Basenji
Basenji
- Sizesmall
- Weight9.5–10.9 kg
- Lives13–15 years
- Popularity in Mexico★★
Character
Basenji temperament
A small dog from the hound group, in twelve traits from 1 to 5:
- Energymarathoner
- Affection with familymiddle of the road
- With kidsmiddle of the road
- With other dogsmiddle of the road
- With strangersmiddle of the road
- Playfulnessmiddle of the road
- Guarding instinctmiddle of the road
- Adaptabilitymiddle of the road
- Trainabilitynegotiates every command
- Barkingnearly silent
- Mental stimulation it needsneeds a job
- Prey driveno data yet
Distinguishing features
Basenji characteristics
- Ears
- erect
- Height
- 41–43 cm
- Weight
- 9.5–10.9 kg
- Muzzle
- medium
- Coat
- smooth
- Coat length
- short
- Colors
- red, black, tricolor, brindle
- Life expectancy
- 13–15 years
- Sheddingbarely sheds
- Coat carea brush a month
Life expectancy
How long does a Basenji live?
13–15 years
The breed sets the range; how long each dog lives depends on its weight, its exercise, its teeth and its check-ups with the vet.
The long profile
Long profile, in Spanish for now
The long version of this breed — character, care and origins, in Lord Chucho's voice — exists in Spanish and hasn't been translated yet. The hard data on this page (traits, features, lifespan) is the same in both languages.
Buying guides
What to buy for a Basenji
What to buy, by what it needs:
What we'd give Choco
For a dog like this one
Affiliate links: it costs you the same. How they work (in Spanish)
AI image: the real product may vary KONG Classic
The classic that survives teenage-Labrador jaws. Stuff it with frozen treats and you just bought an hour of peace.
AI image: the real product may vary Chuckit! Ultra Ball
A ball that bounces evenly, floats and doesn't fall apart on day three. If your dog lives for the ball, this is THE ball.
AI image: the real product may vary Level-2 treat-dispensing puzzle
For the dog that's bored of everything: let it earn the kibble by thinking. Start at level 2; level 1 they solve in their sleep.
AI image: the real product may vary Rubber brush for short coats
Short coats don't need an arsenal: a rubber brush in the tub and done — massage and de-shedding in one.
What people ask
Frequently asked questions about the Basenji
How big does a Basenji get?
An adult Basenji stands 41–43 cm at the withers and weighs 9.5–10.9 kg.
Does the Basenji need a lot of exercise?
The Basenji scores 4 out of 5 on “Energy”: marathoner. On that scale, 1 is “couch potato” and 5 is “marathoner”.
Is the Basenji good with kids?
The Basenji scores 3 out of 5 on “With kids”: right in the middle of the scale. On that scale, 1 is “better without kids” and 5 is “excellent”. Even with a 5, no dog should be left alone with small children: supervising them is the adult's job.
Does the Basenji get along with other dogs?
The Basenji scores 3 out of 5 on “With other dogs”: right in the middle of the scale. On that scale, 1 is “lone wolf” and 5 is “life of the dog park”.
Is the Basenji easy to train?
The Basenji scores 2 out of 5 on “Trainability”: negotiates every command. On that scale, 1 is “negotiates every command” and 5 is “learns on the fly”.
Does the Basenji bark a lot?
The Basenji scores 1 out of 5 on “Barking”: nearly silent. On that scale, 1 is “nearly silent” and 5 is “reports everything”.
Is the Basenji a good guard dog?
The Basenji scores 3 out of 5 on “Guarding instinct”: right in the middle of the scale. On that scale, 1 is “not a guardian” and 5 is “born guardian”.
Does the Basenji shed a lot?
The Basenji scores 2 out of 5 on “Shedding”: barely sheds. On that scale, 1 is “barely sheds” and 5 is “hair everywhere”.
Can a Basenji live in an apartment?
The Basenji scores 3 out of 5 on “Adaptability”: right in the middle of the scale. On that scale, 1 is “needs its space and routine” and 5 is “settles anywhere”. An apartment is fine, being shut in is not: every dog needs to get out every day.
Health
We only publish each breed's health topics after reviewing them carefully. We guide you, but we're not your vet: if something about your dog worries you, the internet doesn't replace a visit to the vet.
Data on this page: 3 reference sources, including the AKC. See sources (in Spanish)