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Basenji Dog Breed Information

  • AKA:Congo Terrier, Congo Dog
  • Size:Small
  • Ease of Training:Low
  • Grooming:Low
  • Shedding:Low
  • Exercise Needed:Daily walk
  • Energy Level:Medium/High
  • Protection:Medium, will bark
  • Good with Children:Yes, with early introduction and with considerate older children
  • Health Clearances:OFA, CERF
  • Weight:Male: 24, Female: 22 lbs
  • Height:Male: 17, Female 16 inches
  • Coat Colour:red, black, black and tan, or brindle, all with white feet, chest and tail tips; white legs, blaze, and collar optional

Basenji Coat

The Basenji has a very short coat, which shouldn't require much grooming. The hair should be short, fine, and somewhat harsh. The hair should not be too coarse, however should not be silky. The Basenji tends to clean himself making the coat very easy to care for and relatively clean. This breed has little to no doggy odor, and sheds very little.

Basenji Character

The Basenji can be somewhat aloof around strangers making him a very suspicious breed. This breed is very intelligent yet independent at the same time making training quite a task. He is very alert, rambunctious and playful making him a lovely family pet, however this breed does love the outdoors and does best with acreage.

Basenji Temperament

The Basenji is a very alert and fun loving breed, however is not recommended for an inexperienced owner. This breed has the tendency to become destructive if left along for long periods of time so proper training and confinement will work best for this fault. Basenjis can be very patient and good with children, however should be socialized early to prevent the tendencies to fight with other dogs.

Basenji Care

The Basenji is much like a cat being very clean and grooming himself on occasion. This is a little to no shedding breed, however does require some grooming if the coat is to stay in good shape. An occasional brushing with a firm bristle or wire brush works best to remove dead or loose hair from the coat. The smooth coat of the Basenji is very easy to care for.

Basenji Activity

The Basenji being so energetic needs quite a bit of exercise. Vigorous daily walks are required as this breed has a lot of energy and can be somewhat tireless. This breed being a hunter has the stamina of such and does best with a fenced in yard. However, the fence should be planted deeply into the ground and rather high to prevent escape as this breed can be an escape artist if proper precautions are not taken.

Basenji Health and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Basenji is around thirteen years. There are a number of health problems associated with the Basenji, and these include eye defects, PKD, Fanconi's Syndrome, malabsorbtion, thyroid problems, hip dysplasia, and digestive problems. Parents of your Basenji puppy should have OFA and CERF certification.