Basenji Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: African Singing Dog, African Bush Dog, African Dingo, African Barkless Dog,
Ango Angari, Zande Dog, Congo Dog, Egyptian Dingo

Common Misspellings:  Basinji

Learn all about Basenji Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Basenji dog breed. You'll find solid information about Basenji dog history, Basenji life expectancy Basenji dog appearance, Basenji temperament and personality, Basenji health problems, Basenji puppy care, training Basenji puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Basenji dog breeder.

Commonly known as the barkless dog, the Basenji is recognized by his sleek dingo-like appearance, catlike personality, and strangely shaped larynx which produces a sound more like a yodel than a dog's typical bark.

Back to Menu

Basenji Facts

The Basenji Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: Congo

Basenji Height: 16 to 17 inches at the shoulder

Basenji Weight: 22 to 24 pounds

Basenji Color Variations: The Basenji dog can be found in either solid red or black, tricolor, brindle, trindle, sable, creeping tan and liver.

Basenji Size Variations: Standard size only

Basenji Exercise Needs: Demanding

Basenji Grooming Demands: Minimal

Basenji Trainability: Medium Difficult

Basenji Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

Average Basenji Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes, with supervision.

Good With Other Pets: No

Breed Group: Hound

Back to Menu

Basenji Dog History

The Basenji is one of the world's oldest known breeds of dog; first documented in ancient Egypt, the Basenji was used as a keen sighthound, capable of hunting down antelope and other game. Due to the Basenji's catlike personality, lack of odor, and his tendency to clean himself like a cat, this unique African dog was commonly gifted to the Egyptian pharaohs. As the ancient Egyptian civilization died out, however, the Basenji was at risk of disappearing as well. Fortunately however, some of the dogs were able to be saved and the breed was preserved in the heart of Africa. This is why the Basenji is commonly said to have developed in the Congo.

While the first Basenji dogs traveled to Europe as far back as 1895, these dogs did not survive and it wasn't until 1937 that this unique breed was finally introduced to both the United States and Europe. In 1943, the Basenji was accepted by the American Kennel Club and entered into the Stud Book for registration. They have continued to grow in popularity ever since.

Back to Menu

Basenji Dog Appearance

The Basenji is a primitive breed and has a more wild appearance than that of more commonly seen breeds of dog. In fact, his appearance is most often likened to breeds such as the Australian dingo, the Spitz dogs, or the Shiba Inu. His body is square and compact, lithely muscled and built for speed, as well as sheer power.

The Basenji dog's coat is short and sleek, his legs long, and his tail is usually kept tightly curled up over his back. Basenji eyes have a distinctive almond shape and are keenly intelligent, slanted beneath a thoughtful wrinkled brow and large pricked ears. In fact, the Basenji's profile is very similar to the ancient dogs paintings and statues found in the Tombs of Egypt. No wonder this magnificent breed holds themselves so proudly!

Back to Menu

Basenji Grooming

Fortunately, the Basenji does not require a high amount of grooming diligence. Brushing his coat once a week with a stiff bristle brush is usually enough to remove any dead hairs or dandruff, leaving him with a healthy, shiny coat. While it may not always seem that the Basenji needs this weekly brushing, the hands-on time this provides is good for both you and your dog, as well as helping you notice any signs or symptoms, regarding illness or injury, that might have occurred with your dog.

Back to Menu

Basenji Exercise Needs

Basenji dogs may be a primitive breed, but the breed has been chosen for a specific purpose throughout the centuries. Originally bred for the purpose of running down game and helping to hunt, the Basenji is a high-energy dog that requires a great deal of exercise in order to stay healthy. Insatiably curious, excellent climbers, amazing diggers and with a high level of intelligence, the Basenji may seem as if he was bred to be an escape artist and a mischief-maker rather than a hunter! If you have a notion to bring a Basenji into your home, be sure to take into consideration his athletic personality and his high desire to always have something to do. The Basenji is not a dog designed to be a couch potato.

Back to Menu

Basenji Temperament

The Basenji temperament is said to be much like a cat; often aloof and standoffish, the African dingo is an independent dog who tends to prefer adult only homes or families with older children, where they can be the only pet. Additionally, the Basenji is an extremely clean dog who will tend to bathing his entire body much in the same way that a cat washes himself. Yes indeed, this beautiful African dog is a neat freak!

Back to Menu

Basenji Training

Obedience training for your Basenji is essential! Notoriously aloof, intelligent and destructive, an untrained Basenji can wreck havoc in the home. Early socialization is important, both with children and other animals. For best results, it's highly recommended that you start your Basenji puppy in puppy obedience courses. This will help him to learn at an early age just what it is the you expect of him and, with positive reinforcement, will teach him to look forward to the classes and the benefits of working with his humans.

Basenji Health

Like any breed of purebred dog, the Basenji's subject to a variety of health concerns. When deciding to choose of Basenji puppy, be sure to check with several breeders and don't be afraid to ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful dogs. Any reputable breeder will be well versed in the health concerns that affect their particular breed and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that commonly effect that Basenji include but are not limited to:

Canine hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Fanconi's syndrome
Immuno-proliferative systemic intestinal disease (IPSID)
Hypothyroidism
Hemolytic anemia
Liver problems

Back to Menu

Is the Basenji Right For You?

While a fascinating breed of dog, the Basenji is not a dog for every household. Known to be very aloof and catlike, they may be ideal for the single person or childless couple, who prefer a quiet, odorless companion, but the Basenji may not be the ideal dog in a household with small children, other animals, or in a busy household. Owning of Basenji requires a great deal of responsibility, dedication and patience, though fans of this breed believe the pros definitely outweigh the cons!

Back to Menu

Basenji Prices

Average Basenji Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Basenji dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Basenji puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Basenji dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Basenji puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Basenji breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Basenji prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Basenji puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

Back to Menu

Finding Basenji Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Basenji puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Basenji Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Basenji breeders. We actively screen Basenji breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Basenji breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Basenji puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Basenji puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Basenji dog and puppy pictures!

Back to Menu

Additional Basenji Resources:

• Basenji Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Basenji Breed Profile
• Basenji Pictures
• Basenji Videos

Back to Menu