Basenji

Every human needs a companion who gives him the warmth like a toddler and shield him like a guardian. Well, Basenji dog breeds has all such qualities and is totally adore worthy.

The Basenji breed of dogs are widely known for their excellent alerting feature which makes them potential ‘hunting dogs’. During early times, central African people had these dogs for their ‘hunting by sight and scent’ quality.  

If you want someone to look after you family and give equal of empathy, then this is the breed for you. They also, don’t bark but they do yodel, whine, growl and make many hilarious sound. And, they will create havoc if left alone. Careful there!

Basenji Pictures

Quick Facts

Average Height:  Male: 17 inches, Female: 16inches.

Average Weight: Male: 24 pounds, Female: 22 pounds.

Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years.

Dog Group: Hound. 

Colours: Black, black and white, brindle, tan, red & tri-colour.

At a Glance

•  Size (2/5)

Basenji comes in a very convenient size. The Basenji puppy weighs around 10-15 pounds with height 8-12 inches. A fully grown and nurtured Basenji perfectly reaches to the height of 16-17 inches at the shoulders. Their convenient size makes them surrounding friendly.   

• Affection Level (4/5)

The bark less dog is known for its affectionate traits. Earlier, they were originally used as hunting dogs in villages for small prey hunting. Later, they were adapted by the people for accompanying and guard them and were globally loved.

• Apartment Friendly (4/5) 

 A fully grown Basenji size usually reaches a height of 16-17 inches and weighing 22-24 pounds, which is actually a decent size for making them apartment friendly dogs. These small sized dogs can adjust and lodge in any apartment of decent extent.

• Cold Weather Tolerability (1/5)

Though, in earlier times, Basenjis were used for hunting purposes but they are not exactly in good terms with the breezes. With no fur or coat on around their skin, they are averse to cold. Basenji will always require to wear jackets to get rid of shivering and cold.

• Hot Weather Tolerability (4/5)

As these dogs have their strings attached with the Congo; a belt of sunny and humid days; Basenjis are adaptive to the hot weather. Having no cost and short hair all over the body definitely contributes to the heat adaptability quality.

• Barking Tendencies (3/5)

Not barking and rather yodel is one of the many basenji traits. These hunter grouped dogs has an indifferent bone shape in larynx. So, they basically can make unconventional voices.

They usually make sound to alert their family or owner or maybe want some gaming sessions.

• Cat Friendly (2/5)

These extra vigilant dogs are of protector kind. Though, they have a lot of grooming qualities like that of cats but are extremely protective towards their family. If they are brought up with other pets from their puppyhood, then maybe not have a lot of problem with adaptation.

• Dog Friendly (3/5)

Basenjis are okay with other dogs. As they grow, they nurture their own attitude and every basenji do have some uniqueness to their attitude. They stand as Independent breed of dogs. Homes with hamsters, gerbils, mice, this is not the breed of you.

Also, make them train in certain way to make him mingle up with the surrounding pets easily.

• Exercise Needs (4/5)

Basenjis inherits the instinct of chasing and hunting and are super active breed of dogs. It is suggested to take them for at least 4-5 walks every day and keep them involved in fun and interest worthy activities like climbing, as they are good climbers.

• Grooming Needs (2/5)

Short haired Basenji are very easy to groom, which is a big plus. Due to their sheer coat of hair, dust particle and other dirt doesn’t stick to the body of a Basenji. Occasional brushing, bathing and nail clipping is what would work sufficient for them.

• Playfulness (4/5)

 Basenjis are to be engaged in various play of activities. He loves to chase and trail and look for regular mental and physical stimulation. Less his engagement, more he will be frustrated and destructive. These highly energetic creatures love the kind of activities hat challenges them.

• Trainability (3/5)

One thing that will cost you a lot of patience and time, is Basenji Training. The Basenjis need a highly skilled and practised trainer that would bring out the best in them. They tend to lose interest very fast and can act destructively. It’s a bit tough to train these bad boys but are worth every effort.

• Intelligence (4/5)

With their beguiling appearance, they are also highly brainy and hence shouldn’t be left alone at home for too long. They have instincts that of a hunter and uses sound and scent to track their pray, which is quite smart.

• Mouthiness (5/5)

With characteristics of a hunting breed, Basenji surely has the tendency to chew everything he sees. They can become destructive as well. Their Mouthiness can be controlled by involving them in enjoyable activities like fetching or by buying them a chew toy.

