When famed American translator, Robert Bly, introduced the African hunting dog, the Basenji, to America back in the 1960s, headlines hailed it as the ‘Brilliant Barkless Dog’. Fast-forward sixty years, and we’re still fascinated by this natural wonder. But why? It’s not just because this dog doesn’t bark but instead ‘yodels’ its heart out in adorable, low-pitched hums. Anecdotally, owners frequently remark their Basenjis possess almost humanlike wisdom and intelligence, but is it true? Are Basenjis really ‘smart’ dogs?
Pointedly, defining a dog as ‘smart’ can be subjective and depending on your point of view, a ‘smart’ dog could possess a variety of traits such as obedience, problem-solving skills, or perhaps an intangible emotional intelligence. Let’s deep dive into this captivating canine and discover exactly what makes the Basenji considered one of the most intelligent breeds in the world.
Basenjis hail from Central Africa, where they were bred primarily for hunting and herding. This almost instantly tells you that yes, they’re smart – hunting and herding breeds need high levels of dirt-under-the-paw wisdom to get their jobs done. When it comes to instinctive intelligence, Basenjis have it in spades. This is their innate ability to perform the tasks they were bred for without much prodding from us humans. Just like the Border Collie is known to herd instinctively or the Bloodhound to track scents, Basenjis possess a formidable instinct to understand and react to their environment.
A Basenji on the hunt is a sight to behold. It uses its sharp vision and keen sense of smell to track small animals, weaving its way through the thickets with grace and agility. Once it has its target in sight, the Basenji uses clever strategies, often similar to those employed by its wolf ancestors. Such instincts are hardwired into these dogs as part of their survival traits, often seen when they employ unsuccessful repeated attempts to achieve a goal – this is what we conventionally term persistence.
Delving deeper, we find that this breed scores high on adaptive intelligence as well. This refers to a dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from past experiences. Basenjis have been known to figure out how to unlatch gates, open cupboard doors, even navigate their way out of complex mazes. To top this, not only will they remember the solution, most times, they will remember it for life. These small but clear demonstrations of ingenuity assure us of Basenjis being bright and clever companions.
What’s more, Basenjis are also incredibly attuned to human emotions, qualities that usually denote emotional intelligence. They’re sensitive to their owners’ needs, often rumored to be almost telepathic in understanding their human’s needs. A Basenji is more than just a pet; it’s a full-blown member of the family.
However, all these qualities do not necessarily translate into obedience – so if your definition of a ‘smart dog’ is a dog that learns obedience commands quickly, you might be disappointed. Even though they are capable of understanding these commands, Basenjis are prohibitive thinkers and have a kind of resilience not to ‘fall in line’, which some interpret as stubbornness. Unlike Labradors or Golden Retrievers, which are motivatable by food rewards, the Basenjis require a deeper, more genuine connection with their trainers to obey commands willingly.
Delving into the best ways to encourage learning in your Basenji, the critical aspect lies in engaging them. Varying training methods, making them fun, and incentivizing through play, are all strategies that have been proven effective.
In the same vein, socializing your Basenji at a young age will also contribute to their overall intelligence. Visiting dog parks, introducing them to new people and different experiences will cultivate their cognitive abilities, making them more adaptable and confident.
In conclusion, are Basenjis smart dogs? A resounding ‘yes’. However, their intelligence is not in the conventional ‘sit-and-fetch’ sense. Their wisdom shines in primitive hunting instincts, incredible adaptability, and unyielding grit. They are perceptive pupils of the world around them, curious and clever in equal parts. And while they might need some extra coaxing to learn new commands, once they do, they remember them for life. So, if you’re looking for a four-legged companion with unparalleled intelligence and a captivating independence of character, the Basenji might be your perfect fit!
