Hound group · Central Africa
Basenji
Also called African Barkless Dog, Congo Dog.
Small dog, high energy, thinks hard before doing anything you ask.
- Intelligent
- Curious
- Affectionate
- Energetic
- Independent
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 10 to 11 kg22 to 24 lb
- Lives
- 13 to 14 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- Very Low
- Barks
- Very Low
Training
Training a Basenji
Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.
Cat-Like Independence
Start here
Basenjis are more like cats than typical dogs. They groom themselves, are aloof, and train on their own terms.
Escape Artists Extraordinaire
They can climb fences, open crates, and find any weak point in containment. Secure enclosures are essential.
Barkless But Not Silent
They yodel, scream, and make unique sounds. Understanding their vocalisations helps with training.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Basenji and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.
Gets on with
- ChildrenModerate
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersLow
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1+ hours daily. High energy needs outlets; loves running and chase games in secure areas.
- Grooming
- Very low maintenance. Self-grooming like a cat, minimal shedding.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Short, Fine, SleekRed and White, Black and White, Tricolour, Brindle and White
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Fanconi Syndrome
Severe
Hereditary kidney disease; DNA test available and recommended for all breeding dogs
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Moderate
Inherited eye condition causing blindness
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Can occur though less common than in larger breeds
Where they come from
History
Ancient breed from Central Africa, used by pygmy tribes for hunting small game. One of the oldest and most primitive dog breeds. Cannot bark but makes a unique yodeling sound.
- Goodbye My Lady · Heartwarming story featuring a Basenji
