The Basenji is an ancient African pack hunting dog. She is fairly small in stature and cat like. She will tolerate older children if properly socialized at an early age. Remember to never leave any young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog for any length of time. She keeps herself so clean that she barely sheds. She is basically a quiet dog, rarely barking, although she can make a racket if she wants to.



The Basenji is probably unsuited for apartment life because she prefers to live in a pack. She also loves to chew, everything. If you try to fence her in, she will probably climb the fence to escape, as she is a climber and an escape artist. She needs plenty of exercise.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Basenji is approximately 17 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and about 24 pounds. The female should run about 17 inches to the withers and about 22 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. All dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed. The Basenji has the following potential problems. Umbilical and Inguinal Hernias, PPM or Persistent Pupillary Membrane (related to the eye and generally does not cause symptoms), hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), certain eye anomalies, canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint), Hemolytic Anemia (serious to deadly blood problem), small intestine problems and PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness).

*Grooming. The Basenji has a fine short coat with very pliant skin. She will clean herself like a cat and sheds very little so almost no coat brushing is necessary. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

*Life Span. The Basenji can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Basenji has an amazing, ancient history. Likenesses of them are carved on Egyptian pharaohs tombs. The breed disappeared and were re-discovered in the Congo in 1895. The African people, Mangbetu and Azande used them singly and in packs to help chase game into nets. They were imported to England and America in the 1930 time frame. The AKC, American Kennel Association accepted them as a breed in 1943.

*Registries:

Basenji Club of America

CKC Continental Kennel Club

FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

AKC American Kennel Club

UKC United Kennel Club

NKC National Kennel Club

APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

CKC Continental Kennel Club

Category: Hound, Sight hound, Hunting dog.

Terms To Describe The Breed: Alert, affectionate, intelligent, independent, swift, elegant, graceful,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Rarely barks.

She keeps herself very clean.

Highly intelligent.

They form a strong bond with their human family.

Sheds very little.

Almost no dog odor.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Does not like water or getting wet.

May test her limits just for fun.

Can become very destructive if left alone too long.

Territorial, can be hostile to other dog and animals.

They are fence climbers.

Will chew most everything.

Rarely barks but can make plenty of noise.

Not a scary looking watch dog.

*Other Names Known By: Barkless Dog, Zaire Terrier, Congo Terrier