The Basenji is a dog breed with a unique character and a fascinating history. It is a dog that originated in Central Africa and is known for its lack of barking and independent temperament. In this article we will take a closer look at the Basenji breed, its appearance, character, skills, how it is raised and trained, as well as its health, diseases and grooming. We will also learn interesting facts and the history of this fascinating breed.
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Basenji – description and appearance of the breed
The Basenji is a medium-sized, well-built and elegant dog. It is characterized by a proportional body, with a harmoniously placed head, a slightly arched muzzle and large, expressive eyes. The ears are triangular, standing and pointed forward. The breed has a distinctive curved tail that is carried on the back. The Basenji’s coat is short, smooth and shiny. Acceptable coat colors include red, black, tricolor and black and white.

Character of the Basenji dog breed
The Basenji is a dog with an exceptional character. It is known for its independence and intelligence. Basenjis are very clean dogs and there is almost no smell characteristic of other breeds in them. Moreover, they are curious, lively and full of energy. However, it is worth remembering that Basenji are also independent and can sometimes be stubborn. Their temperament is determined and confident, which makes them ideal companions for active and experienced owners.
Skills – what should you know?
The Basenji has many interesting skills. One of them is the lack of barking. Instead, it makes distinctive sounds reminiscent of yodeling, purring or fox screeching. Their acoustic skills are impressive and make Basenji unique members of the dog world. In addition, they are excellent hunters and excel at tracking scents. They also have a well-developed guarding instinct and often react to suspicious sounds or situations.
What kind of personality does it have?
The Basenji’s personality is unusual and surprising. They are intelligent dogs, but at the same time independent. They are very attached to their owner. However, because of their independent nature, they may show some stubbornness and reluctance to obey unconditionally. Basenji are also very curious and like to discover new things, so it is important to provide them with adequate intellectual stimulation and regular physical activity.
Basenji – how to train and raise?
Raising and training a Basenji requires consistency, patience and positive motivation. Because of their independence, training methods based on positivity and rewards for good behavior are most effective. Basenji are intelligent and quick learners, but can have some stubbornness. It’s a good idea to start training at a young age and continue consistently throughout the dog’s life.
For whom is the Basenji suitable?
The Basenji is a breed that will be best suited to experienced owners who can cope with their independent nature and provide them with adequate physical and mental activity. Because of their energy and need to play, Basenji may be suitable for people with active lifestyles. Caution must be exercised in homes with young children, as Basenji may not be very tolerant of pushy handling.
Basenji – price
The price of a Basenji dog can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the reputation of the breeder, pedigree lines, quality of puppies, etc. On average, the price of a Basenji puppy can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. However, it is worth remembering that the purchase of a dog is only the beginning of the expenses associated with maintaining the breed, including veterinary care, food, accessories and other needs.

Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
- Basenji tend to exhibit dominant behavior, which may require consistent parenting and training.
- They are independent and can sometimes be stubborn, which can make training difficult.
- Basenji are high energy dogs that require regular physical and mental activity.
Advantages
- Basenji are very clean dogs and have no specific smell.
- They are intelligent and easy to learn.
- They have unique acoustic skills; they do not bark, but make distinctive sounds.
- Basenji have a well-developed hunting instinct and are excellent at following scents.
- They are devoted to their owner and form strong family bonds.
Basenji – Health, diseases and care
Nutrition
Proper nutrition of the Basenji is key to maintaining its good health. It is advisable to choose a high-quality dry or wet food that is properly balanced in terms of nutrients. It is also important to control the amount of food consumed to avoid overweight, which can lead to other health problems.
Grooming
Basenjie’s coat is short and does not require extensive grooming. Regular brushing will keep it clean and shiny. Basenji do not require frequent bathing, usually once or twice a year is enough. It is a good idea to regularly check and clean the ears, maintain oral hygiene and trim the claws regularly.
Diseases
Like many other breeds, the Basenji has a predisposition to certain diseases. Some of these include joint dysplasia, eye disease, skin allergies, kidney disease and thyroid problems. Regular check-ups with the vet and proper health care are important to ensure a long and healthy life for your dog.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
Getting ready to welcome a Basenji into your home requires the right equipment. It is important to provide the dog with a comfortable bed that will provide him with comfort and security. An active breed, like the Basenji, will need a variety of toys and accessories that will provide adequate intellectual and physical stimulation. It is also necessary to have a leash, collar and harness that will allow the dog to be walked safely.

