Basenji Breed Information Guide: Quirks, Pictures, Personality & Facts

The Basenji can be traced back to ancient Egypt, and can be recognized in ancient Babylonian and Mesopotamian art. Long after those civilizations crumbled, this basal breed could be found along the Nile and Congo rivers in Africa. Isolated for thousands of years, Basenjis were prized by African tribesmen as versatile hunters who could flush game into nets.

Making their way to the West in the late 1800s, Basenji are one of the oldest American Kennel Club breeds, though they remain rare today.

The average life expectancy for Basenjis is 12 – 16 years.

Basenjis are a perfect storm of energy, intelligence and mischief. This breed did not survive for thousands of years by listening to humans, and much unlike many other dog breeds, Basenjis are not here to please their humans. Who knows? Maybe their ancestors spent too much time around cats in ancient Egypt. These highly intelligent and stubborn pups know what you’re asking them to do. They just may not care to do it. But they are very good at finding ways to teach you to do what they want you to do!

Socialization and training should start as early as possible, as Basenjis are much better at giving orders than taking them. You need to be careful or you might find yourself being trained by them! First time dog owners will do best to look elsewhere.

Positive training in small intervals, (basically, when the dog feels like it) are your best bet. Force will only compound their stubbornness. While obedience training is often too structured and unmotivating for them, Basenjis do great with canine sports such as lure coursing and agility.

Quirks

Basenjis are known as the dogs who don’t bark, which is true. However, they still make plenty of communicative doggy noises, such as whimpers, whines, growls, and even a delightful yodel.

Ideal Environment

Full of mischievous spirit and energy, Basenjis require a lot of attention. But as long as they’re receiving a couple long walks and/or play sessions each day, they adapt well to apartment life. While a yard is also great, they are escape artists who, if determined, will not be deterred by a fence. Therefore, even when in an enclosed area, it is best to supervise your Basenji, should they get the urge to explore.

Basenjis should never be off leash in an unsecured area due to their stong prey drive and, well, lack of concern for your commands.

Good for families and kids?

For seasoned dog owners with patience and a good sense of humor, Basenjis make a wonderful companion and family member. They are loving and attentive towards children that they are raised with, but do best with older children who are well-versed in how to properly interact with a dog. These pups do not like to be ignored and will want to be included and paid attention to as much as possible. Initially wary of strangers, Basenjis can be fiercely protective of their family if not socialized early.

Friendly With… (Dogs? Strangers? Cats/Other Pets?)

Alert and careful with strangers, Basenjis prefer to make the first move, and may not appreciate being greeted from behind. As they originally hunted in packs, they can be good with other dogs, especially with early socialization. However, when it comes to other pets, Basenjis have a very strong prey drive and are likely to go after cats and other small animals.

Although generally healthy, like most breeds, Basenjis can have certain health issues that you should be aware of and discuss with your veterinarian, including Fanconi syndrome, a hereditary disorder that affects the kidney’s processing of sugar and protein, which is unusually common in this breed. Immunoproliferative Systemic Intestinal Disease (sort of like IBD in humans), Hypothyroidism, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy are other issues to be aware of.

Energy

These pups are highly energetic and intelligent, and if not mentally and physically engaged, boredom will set in and most likely lead to destructive behaviors. Supervision and interaction are almost constants for Basenji owners, but the payoff is a lot of love and laughs. An added bonus, Basenji owners often find themselves quickly developing good housekeeping habits, as anything left out and about is fair game to be chewed and/or eaten.

Basenjis, again much like cats, are fastidious groomers, and will spend a lot of time licking their coats clean. Their short coats shed very little and only require a quick brushing once or twice a week. Basenjis also lack a typical dog odor. Coats can be red, black, black and tan, or brindle. They commonly have white legs, feet and chests. Other grooming requirements include nail trimmings 2 to 3 times a month, and a good tooth brushing 2 to 3 times a week.

Due to their destructive tendencies, Super Chewer Toys are a preferred option for Basenjis. While they have plenty of energy for outdoor fun, chances are, they’re not going to care to bring back whatever you throw for them. However, Tug Toys are always a great interactive option! You’ll also want to stimulate those intelligent minds with treat-dispensing toys which are great for indoor entertainment (for you and the pup!).