basenji health

Basenji Health & Wellbeing

Help eliminate disease from the Basenji by testing breeding stock

basenji healthThe Basenji is an ancient breed that has evolved through 'survival of the fittest'. Generally Basenjis are a 'hardy' breed. However, there are some health concerns that affect the breed. Basenji health and wellbeing is always given a top priority at Tambuzi.

Most 'western born' Basenjis go back to a very small gene pool. It is likely that health issues have been concentrated into the gene pool by many repetitions of these 'original dogs' in bloodlines. It would have been wonderful to have had the tools (DNA testing etc.) available to breeders today when the foundation dogs were exported from Africa.

As time rolls on veterinary scientists are constantly discovering new tests or refining existing tests available for various Basenji health issues. Testing breeding stock is imperative to ensure that these health issues are controlled and where possible eliminated from the breed.

These pages discuss the health challenges of the Basenji, prevention, testing and prognosis. I have developed a health management program which utilizes all facets of disease screening, including molecular (DNA) testing. Where possible coupled with physical examinations where DNA testing is not available.

I have been DNA profiling (a molecular finger print) my breeding stock since 2005. From 2010 all puppies are DNA profiled. Therefore, I can verify the parentage of all the puppies I breed. Clearly this policy offers puppy purchasers a high degree of certainty of the health outcomes of puppies bred by Tambuzi. Review an 'in a nut shell' view of Tambuzi health results.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has a open database of health results.

By the selective breeding of tested breeding stock no Basenji bred at Tambuzi will be affected by Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Fanconi Syndrome or Late-Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy.