Introduction to Basenjis
The basenji is a medium-sized dog that is an element of the Hound Group and is often known as Africa’s bark-less dog. This smart and independent dog is a singular canine companion that actually doesn’t bark. However, they express themselves in other ways with seems like a yodel or a chortle.
If you bring a basenji into your life, you’ll need to provide the dog loads of each day exercise. This breed requires some patience as a result of typical stubborn behaviors, but experienced pet parents will find that basenjis are loyal pups which can be generally healthy and easy to groom.
Are you curious to learn more in regards to the basenji dog breed? Our pet experts at Healthy Paws share every little thing you could know in regards to the basenji’s size, characteristics, care, health, and more.
Size of Basenjis
Male basenji dogs weigh roughly 24 kilos and stand 17 inches tall when fully grown. Female dogs are about 22 kilos in weight and 16 inches in height. Basenjis reach physical maturity between 12 and 14 months of age.
Here’s a chart detailing how big you possibly can expect your basenji to get because the dog grows from puppyhood to maturity. Female weights could also be barely lower than these averages, while male weights could also be barely higher.
| Weight Chart | 3 months | 6 months | 9 months | 12 months |
| Average female and male basenjis | 4 lbs. | 12 lbs. | 19 lbs. | 22-24 lbs. |
Characteristics of Basenjis
Originally bred as hunting dogs, basenjis are famous within the canine world for his or her high-pitched, musical sounds. They are quieter than other dogs but still do make noise. Basenjis are energetic dogs best for knowledgeable pet parents moderately than first-time dog owners. These friendly and adaptable dogs have low grooming needs but a robust prey drive and potential for mouthiness.
As you get to know a basenji’s personality, here’s what you possibly can expect based on the breed characteristics:
| Breed Characteristic | Level (High, Medium, Low) |
| Affectionate with People | High |
| Good with Kids | High |
| Good with Pets | Medium |
| Need for Exercise | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence Level | Medium |
| Able to Be Trained | Low |
| Amount of Barking | Low |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
History of Basenjis
Some paleontologists consider that basenjis were among the many very first domesticated dogs on the planet. The dogs originated from Africa and were depicted in ancient artifacts from Egypt and in art from Babylonia and Mesopotamia. They were semi-wild dogs from the regions along the Nile and Congo rivers, and African hunters valued them for his or her sense of smell, fast speed, and excellent eyesight. Basenjis lived in distant wilderness lands of Africa for 1000’s of years and didn’t make an appearance within the West until the late 1800s.
An English explorer brought a pair of basenjis back home in 1895 but died shortly after making the trip. Another breeder brought a pair of the dogs to England in 1937, where they were exhibited as a curiosity for being an unknown breed. A Boston breeder obtained certainly one of the surviving puppies and began breeding basenjis in America. The American Kennel Club began recognizing the breed in 1944.
Basenji Standard Information
This short-haired African hunting dog is frivolously built, graceful, and elegant. The official standard for the basenji describes how these dogs don’t bark yet are usually not mute and move with agility and ease.
Here is an outline of the breed standard information for basenjis:
Head:
- Proudly carried head
- Dark hazel to dark brown, almond-shaped eyes
- Small, erect, and barely hooded ears
- Muzzle is shorter than the skull
- Wrinkles on the brow when ears are erect
- Teeth meet in a scissors bite
Neck, Topline, Body:
- Neck is long and barely full at throat base
- Body is balanced with a brief back
- Ribs are moderately sprung
- Tail is ready high on the topline
Forequarters:
- Shoulders are moderately laid back
- Elbows are tucked firmly against the brisket
- Feet are small, oval, and compact, with arched toes and thick pads
- Dewclaws are often removed
Hindquarters:
- Hindquarters are of medium width, muscular, and strong
- Hocks are well let down
- Moderately bent stifles
- Feet are similar to within the forequarters
Coat:
- Coat is brief and effective
- Skin may be very pliant
Color:
- Chestnut-red, pure black, tricolor, or brindle
- White feet, chest, and tail tip
- Optional white legs, blaze, and collar
Gait:
- Swift and tireless with a protracted and smooth stride
- Greater convergence with a faster trot
Caring for Basenjis
They can adapt well to apartment living due to their size and so long as they get outside for the needed exercise. You’ll should be patient when training a basenji since the breed is thought to be clever and mischievous. Although these are independent dogs, they don’t wish to be alone and do best in households with people around more often than not.
Here are some general suggestions for taking one of the best care of a basenjis:
Best Living Environments:
- Can be well-suited for apartment life
- Don’t leave a basenji alone for long periods of time
- Fenced-in yard as a result of strong prey drive
- Best in homes with older children vs. smaller children
Type of Exercise:
- At least half-hour of exercise each day
- Dog parks to play and socialize
- Canine sports for a physical and mental challenge
Mental Enrichment:
- Intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation each day
- Agility and obedience training
- Lure coursing and tracking
Training Strategies:
- Can be stubborn and independent
- Must work with the dog’s strong prey drive
Grooming Tips:
- Easy to groom since these dogs meticulously groom themselves
- Only occasional bathing is required
- Brush the coat weekly
- Clean ear canals and brush teeth
Common Health Problems of Basenjis
The average life expectancy for a basenji is 13 to 14 years. The breed is liable to certain health issues, so be sure that any breeder you’re employed with can provide health clearances for hip and elbow dysplasia, thombopathia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, and eye disorders.
These are a number of the commonest health issues that arise with basenjis
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency (genetic red blood cell issue)
- Immunoproliferative systemic intestinal disease (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Fanconi syndrome (kidney disease)
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Persistent pupillary membrane
- Umbilical hernia
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Luxated patella
- Dental disease
- Bladder stones
Diet and Nutrition for Basenjis
The really useful amount of food for an adult basenji is ¾ cup to 2 cups of dry pet food each day. This amount of food needs to be divided into two meals every day. Puppies should typically eat thrice per day. If you employ treats for training rewards, offer them sparingly because basenjis are known to be beggars and demanding, which might result in obesity in your dog.
Where to Adopt or Purchase Basenjis
If you desire to to buy a purebred basenji, one place to start out your search is the Basenji Club of America. This is the national breed club for basenjis and a resource for locating a breeder near you. However, these dogs are relatively rare, so it’s possible you’ll be on a breeder’s waiting list for a very long time.
Basenji Rescue and Transport is a rescue organization that has been helping to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs of this breed since 1999. You can complete an adoption form on the organization’s website or rehome your current basenji pet in case you can not look after your dog. There are also regional organizations to look into based on where you reside, equivalent to the Colorado Basenji Rescue and the Medfly Brigade Basenji Rescue of California.
Although the basenji is an undeniably unique breed, there are other similar varieties of dogs that you simply may be excited about if the basenji has caught your attention. The following breeds share various characteristics that basenji-lovers will recognize and appreciate:
Pet Insurance for Basenjis
Once you discover a lovable basenji to affix your loved ones, the following step is to start out preparing in your dog’s future and budget for potential veterinary care. Healthy Paws offers basenji pet insurance for dogs of all ages, with no per-incident, annual, or lifetime caps. We have one easy-to-understand dog insurance policy that lets you visit any licensed vet you trust and submit the bills to us online or through our mobile app.
When your basenji needs an emergency room visit, cancer treatment, or alternative care, Healthy Paws is here for you. The Healthy Paws plan covers accidents and illnesses that your basenji may suffer from, and it also covers chronic conditions, specialty hospitals, hip dysplasia, and hereditary and congenital conditions. Visit our ceaselessly asked questions page to learn more about pet insurance, or get your basenji quote today to guard your furry friend.