Basenji
An elegant, cat-like hunting dog from Central Africa that rarely barks but yodels, and thinks for itself.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 41–45 cm · Females 38–42 cm
- Weight
- Males 10–12 kg · Females 9–10 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–16 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Red, Black, White, Tricolour, Brindle
- Bred for
- Hunting by sight, Hunting by scent, Companionship
- Country of origin
- United Kingdom
- FCI
- Group 5, no. 43 · Spitz & primitive types
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 1/5 – Very low |
| Shedding | 1/5 – Very low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a quiet, clean, short-coated dog
- enjoy a clever, independent character
- can provide secure fencing and daily exercise
Think twice if you …
- want reliable off-lead walks
- have small pets
- want an obedient, easily trained dog
Care
Temperament
Basenjis are alert, curious and independent, affectionate with family but often aloof with strangers. They can be mischievous when bored.
Exercise
About an hour or more a day of walks and free running in safe areas. Lure coursing, scent work and agility suit them.
Grooming
The fine, short coat needs very little care and they groom themselves like cats. Shedding is minimal.
Training
They are smart but not eager to please, so use short, rewarding sessions. Off-lead recall is unreliable in many dogs.
Health
Fanconi syndrome (a kidney disorder), pyruvate kinase deficiency, a form of PRA, hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia are known. Ask the breeder for DNA, eye, hip and thyroid results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
- Thyroid
DNA tests
- Fanconi syndrome
- PK deficiency
- PRA-BJ1
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Basenji is an ancient hunting dog from Central Africa, where it worked with hunters in the forests of the Congo basin, driving game into nets. Dogs brought to Britain in the 1930s founded the modern breed, and Britain holds its FCI patronage.
Basenjis do not bark in the usual way, but they make yodels, howls and other sounds. They are clean, quick and curious, with a strong chase instinct and an independent mind. Many are reserved with strangers and devoted to their family. They need secure fencing, plenty of activity and owners who see their clever escapes as part of the package.
Did you know?
Basenji females usually come into season only once a year, as wolves do, rather than twice like most dogs.