Basenji Dog Breed Information, Personality, and Characteristics

If you’re looking for an intelligent breed of dog that stands apart as unique, then the Basenji might be the one for for you. Basenjis are Africa’s ‘barkless dogs’ that don’t bark, but yodel. These small hound dogs may just be a foot and a half tall, but they’ve got what It takes to stand out in the crowd. Basenjis are full of self-confidence, and they even groom themselves as much as cats do. 

Physical characteristics

Basenji dog breed is a small dog breed that stands 16 to 17 inches tall and weighs around 9 to 10 kg. These dogs have a life expectancy of around 13 to 14 years and are the ideal fit for families looking for an active pet. The Basenjis have a unique look— slightly hooded ears, almond-shaped eyes, a short muzzle, and a tail that stands upright but tightly curled. These dogs have a double coat that is found in a variety of colors, such as black and white, red and white, brindle and white, and tricolor. 

Temperament and personality

The Basenjis are extremely different from popular dog breeds like Labrador and Golden Retrievers. These dogs aren’t overly friendly and are noted to be quite cat-like. Bred to be hunting dogs in Africa, the Basenji dog breed is highly energetic and instinctively alert. They love to chase things and can pass their time doing just that. These intelligent dogs need quite a bit of mental exercise to keep them from being bored. Parents must socialize them at an early age so that they grow up accepting new people and pets. What is unique about this breed is that they love to groom themselves and will keep themselves clean at every chance that they get. These dogs are perfect for any family looking for a unique canine companion. 

Care requirements

Here is how you can care for your Basenji:

Grooming needs

If you’re someone who hates long grooming sessions and is not very fond of dog hair, then you have found the perfect dog breed for you. Basenjis are short-haired dogs that are easy to care for and shed minimally even during their shedding season. The best part is that they even groom themselves like cats. However, this does not mean that they don’t require any assistance when it comes to grooming. Brush their teeth once a week, bathe them 2 to 3 times a year or as often as they get dirty, trim their nails once every month, and make sure that you take it for regular dental checkups.

Exercise requirements

The Basenji dog breed has high energy levels, and it is not a surprise that this breed needs a lot of exercise to get by. As a pet parent, you should expect to spend an hour with them every day, exhausting their energy reserves. These dogs love to run and taking them to an open space will turn their mood around. Take them to a safely fenced yard and let them run freely. You can also take them for a few long walks so that they can explore their surroundings.

Nutritional needs and diet recommendations

Just like any other dog breed, the Basenji dog breed must be fed a complete and balanced diet. Pet parents have plenty of high-quality commercial dog foods to choose from. It is always recommended to factor in your pet's age and choose a formula that is made for their age. If you are someone who loves to make their pet’s food, then you must consult a vet to provide your dog with the nutrition it needs. Make sure that you do not give your dog a lot of food to protect it from obesity. Keep an eye on the treats too because they also count as calories. A couple of extra pounds in the long run can lead to unwanted health problems that you can avoid by limiting their food intake. Develop a diet and exercise plan for them to stay healthy and get the nutrition that they need.

Health concerns

These dogs have a life expectancy of 13 to 14 years and are generally referred to as a healthy breed. However, like every canine breed, Basenjis can develop certain disease diseases such as: 

Fanconi Syndrome

These dogs can be pre-disposed to a genetic condition called the Fanconi syndrome. This affects a part of their kidney called the tubules which can lead to the failure of reabsorption of some nutrients and electrolytes back into the body. Luckily, breeders can screen for this condition to ensure that it is not passed to any future generations.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is a genetic eye disease that can lead to blindness. This disease affects night and low light vision first. There is no cure for this disease, and it is usually a very slow progression to blindness which gives the dog plenty of time to adapt.

Persistent Pupillary Membrane

This eye condition occurs when a dog's embryonic vessels are attached to their lens and do not re-absorb completely and remain in their eyes. This can cause mild to severe vision problems, but fortunately, it can also clear up on its own and may need professional care only occasionally.

Hip Dysplasia

This hereditary issue occurs when the hip joint of a dog does not develop properly. This condition can be quite painful, depending on its severity. Treatment options include weight management, joint supplements, physical therapy, pain medications, and surgery.

The best you can do for your dog is to take them for regular checkups, so you can avoid any unwanted diseases or address them at an early stage.

Training and socialization

Basenjis are dogs that are independent hunters who are very capable of making their own decisions. They are sight hounds that hunt by sight and possess the independent instincts to go after their prey. This is why pet parents need to adjust their training techniques according to this breed's temperament. Start by training them with positive chants and be sure to use a lot of praise, treats, and special toys to reward them for doing a good job. Keep their training sessions short and use plenty of positive reinforcement techniques to keep them motivated.

Early socialization is as important for this breed as any other dog. It can help them get comfortable with new people and other pets. However, Basenjis may require some extra attention in this area as they may be more wary of strangers. Start socializing them for short time spans and keep doing it regularly.

Living environment

Basenji dogs can live their best life in any type of home as long as they are provided with open space to run around and explore their curiosities. With adequate exercise and activity, this breed can thrive as a family dog. The best part is, they do not bark much so handling them is not at all difficult.

Bring a Basenji dog home if you’re ready for some fun-filled physical challenges. This dog is not only a great pet but can also keep you on track when it comes to health. With minimal grooming needs and other simple requirements, Basenjis are a great breed for anyone looking for a unique canine companion.