West African dogs have contributed to the Basenji breed through the Kikis of Liberia.
The little 1941 Liberian stowaway, Phemister's Congo, was one of only four African imports registered by the AKC until the Avongaras. She was one of the earliest American foundation dogs and produced the first Basenji litters born in America. Although her contribution to today's gene pool is tiny, she can be found in the pedigrees of many of today's Basenjis.
The dominant black color in today's Basenjis comes exclusively from West African stock. The '60s and '70s saw the influx of numerous Liberian dogs into the Basenji gene pool.
One of the first dominant blacks brought to the U.S. was Kiki of Cryon, imported in 1961. Since the AKC studbook was closed her daughter, Black Diamond of Cryon, was bred and sent to England where she whelped two pups in quarantine. Three generations later Kiki's great great great grandson, Sir Datar of Horsley, was sent to the U.S. and AKC registered. Virtually all of the black and white Basenjis in the U.S. can trace their lineage to Kiki. One of Kiki's puppies from a Liberian breeding, Mai Kyau of Cryon, was also imported to the U.S.
The first AKC registered Black and Whites, imported into the U.S. from Rhodesia, were decended from Miliku. Miliku was brought to Rhodesia from Liberia in the early '60s and bred with South African registered Basenjis. Her great grandson S.A. Ch. Lazi of the Senjies was bred to Am Ch Coptokin Copper Bikini sent from America. The blacks from the litter were sent to America and AKC registered.
A second bitch sent from America to Rhodesia, the 1/4 Congolese Coptokin Copper Beautique, was bred 4 times to the Liberian import Taysenji Tahzu and his offspring. Many off her offsping were exported to the U.S. or England. Of special note was her 2nd litter. She was bred to Taysenji Tigee, a 3/4 Liberian son of Tahzu and grandson of Liberian import Kogi. The entire litter was sent to America via England.
Liberias Poldi, imported into Germany from Liberia in the 70s, has spead his progeny thoughout Germany, the rest of Europe, and South America.
Other West African dogs that have been imported are:
Diné, imported to the U.S. from Liberia in 1975.
Saphona of Lagos, imported into Germany from Nigeria in 1979.
Shakilo of Badagry, imported into Germany from Nigeria in 1980.
Nairas of Badagry & Williana of Badagry, imported into Germany from Nigeria in 1981.
Jasmine & Tyler, imported from Benin in 1998.
This list is by no means complete and does not include the countless dogs imported by Peace Corp volunteers, researchers, missionaries, employess of western corporations, and travelers as pets.