Basenji
The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds, originating from central Africa where it served indigenous hunters for thousands of years, driving game into nets and locating prey through dense vegetation.
This elegant, compact hound stands 38–46 cm tall and weighs 9–11 kg, featuring a short coat in red and white, black and white, black, tan and white, or brindle.
9-11kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Basenji
The breed's distinctive wrinkled forehead deepens when alert or curious, adding to its characterful expression. Perhaps most famously, the Basenji is known as the barkless dog, producing a unique yodelling sound called a barroo instead of a conventional bark, resulting from its unusually shaped larynx. Beyond this vocal quirk, Basenjis display cat-like grooming habits and are fastidiously clean, carrying no typical doggy odour. Highly intelligent and independent, they are affectionate with their families and particularly devoted to children, though they can be strong-willed and require patient, consistent training. Their curious nature and strong prey drive mean secure off-lead areas are essential. With exercise needs of up to one hour daily and a lifespan of 12–14 years, Basenjis make endlessly fascinating companions for understanding, experienced owners who appreciate their unique character.
Basenji at a Glance
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 9–11 kg
- Height
- 38–46 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1600
Basenji Temperament
The Basenji is an elegant, intelligent and highly independent breed known for its distinctive lack of bark, though it communicates with a range of unique vocalisations. Fastidiously clean and almost cat-like in its habits, it is easy to housetrain and carries no typical doggy odour. Basenjis are affectionate with their families and particularly devoted to children, but they can be strong-willed and require patient, consistent training without any attempt to force compliance. They are curious and playful, with a strong prey drive that means secure off-lead areas are essential. For understanding owners, they make endlessly fascinating and loving companions.
Basenji Lifestyle
The Basenji is comfortable in a smaller house and suits a home with a reasonably sized garden. They are versatile and do well in both city and countryside settings.
Dog Food for Basenji
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Basenji
Basenji Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Basenji weighing around 10 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£2.32 - £2.47
Per month
£70 - £74
Per year
£847 - £903
Basenji Characteristics
The Basenji is a high-energy breed that needs a real outlet every day and is a quick learner and a pleasure to train. They thrive in a busy family environment, but can be left alone without too much trouble if their needs are met. The coat needs occasional grooming to stay tidy and is a moderate shedder. They are sharp and quick-witted, which is a joy, but means they need keeping mentally occupied.
Basenji Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptionally clean with virtually no doggy odour
- Unique and endearing vocalisations, they yodel rather than bark
- Forms deep bonds with their family, often with a particularly close attachment to one person
- Low-shedding, easy-care short coat
Cons
- A strong independent streak can be challenging for some owners
- High prey drive makes a secure garden and lead essential
- Not well suited to inexperienced owners or unsupervised training sessions
- Prone to escape attempts and can be quite mischievous
