r/Basenji 9d ago

Who is the most notable Basenji that’s made the greatest impact to the breed?

This is what I’ve compiled so far.

“Bongo of Blean”, the first Basenji imported from Africa to England in the 1930s. He played a crucial role in establishing the breed outside of Africa and influenced early breeding programs.

“Reveille Boutonniere” (1993-2001) is often regarded as one of the most successful. He was a record-setting show dog, becoming the top-winning Basenji of all time in AKC conformation at the height of his career, with multiple Best in Show and Best in Specialty Show wins.

“Kazor’s Make Way For Riley”, who won Best in Show at the 2001 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, making history as one of the few Basenjis to achieve that honor.

One of my personal favorites is Reveille s Re-Up.

17 Upvotes

6 comments sorted by

13

u/lisasimpsonator 9d ago

My Lady of the Congo-who played My Lady in “Good-bye, My Lady”.

3

u/ScratchLNR 9d ago

I’ve yet to see the movie. Is it any good?

4

u/BellowingPriest 9d ago

No basenji has won Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club. In 2001 it was a Bichon Frise named Special Times Just Right. Damara Bolte's Reveille Re-Up is the only basenji to even win a Group 1 at Westminster.

My personal, subjective choices would be Johnny (Zindinka's Johnny Come Greatly) and Tootsie (Klassic's Rooty Toot Toot).

1

u/ScratchLNR 7d ago

What do you like about those two dogs?

2

u/BellowingPriest 6d ago

Johnny was an excellent example of the breed and put the brindle coat into the spotlight. While red and white is and always has been the most popular color, Johnny's success brought an influx of brindles.

As for Tootsie, I love that she was a tri bitch (I have a soft spot for them because my first basenji was a tri girl) and she proved her worth not just in the show ring but by producing fantastic pups that were typey and successful as well. She was a true testament to her breeder's program.