Are you looking for a unique and intelligent dog breed? Look no further than the Basenji! Known as the “Barkless Dog,” the Basenji is a compact, sweet-faced hunter of intelligence and poise. They are unique and beguiling pets, best for owners who can meet their exercise needs and the challenge of training this catlike canine.

Breed	Height	Family Friendly	Grooming Period	Shed	Exercise (minutes per day)	Training	Nutrition	Potential Health Issues	Life Span
Basenji	Medium	Yes	Weekly	Yes	60	Moderate	High-quality dry food	Fanconi syndrome, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy	12-14 years

 

History

The Basenji is an ancient dog breed from Africa. Cave paintings found in Libya have been dated between 6000 BCE and 100 CE by paleontologists; they depict Basenji-type dogs living alongside humans as hunting companions. Europeans first described the breed in 1895 in the Congo. These local dogs, which Europeans identified as a distinct breed and called Basenji, were prized by locals for their intelligence, courage, speed, and silence. Basenjis are small, short-haired dogs with erect ears, tightly curled tails, and graceful necks. A Basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, even more so when it is young or extremely excited. A Basenji’s eyes are typically almond-shaped.

Temperament

Basenjis are independent, intelligent, and energetic dogs. They are described as mischievous and lively with a “barkless” feature to their personality. They are very intelligent, high-energy, and easily bored. Without training and exercise, Basenjis can be mischievous and get into trouble. These African dogs need daily playtime or training sessions. When you take them outside, make sure they’re on a leash or inside a fenced area—the Basenji is historically a hunting dog, and they have a strong prey drive. They are affectionate with their owners but can be aloof with strangers. Basenjis are not recommended for families with small children, as they can be snappish when provoked.

Care

The Basenji should be brushed at least once weekly with a rubber curry brush to reduce the amount of shedding. They should be bathed once every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent the natural oils from being overproduced. They are not hypoallergenic but do experience low-level shedding, especially seasonal shedding. The coat is odorless and only requires minimal care. Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent damage due to overgrowth. This active pooch requires daily exercise to prevent boredom, which may result in destructive behavior. High-level activities will able them to remain entertained; obedience training is always a good place to start. This breed would do well with more than one Basenji present in the home. They need extra space to be able to run around and explore their environment. However, they should not be left alone without some entertainment.

Fun Facts

• Basenjis are skilled hunting dogs. The breed was developed with great emphasis placed on intelligence, courage, and adaptability.

• They don’t bark. Instead, they make a yodel-like sound that is unique to the breed.

• Basenjis are sometimes called the “barkless dog” because they tend to be quiet.

• They are very fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

• Basenjis are sometimes referred to as “cat-like” because of their independent nature and grooming habits.