My Small Game Hunter

[ronin]

Here is a pic of my hunting partner, Axel. He is a basenji; a breed from Africa used by tribesmen for small game. Basenjis are an ancient breed and do not share the same DNA as the domesticated dog; Canis familiaris. There are hieroglyphics of the Basenji with the Pharohs of ancient Egypt.

They are almost silent and do not bark. This is probably due to their small stature and large number of African predators they are forced to contend with. Barking is probably dangerous where they come from!

Basenjis are listed as a sight hound by the AKC but I think this is a misnomer. The dog's height makes it extremely difficult to see anything in the distance yet his nose is almost on par with my bloodhound's; no small feat.

I have trained this dog to scent discriminate and locate various small game including quail, rabbit, etc. He is extremely effective and if I fail to hit my target, Axel will often times simply catch it. Basenji's are lighting fast.

[ronin]

Sorry for the size of the first pic! Hopefully this one comes oput a little smaller!

This is a shot of Axel on the scent trail of a rabbit. The rabbit was not in visiual range and was hiding in brush about 100 yards ahead of my dog. Axel trailed/ tracked this rabbit at a dead run and overwhelmed the him long before it had a chance to react.+

[huntnma]

what a perfect size.......looks like a ball of energy......

[ronin]

Often much more than I can handle!

[huntnma]

so who's worse, him or the hounds when it comes to energy.....
right now Anddee is asleep thank God, but i'm telling you, i know folks don't realize how active bloodhounds really are.....

[flhuntress]

i used to have a pet sitting service and one of my best clients had a brown one....she did not like anyone or trust anyone but eventually we bonded and it was great....made the owner very happy....they are awesome lil dogs...i'd love one but since i'm a big chicken i'd have to have a dog that barked....i never realized that they'd be good huntin' dogs...had no clue.

[ronin]

They both have their moments, Ma! I know Andee can be a handful after all I've heard about her. But, that's what you want in a good work dog. The more hard headed, the better.

FL, I have two Basenjis that I use for hunting. Both are very sweet and love all dogs and people. This isn't common for the breed. But again, I pick puppies for specific traits, demeanor being one of them.

[flhuntress]

i definitely have a new respect for them....

[rednckshedevil]

ronin said:

Often much more than I can handle!

now i see why you are carring him!!! lolol

great pics though!!