• Price Group (3/5)

The eye catching breed of Basenji can cost you something around $800, excluding of the grooming and lifestyle expenses. Yes, Basenji price also depends on the quality of breed and a good breeder would take no less than $1000 – $1500 for a Basenji pup. They indeed are pricy.

About Basenji

Originally found in the Congo, Basenji has made his way to our hearts with his stunning features and characteristics of a hunter. They have spectacular swiftness and their long legs make them move faster in order to catch his pray.

Basenji dog has a masculine physique which attracts people who own a pet for guarding them. These dogs do not hesitate in showing their true self to people and are escape artist. They are bold, independent (mildly stubborn) and clever breed of dogs.

For the hunting traits that they’ve inherited, it is advised to NOT leave them all to themselves or they may make a mess out of your place.

Black, black and white, brindle, tan, red & tri-colour are known Basenji colours.

Where Basenji Originate From?

Originally on central Africa, these dogs were kept for hunting small prey tracking and driving them into nets. The Basenji breed was identified by the Europeans as a unique breed in the year 1895.

They navigate and explore on the basis of sound and scent of their prey, which is property of many hound family members. These small furred and curled tail creature is one of the oldest breed of dog known to mankind.  

According to the AKC, there has been a decline in likeness os this breed in the U.S.This breed ranked 71^st in the year 1999 and now holds the 93^rd rank.

This breed is also known for its howling and yodelling as they can’t really bark. The Basenji howl can get annoying sometime, making them not very suitable for a posh living area.

Size

This small sized breed of dog usually weighs about 22-24 pound with shoulder height of 16-17inches. They may come to you as a tiny non-human creature, but are very intelligent with the instinctive of a hunter.

Basenji have elongated legs and a petite frame that makes them a good prey-chaser. Commonly known as ‘the barkless dog’, they make yodelling sounds to grab attention. Their small build helps them move without restrictions in the house, making them a choice for apartment friendly dogs.

Trainability 

These dog breeds are known for their masculine frame, speed of chasing and intelligent characteristics. They like their owners to be dominant and will follow every command given by a dominant master.

During the nurturing period, it is advised to keep them involved in activities and stuff to keep their mental state stable. A minimum of 4– 6 walk is required to get them get acquainted with the surrounding. Coming towards their adulthood, they need a little exerting trainings.  .

Having nothing to do can make Basenji temperament bad .Basenjis typically doesn’t have temperament issues. But, a Basenji can act ferocious if left alone for a long period, even though they are independent breed of dogs.

Suggested: 10 Basic Commands For Training Your Dog.

Grooming

Grooming just gets easier with this dog breed. With short hair coat, Basenji shedding won’t be a subject to worry about. The shedding is so minimal that combing thoroughly every other day will be enough. All required are brush, comb and dry shampoo.

Even though they shed minimal, yet are hypoallergenic breed of dogs. Basenji hypoallergenic qualities can lead to many problem. So, animal allergic people must keep a distance or take extra care of their Basenjis.

For they are independent breed of dogs who resembles grooming qualities like cats, they keep themselves really tidy and presentable every second.

Grooming essentials out of stock or out of the budget? We have got your back. Here, is an easy DIY dog shampoo tutorial for your champ!

Common Diseases

Targeting the Kidney

The Basenji breed of dogs are prone to Fanconi Syndrome, where the dog urinates the needed amount of protein from this body. This syndrome is usually spotted in the age of 4-7 years and used to be fatal at a time. Now, there are medications available, but is very time consuming. Make sure you don’t but from a breeder who bred dogs with such syndromes.

Targeting the Stomach

ISID or Immunoproliferative Systematic Intestinal Disease, used to be the most common disease found in a Basenji dog. This disease will make your doggo sick, make them allergic to certain food and will create issue in weight gaining. Try minimizing stress and changing the diet chart of your dog. It can be cured with some efforts and warmth.

Targeting the Hormones

Hypothyroidism is a syndrome where there is deficiency of thyroid hormone and may lead to mental stress, obesity, falling of hair, lack of energy and infertility. Thank god, this is an easily curable disease and can be controlled with the usage of pills. The dog has to take pills throughout their life time.

Targeting the Eyes

Diseases such as PPM (Persistent Pupillary Membranes), PRA (Progressive Retinal Antrophy) and Coloboma are certain to happen to your beloved Basenji.

