The Basenji originates from Congo, Africa, and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. This breed is independent, intelligent, and has a strong hunting instinct. Today, the Basenji is primarily kept as a companion animal. It has a short, dense coat with a glossy appearance and a distinctive curled tail carried over its back. The Basenji stands out from other dogs due to its vocalisation—this breed cannot bark but produces yodeling and whining sounds.
The Basenji is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It is also known as the African Bush Dog or Congo Dog, named after its origin. It was used as a hunting dog to flush out game and assist hunters. Europe first encountered the breed in the 19th century, but its history dates back to ancient times. The Basenji shares similarities with Pariah dogs and even dingoes. It is believed that the Basenji descends from dogs in ancient Egypt, as it closely resembles depictions found in pharaohs’ tombs. The breed was introduced to Europe and the US in the 20th century, but many dogs initially died from infectious diseases, as their long isolation made them vulnerable to new environments. This significantly delayed the breed’s establishment in the Western world.
The Basenji is an intelligent, loyal, independent, and strong-willed dog. It is curious and very affectionate with its pack members. The breed is alert, energetic, and devoted to its owner but tends to be reserved around strangers. Due to its strong hunting instinct, off-leash walking can be challenging. The Basenji is often described as a cat-like dog—it dislikes water, grooms itself by licking, and plays in a feline manner. Unlike other dogs, the Basenji cannot bark due to its uniquely shaped larynx, but it is still vocal and known for its yodeling and whining sounds.
The Basenji is a medium-sized, slender, and muscular dog. It has a short, glossy coat in four colour variations: red, black, brindle, and tricolour, all with white markings. These markings are typically found on the muzzle, neck, chest, belly, tail, and legs. A defining feature of the Basenji is its curled tail, carried over its back. Its athletic build, pointed muzzle, erect ears, and wrinkled forehead give it a distinctive appearance.
Although the Basenji may appear calm, it is highly energetic and requires plenty of exercise. Originally bred as a hunting dog, it is used to constant activity. Owners should aim for two long walks per day, ideally including playtime in a park. Walks should last at least 30 minutes, but longer is better. Due to its strong hunting instinct and independent nature, the Basenji should generally be kept on a leash. It is highly intelligent and benefits from mental stimulation, such as puzzles and training games, to keep its mind and body engaged.
Caring for a Basenji is relatively simple. Much like a cat, the Basenji is very clean and frequently grooms itself. Its short, smooth coat is low maintenance—brushing a few times per week is enough to remove dead hair. Compared to other breeds, the Basenji does not shed much. Aside from coat care, dental hygiene is important, and owners should brush their dog’s teeth regularly. If the nails become too long, they should be trimmed. Daily exercise, including walks and play, is essential for maintaining a happy and healthy Basenji.
The Basenji, in good health, can sometimes live up to 16 years. Unfortunately, there are some hereditary diseases that this breed is burdened with. For instance, he is predisposed to several eye diseases, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited eye condition that eventually leads to blindness. Fanconi syndrome, also known as renal tubular dysfunction, is a condition often found in Basenjis. In this syndrome, nutrients are no longer absorbed into the body much, if at all, causing usable nutrients to be lost with the urine.
The Basenji is a unique breed, but some other breeds share similar traits:
Finding a good breeder is very important when buying a Basenji. This unique breed has specific health requirements and a unique character, making it essential to choose a breeder who cares about both the physical and mental well-being of the puppies. For instance, a good breeder will be open about health tests, such as screening for hereditary conditions ( e.g. eye problems), and offers guidance to make sure the puppy is a good fit for your family.
The price of a puppy can vary, depending on factors such as the care put into breeding, pedigree and health tests. While price plays a role, it is especially important to pay attention to the pup’s health and socialisation. A lower price may mean that less attention has been paid to important issues, such as health testing and socialisation.
It is therefore always advisable to choose a recognised and reliable breeder, who will contribute to the long-term health and well-being of your new family member.
The Basenji is an intelligent, loyal breed, but it has specific needs that make it best suited for certain owners. If you are considering getting a Basenji, here are some key factors to determine if it is the right breed for you.
A Basenji is best suited for an owner who:
The Basenji is ideal for an owner looking for a loyal, intelligent companion who is ready to invest in training, socialisation, and exercise.
The Basenji is intelligent and independent, learning quickly and forming strong bonds. However, it is also stubborn and has a strong prey drive, which can present challenges.
Due to its alert and instinct-driven nature, owners must be patient and consistent. The Basenji can also be reserved around strangers.
For this reason, the Basenji is best suited for experienced owners who understand how to train a strong-willed breed. With patience and the right approach, the Basenji becomes a loyal and well-balanced companion.
This blog article discusses 10 commonly kept medium-sized dog breeds with the most important characteristics associated with these breeds. Dogs in this category have an adult weight between 10-25 kg. This is our top 10 medium dog breeds. Looking for a different breed? Check out our dog breeds page.
The answer to the above question is subjective and depends on your own preference and that of your dog. We’ve made an overview of the most popular diets in every category, using our extensive range of dog foods.
If you've ever owned a dog, you'll know that every dog is unique. Dogs can have breed-specific characteristics, though, like joint or coat issues. To support these specific characteristics, Royal Canin has created special nutrition that meets the needs of individual dog breeds. Read all about breed-specific dog food in this article!
Add products to view your basket
We use cookies to help us serve you better and more personally. Functional cookies ensure that the website works properly and have an analytical function. We also use technology to track your behaviour anonymously, both inside and outside our website. Personal data and cookies may be used for personalisation or advertising. Want to know more? Read our privacy policy and cookie statement here. If you choose to reject, we will only place functional and analytical cookies.
