Hound group
Basenji
The “barkless” dog — clean, clever, cat-like and endlessly curious.
Basenjis are small, athletic hunting dogs from Central Africa that yodel rather than bark. They are fastidiously clean and very intelligent, but independent, mischievous and prone to chewing and escaping.
- Height
- 16–17 in41–43 cm
- Weight
- 22–24 lb10–11 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–14 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Central Africa (Congo Basin)
Coat: Short, fine, glossy coat. Colours: Red and white, Black and white, Tricolour, Brindle and white.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Basenjis are alert, curious and affectionate with their family, though often reserved with strangers. They groom themselves like cats and dislike getting wet.
They are independent thinkers with strong prey drive and a talent for mischief. Bored Basenjis chew, climb and escape. Training takes patience, creativity and a sense of humour.
Living with a Basenji
Exercise
About an hour of daily exercise plus mental games. Use a lead or secure area — they chase and bolt.
Grooming
Minimal: occasional brushing. Basenjis have little odour and groom themselves.
Training
Clever but independent; short, fun, food-based sessions work best. Crate training helps prevent destruction.
Kids & other pets
Good with older children who respect their space. Can be selective with other dogs; unsafe with small pets.
Time alone
Can be destructive when bored or left alone. Dog-proof the house and provide puzzles.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Basenji right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Basenji matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Basenji typically lives 13–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Fanconi syndrome
An inherited kidney disorder causing excessive thirst and urination; a DNA test is available.
Progressive retinal atrophy
An inherited form (Bas-PRA1) has a DNA test.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency
An inherited anaemia; a DNA test identifies carriers.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Ask a breeder for
- Eye examination
- Hip evaluation
- Thyroid evaluation
- DNA tests: Fanconi syndrome, PK deficiency, Bas-PRA1
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Basenji; Basenji Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Basenjis are one of the most ancient dog types, hunting small game in the forests of Central Africa by sight and scent. Villagers used them to drive game into nets.
Early attempts to bring Basenjis to England in the 1890s and 1930s were hampered by disease; stable populations were established in the late 1930s. The AKC recognised the breed in 1943.
Did you know?
- Basenjis cannot bark normally; they make a yodel-like sound called a “baroo”.
- Female Basenjis come into season only once a year, like wolves.
- Basenjis are known for their tightly curled tails and wrinkled foreheads.
Library guides for Basenji owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Training
Place / Go to Mat
Teaching a settle helps dogs that struggle to switch off.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Basenji.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Do Basenjis bark?
- Not in the usual way. They yodel, howl and make a range of unusual sounds.
- Are Basenjis good for first-time owners?
- Usually not. They are independent, escape-prone and challenging to train.
- Are Basenjis hypoallergenic?
- No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Basenjis shed very little and have little odour.