Basenji

also known as African Bush Dog, Zande Dog, Congo Dog, Ango Angari, Congo Terrier, African Barkless Dog

Pros History


The Basenji is a breed of dog that originated in central Africa. It is thought to have descended from ancient hunting dogs, and it is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and energetic personality.

The purpose of the Basenji breed is primarily as a companion and family pet, although they are also often used for conformation showing and obedience training. They are known for their playful and energetic nature and can be good with children, although they may be reserved with strangers.

The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a slim, athletic build, short coat, and small, pointed ears. They are generally small to medium in size, weighing between 22 and 24 pounds, and standing around 16 inches tall at the shoulder.

The history of the Basenji is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is thought that the breed has been around for thousands of years. It is believed that the Basenji was originally bred by the ancient Egyptians, who prized the breed for its hunting abilities and kept them as pets. The breed was later adopted by the people of central Africa, where it was used as a hunting dog and companion.

In the early 20th century, the breed was introduced to Europe and the United States, where it quickly gained popularity as a companion animal. Today, the Basenji is recognized by most major kennel clubs around the world, and it is a popular breed for those looking for a small, energetic, and intelligent companion.

Breed Information


Type

Is Basenji a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Basenjis originally used for?

Hunting Small Game

Lifespan

How Long Do Basenjis Live? What is average life expectancy for a Basenji? How long can Basenjis live?

10-12 years

The average Basenji lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Basenji Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Basenji?

What is the average height of a Basenji? How big is a Purebred Basenji height? Basenji dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 16-17 inches (40.6 - 43.2 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm)
Female 15-16 inches (38.1 - 40.6 cm) 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Basenji? How much should Basenjis weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 22-26 pounds (10 - 12 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg) 21.0 pounds (10 kg) 24.0 pounds (11 kg)
Female 20-24 pounds (9 - 11 kg) 11.0 pounds (5 kg) 19.0 pounds (9 kg) 22.0 pounds (10 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Basenjis get fat easily?

The Basenji is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Basenjis Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Basenji is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Basenji personality? What are Basenji dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Curious
Playful
Alert
Energetic
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Are Basenjis heavy shedders? How Much Does a Basenji Shed?

Basenji will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Basenji dog?

The Basenji dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Basenjis come from?

Central Africa (Zaire and the Congo)

Ancestry

What are Basenjis descended from?

African Bush Dog

Date of Birth

When were Basenjis first bred? How old is the Basenji breed?

Ancient

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Basenji?

Hound (AKC:1943)
Sighthounds and Pariahs (UKC)

Basenji Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Basenji eyes?

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Basenji nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Basenji coat be naturally?

White
Black
Brindle
Red

Coat Length

How long is a Basenjis coat?

Basenjis are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Basenji Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Basenji?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Basenji have in a litter? How many puppies can a Basenji have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Basenji can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Basenji dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Basenji Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Basenjis have a lot of health problems?

The Basenji is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Basenji?

PRA
Fanconi Syndrome
Basenji Enteropathy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Basenjis?

Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency

Occasional Diagnoses

Hypothyroidism

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Basenji breed?

Eye
Dna Test For Pk
Fanconi Urine Test
Full Body Physical Examination

Basenji Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Basenjis have a lot of energy?

Basenjis are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Basenjis need socialization? How social are Basenjis?

The Basenji dog has below average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be independent and aloof, and they are content with spending time alone and not requiring as much interaction and companionship as other breeds.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Basenjis get?

The Basenji dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Basenji have? Do Basenjis sleep a lot?

Basenjis are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Basenji drool a lot?

The Basenji is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Basenji could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Basenjis are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Basenjis exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Basenji dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Basenjis mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Basenji running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Basenji dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Basenjis enjoy doing? How do I keep my Basenji busy?

Shake, Running, Sniffing, Cuddling, Destroying toys, Marking, Run, Play with Toys, Dog Parks, Walk, Being pet, Fetch, Smelling, Out, Catch treats, Play keep away, Play, Chase, Tracking, Eating Snacks, Walking, Mischif, Hiking, Lounging, Mountain biking, Off-leash, Fetch-ish, Trail running, Long hikes

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Basenji? How much energy does a Basenji have?

High

Basenjis are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Basenji walk each week? How many miles should a Basenji walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Basenji, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Basenji should exercise a day? How much activity does a Basenji need?

90 minutes

In general most Basenjis usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Basenji?

The Basenji is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Basenji?

Weekly

Basenji should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Basenjis?

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Basenji eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 22-26 pound (10 - 12 kg) Basenji feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Basenji Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Basenji is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Basenji Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Basenji is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Basenji Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Basenji?

The Basenji have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. This breed is an independent "freethinker" and gets on the dumbest dog breeds list since they can also be stubborn — training a Basenji is an exercise in patience.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Basenji dog?

Basenji dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Basenji dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Basenji do well in apartments? Are Basenjis good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Basenji in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Basenjis living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Basenjis good with kids? Are Basenjis good around children?

Basenjis are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Basenjis good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Basenjis good with cats? How friendly Basenjis are toward cats?

Basenjis are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Basenjis can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Basenji dogs get along with other dogs? Are Basenjis OK with other dogs?

Basenjis are below average dog friendly dogs. Basenji dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Basenji dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Basenjis friendly with strangers?

Basenjis are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Basenjis are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Basenjis will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Basenjis like to play? Are Basenjis playful?

Basenjis have an average level of playfulness. The Basenjis, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Basenji easily trained?

Basenji dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent
    Basenjis are highly intelligent and are easily trainable, making them a good choice for obedience training and performing various tasks.
  • Low shedding
    Basenjis are known for their low shedding coats, making them a good choice for those with allergies or who do not want a lot of dog hair in their home.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    Basenjis tend to have a low to average risk of obesity.
  • Good with children
    When properly trained and socialized, Basenjis can be good with children.
  • Lack of odor
    The Basenji's tendency to produce a bad smell is low.
  • Rarely barks
    This breed may be a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful dog as they are known for being quiet.
  • Active breed
    Basenjis require daily exercise and mental stimulation, making them a good choice for active individuals or families.

Cons

  • High energy
    Basenjis are a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This may not be suitable for those with limited time or energy.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Basenjis are not suited to the office environment
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Basenjis may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Basenjis do not possess the temperament to coexist peacefully with cats.
  • Expensive to purchase and maintain
    Basenjis can be expensive to purchase and maintain, with costs for food, vet care, and grooming adding up over time.