PPM, where there is pre-nourishment of the eye lenses before birth, PRA, where there can be complete vision loss due to deterioration of the retina & Coloboma, where there is an occurrence of a hole/gap in the eye.

Targeting the Bones

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common and known disease in most of the hound breed dogs. The improper fitting of the thigh bone to the hip joint causes pain and abnormality in the breed’s legs.

These diseases doesn’t bring severe concern your basenji’s wellbeing but if avoided, these can lead to lessening of Basenji lifespan.

Miscellaneous Diseases

• Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (Hemolytic Anemia)
• Umbilical hernia

Feeding 

The Basenji breed of dogs are adventure-loving, for they are hunting dogs. They always will be needing exercises and walks in order to keep their mind and physique healthy.

It is recommended to feed the highly energetic Basenji with 1 cup of high quality dry food with good and needed nutrition value. Be careful during their mouthing period as they will chew up everything that catches their eye.

NOTE: The amount to be fed to Basenji also depends on their size, metabolism, food intake etc.

Also, Make sure you don’t feed them too much as they don’t do well with obesity. Obesity doesn’t sound like a quality a hunter would want, duh! Quality naps and good quality food along with daily exercise will positively keep your Basenji far from vet.

Suggested: Senior Dog Food

Dog food SOS? Here are some mouth water homemade dog food recipe. Thank us later!

Vaccination and Care

To shield your Basenji from any disease before it infects is the standard way – you must vaccinate Basenji puppy at the age of 6, 10 and 14 months to prime them with antibodies and neutralize infectious organisms.

Though, Basenjis has a grooming quality just like that of any feline, and keeps themselves well groomed and presentable all the time. Like felines, Basenjis also stay away from wet or moist situation. So, you are good with your Basenji as soon as you don’t make them swim with you in the pool.

Yet, yearly vaccinations must be scheduled for your champ for DHPP and Rabies, and a monthly check up and consultation is mandatory for IG’s hair in case of any parasite or ticks infestation.

Suggested: Guide To Dog Vaccination

Monthly Expense Estimation

Due to fewness of this breed, you must be thinking that how much does a Basenji cost. Chill pill readers! This breed of dogs are not the priciest but are not the most budget friendly, either.

The average price can range anywhere from $500 – $1800. Basenji’s price also vary according to the registration, breeder, quality and geographical place.

Yearly vaccinations and other pet care activities would cost you between $100 – $400 USD. Since, Basenjis take care of themselves quite nicely, they will save the bucks meant for grooming sessions. You may want to strengthen your fences though, because these ferocious creatures can go from being loving basenji to lost basenji.

Behaviour

Cats:

Though, Basenjis have grooming qualities same as that of felines yet because of their prey instinct, Basenjis are not good with cats or any other small animals like rats, hamsters etc. If they have been raised with a cat from the beginning they can do decently well with the cats.

Dogs:

They do decently well with other members of the canine family. Never leave your dog alone or skip their socializing period as that might result in stubbornness or aggression. They do tend to have tension between the males of same breed.

Children:

Children should be always under supervision of an adult. Parents should teach their kids how to approach and touch a dog during certain time like, while the dog is eating. These highly spirited dogs will be good for a home with older and active kids who likes to play around often.

Overview

Widely known as the ‘bark less dog’ from Congo, Basenji interests people with their convenient size, short haired coat, coiled tiny tail and wrinkles on their forehead. Aww!

They are brainy breed of dogs with preying instinctive and are brilliant escape artists. These breed of dogs are rare from last couple of years.

They love to get involved in sport and other activities as long as they are not water related. These full of life dogs show abounding love and affection towards their family and doesn’t like to be left alone.

Their cat like grooming tendencies and small body frame, makes them perfect for a condo life. Hard to train, they may be not suitable for a nonprofessional owner.

To know more about this breed, you can visit

Something Fun About Basenji

• Basenji are rated among ten dumbest of all dogs. Injustice. Hunters never fall for pampering; they only live with their style.

• Four or five Basenjis standing outside a lion’s cave to lure the big cat to come out. Once he is out, this brave lot is enough to hunt the lion too!!!

• As clean as a domestic cat. Always caring her coat and paws to appear as one of the cleanest, less maintenance required pet in your family.

Bonjour!

You made it till the end of Basenji. Bravo! We can’t be gladder. Tell us which qualities were yay and which ones were nah, in the comment section below.

Do share it with people who have this dog or who want to get this breed!

Happy Petting to You Guys!