History of the Basenji dog breed
The origins of the history of the Basenji breed can be traced back thousands of years to Central Africa, specifically to the area of today’s Congo. The Basenji, also known as the Congo Terrier, was used there by the local population for hunting and guarding.
The Basenji was recognized for its remarkable hunting skills, especially in tracking and capturing small mammals such as birds, rodents and small antelope. These agile, fast dogs with an innate hunting instinct were excellent helpers in gathering food for the community.
One of the distinctive features of the Basenji breed is its lack of barking. Instead, the Basenji emits a variety of sounds, including growling, purring, squawking and whining. This makes them extremely unique in the dog world and an interesting phenomenon for animal behavior researchers.
In Europe, the Basenji made its debut in the 1930s. The first individuals were brought to Britain by traveler and hunter Sir Percy F. Girard. They quickly gained popularity as an exotic and intriguing breed due to their unique characteristics.
In 1943, the Basenji Club of America was founded and played a key role in promoting and protecting the breed in the United States. The Basenji quickly gained international recognition, and in 1964 was officially recognized by the International Kennel Federation (FCI).
During the development of the Basenji breed in Europe and America, cross-breeding with other breeds such as the Chihuahua, Poodle and Terrier was used. The goal was to preserve the Basenji’s unique characteristics, such as its lack of barking, distinctive sounds and appearance, while making some modifications in terms of size and body proportions.
Today, the Basenji is valued both as a companion dog and as a show dog. Its intelligence, interesting character and lack of barking attract dog lovers around the world. The breed is present at many dog shows and is very popular among people looking for an independent, active and fascinating companion.
Basenji dog pattern
The Basenji dog pattern is a detailed description of the standard characteristics of the breed’s appearance and character, which is used as a basis for breeding and evaluating dogs at dog shows. The International Kennel Federation (FCI) and other canine clubs and organizations have developed a precise standard that defines what the ideal Basenji should look like.
Outward appearance
The Basenji is a dog of moderate size, harmonious body structure and elegant appearance. He has strong bones and a muscular body that is proportionate and well-balanced. His movements are smooth and flexible, and his physique exudes confidence and dignity.
Head
Basenji’s head is proportionate to the rest of his body and has distinctive features. The top of the skull is flat and the forehead is slightly rounded. A distinctive feature is the large, expressive almond-shaped eyes, which are dark in color. The ears are high set, medium sized, upright and slightly rounded at the tips.
Neck and trunk
The Basenji’s neck is long, muscular and well-muscled. It has an elegant line that flows smoothly into the shoulder blades. The withers are pronounced and the back is straight and strong. The chest is deep and well developed, and the ribs are well arched. The back is short and straight, and the loins are strong and slightly concave.
Tail
The Basenji’s tail is high set, well-wrapped and carried on the back in a characteristic corkscrew. The tail should have a strong planting and be well muscled. It is one of the distinguishing elements of the breed’s appearance.
Coat and coloration
The Basenji has a short, shiny coat that is smooth and close to the body. Various coat colors are acceptable, such as red, black, brindle, tricolor (black-red-white) and black and white. White markings may be present on the limbs, and white markings in the form of spots may be present on the chest and neck.
Height and weight
The height of Basenji males is usually between 41 and 43 cm, and females between 38 and 41 cm. The weight of males is usually between 10 and 12 kg, while females weigh between 9 and 11 kg. It is worth noting that the proportions of height, weight and body shape should be maintained to ensure a harmonious appearance of the breed.

Basenji – interesting facts about the breed
- Lack of barking: One of the most fascinating features of the Basenji breed is that they do not bark in the traditional way. Instead, the Basenji makes a variety of sounds, such as growling, purring, squawking and whining. This is a unique feature among dogs and makes the Basenji extremely interesting.
- Independence: Basenji are known for their independent nature. They tend to make decisions on their own and don’t always willingly submit to commands. This means that Basenji owners must be consistent and patient when training and raising them.
- Hunting Instinct: The Basenji has a strong hunting instinct, which stems from their long history of hunting in Africa. This may mean they will try to track small animals and be curious about scents in their environment. Basenji owners should be vigilant and provide them with adequate outdoor protection.
- Cleanliness: the Basenji is a very hygiene-conscious dog. They are known to groom their fur very carefully, much like cats. They can often be seen “washing themselves” with their tongue. In addition, the Basenji is devoid of the characteristic dog odor.
- Energy and activity: Despite their small size, the Basenji is a dog with high energy and a need for physical activity. They are very agile and fast, which means they need regular exercise, both for walks and mental activities. The Basenji can be a good companion for active people who appreciate training together or taking long walks.
- Coat: The Basenji comes in a variety of coats, such as red, black, brindle, tricolor (black-red-white) and black and white. Their coat is short and shiny, and the coloration can have different combinations and patterns, making each Basenji unique.
Summary
The Basenji is a unique dog breed with a fascinating history and character. Their lack of barking, intelligence and independence make them interesting companions for experienced owners. However, it is worth remembering that Basenji require consistent upbringing, adequate physical and mental activity and regular health care. If you are ready to welcome this remarkable dog into your home, the Basenji can become a loyal and fascinating companion for many years to come.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.