Basenji breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Basenjis
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Basenji breed
Basenji-like dogs can be seen in paintings and engravings in Pharaoh tombs in Ancient Egypt, suggesting that their history goes back a long way. Although Basenji-like dogs are found all across the African continent, it is understood that the breed originates from the Congo basin in central Africa. They were commonly used as hunting and scent dogs and were well adapted to the thick forest environment. After several failed efforts to bring the breed to the UK, their introduction was finally successful in the mid-1930s. Basenjis are still used as hunting dogs in Africa but they have become a popular family dog in the UK due to their temperament and their tendency not to bark.
Weight, height & life expectancy
They tend to not grow beyond 43cm in height. They weigh up to about 11kg.
Their life expectancy is up to 14 years.
What is the temperament of a Basenji like?
Basenjis are known to be very friendly, affectionate and protective of their families. They can be shy with new people at first but can warm to them once they get to know them. They tend to prefer older children to younger ones. Make sure to socialise them early with children if you plan them to be around kids. They are often known as ‘barkless’, but still like to make other noises like yodelling and squealing.
Typically, the breed will have an independent character, but when it suits them, they’ll be back by your side for lots of cuddles. We assume they love all members of their family - but they do tend to form a stronger bond with one person which will likely grow even stronger over time. Borrowers, take note - these pups will make it worth your while if you’re able to visit them regularly.
Our Basenji Community
“Asha is a cute 2yo Basenji female who is extremely cuddly and playful. She loves to cuddle under the duvet and have lazy mornings. She loves to go out to meet other dogs and go on long walks in parks/nature. She loves attention, play with other dogs and to have her back scratched. She also loves to play at home with humans. Her favourite game is to chase/be chased by other dogs.”
Asha’s owner, Theo from London
“Sandi is an affectionate, 3 yr old, red-white Basenji girl. Sandi can nearly always be found with her blanket & hot water bottle all year round. She likes street & park walks, with the mission to sniff as much as possible. But she’s at her happiest running off lead in a secure enclosed space. Sandi is usually sleeping, eating or getting cuddles. She is a tug of war enthusiast & loves to win.”
Sandi’s owner, Jorden from Edinburgh
How much exercise does a Basenji need?
Basenjis do have lots of energy but they are usually content with about an hour of exercise per day. They are more than happy to be given more if you are planning a longer walk though! Basenjis have a high prey drive so will often be running off on walks following scents or chasing squirrels, so be sure to let them off lead in enclosed areas only. They like to be kept busy so having lots of attention and mental stimulation throughout the day is essential for them to be happy, relaxed dogs.
Need an extra hand exercising your Basenji? Find a local borrower today.
Do Basenjis need a lot of grooming?
Basenjis can come in a variety of colours including chestnut red, black, tricolor, or brindle. They also have white feet, chest, and tail tips. They have very short hair and don’t shed or slobber much at all - this means they are a good breed for sensitive types and they are often labelled as a ‘hypoallergenic’ breed. Some people can be allergic to the dog’s skin as opposed to the hair though, so you should always check if you could be allergic before getting your own.
They are a very clean breed and will spend hours grooming themselves after a walk. They are more cat-like than any other breed of dog and just like their feline friends, they clean themselves using their paws. You should give them a regular brush to reduce shedding.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Basenjis easy to train?
Basenjis are an intelligent breed but can be a little independent - which can make it a bit tricky to train them. They are also known for being a bit stubborn, which can make training a challenge. You should start to train then early, continue consistently and be very patient. Some people describe training a Basenji, like training a cat!
If the Basenji is part of a big family, it is recommended that just one person focuses on training. This is because of the strong bond that Basenjis tend to form with one person - you’ll have more success if you’re the ‘chosen one’ in your dog’s eyes! When other members of the family (or borrowers) are looking after the pup, they should try to copy the commands given by the main trainer exactly.
Recall should be a top priority in Basenji training. As their prey drive is high, it is important for your dog to know to come back when called. Also make sure your garden is escape-proof or your Basenji might go on its own adventures!
Want to experience spending time with a Basenji to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Basenji near you.
What do Basenjis eat?
Basenjis should eat a good quality dog food twice daily when they are adults. They should be given puppy food until they are about 9 months old, although your food brand can give you advice on this as all foods are a bit different. Basenjis have a slight frame, so it’s important they aren’t allowed to get overweight, so be sure to limit the treats.
Are Basenjis healthy?
Basenjis are generally pretty hardy dogs, but like any breed are more prone to some conditions than others. These can include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Circulatory system
Anaemia – an abnormally low amount of red blood cells
Eyes
Corneal dystrophy - is a clouding of the cornea of the eye, which can over time cause blindness
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - over time the back of the eye becomes damaged which can reduce your dog’s vision, eventually leading to blindness
Kidneys
Fanconi Syndrome - a hereditary issue with the tubes of the kidneys that don’t allow normal absorption of important molecules in the kidney
Urinary
Bladder Stones - stones form in the bladder which can be uncomfortable and cause a blockage
Always make sure to have your dog insured, so you don’t get caught out with any unexpected vet bills.
This list is by no means comprehensive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your Basenji or if you want to discuss further if a Basenji is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Basenjis are great characters, and love cuddles, but they can be quite stubborn at times, but if you are super patient with them, they can be your best friend!
BorrowMyDoggy loves Basenjis
BorrowMyDoggy has over 70 Basenji members
Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
