

Well hello there, beautiful dog! What's his name? I like the shape of his ears.

[BlacChev]

Wow, what a beautiful friend you have there. I would love to know exactly what breed he is.

[tlish]

super cute! his ears remind me of a hyena's - kind of rounded triangles. does he have a tail at all - i can't find it in the first picture!

[Janneke]

What a gorgeous looking dog! Would love to see more pictures!

Welcome to the forum!

[DolceMomma]

He looks a lot like Dolce and acts just like her too.

[Patty]

Welcome and thanks for the pictures. Is he an Avuvi?

[crystalncody]

Welcome! He's so handsome!

[thunderbird8588]

Welcome, he's lovely. I think we need to see more pics ;)

[agilebasenji]

@curlytails:

Well hello there, beautiful dog! What's his name? I like the shape of his ears.

that was my exact thought - those lovely, lovely ears.
More pics, please!

[Shaye's Mom]

Wow, he is a beautiful dog! His tail is long and straight, so not a basenji trait, but his face looking through the banister is very basenji - whatever he is, he certainly is unique!

[DolceMomma]

I have never heard of an Avuvi until I read it above. I looked it up and was surprised that there was one at the dog park in Marietta, Ga last week. He thought it was a basenji mix since it had a straight up, pointed tail. Next time I see him, I will suggest researching Avuvi. Captmidight, are you still in Northern VA?

[Captmidnight]

I had never heard of an Avuvi until now. He is a local dog from my village which was about 35 miles west from the Ghana Border. I would not be surprised that they are similar. I will try to post some more photos of him later.

Btw, his name is Whala. If anyone is considering an African name for a Basenji puppy, I would recommend Kikuyu (Ki Coo You). Its the Hausa word for puppy.

[Fibula]

Great dog!
As far as I know the "typical" dogs in Togo are a breed called Hahoawu.
Congrats

[wizard]

The description of the hahowu sounds similar to the basenji but with the straighter tail and without the basenji wrinkles. They also yodel instead of bark and come from Togo.

[Basenjimamma]

Wow he is so pretty..I love his picture through the banister.
Thank you so much for sharing.

[sharronhurlbut]

Yes, please, more photos. Does your dog bark??

[Patty M]

Welcome! Does he love stealing sun rays? :) He's adorable…