Brief History of Basenjis
The Basenji originated as a hunting dog in Central Africa. They were utilized by tribes in the Congo region for their adeptness at tracking and hunting prey through dense forests. The breed gets its name from the Basenji words “basinji” which means “dog of the savages.”
Basenjis first came to the attention of Europeans in the late 19th century during exploration of central Africa. The explorer Henry Morton Stanley commented on the breed in his writings in 1895 after observing them with Pygmy tribespeople in the Congo. The dogs were admired for their intelligence and athleticism.
The first Basenjis arrived in England in the 1920s and to the United States in the 1930s. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943. Basenjis are known for their signature trait of not barking. They make yodel-like vocalizations instead.
As described in the Wikipedia article on Basenjis, the breed originated on the continent of Africa and was first documented by Europeans in 1895 in writings about the Congo region.
Basenji Temperament
Basenjis are intelligent, curious, and energetic dogs. They are alert and eager to explore their surroundings. Basenjis can be aloof with strangers but are very affectionate with their families [1]. They are independent thinkers and can be challenging to train [2]. Their natural curiosity means they will benefit from activities that engage their mind.
Basenjis are athletic dogs that love activities and exercise. They are built for agility and speed, possessing cat-like agility. A basenji will enjoy games and sports that allow them to run and jump. Their high energy means they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and avoid problem behaviors like chewing or barking [3]. An active basenji who gets regular activity is likely to be an affectionate and loyal family companion.
Basenji as Family Dogs
Basenjis can make excellent family companions if properly socialized from an early age. According to the Basenji Rescue and Transport organization, “Basenjis are good family pets. True… The earlier you socialize your dog, the better. Not just to children, but to other pets and people as well.” [1] With early and ongoing socialization, basenjis generally get along well with children.
However, some basenjis can be wary and aloof around young kids, especially if not exposed to them during puppyhood. As the American Kennel Club notes, basenjis may view small children as “littermates” to play with rather than children to guard. This means basenjis require supervision when interacting with little ones. [2]
It’s important to introduce basenjis to children gradually and calmly. Loud, quick movements can startle these dogs. With slow introductions and steady guidance, basenjis and kids can form close bonds and become great companions.
Exercise Needs
Basenjis are very energetic dogs that require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need around 30-45 minutes of activity per day.
Basenjis enjoy higher intensity activities that allow them to really run and play. Some good exercise options for these dogs include agility training, hiking, jogging or brisk walking on a leash. Due to their energy level and exercise requirements, Basenjis are not really suited for a sedentary lifestyle.
Without sufficient activity, Basenjis may become bored and destructive. They like having a job to do and will feel their best with daily, vigorous exercise to release their natural energy. Taking the time to properly exercise a Basenji will lead to a happier and better behaved companion.
Training a Basenji
Basenjis are independent dogs that can be more difficult to train than other breeds. Their independent nature means they require patient, consistent, positive training techniques to be successful (source). Reward-based methods using treats and praise tend to work best for motivating Basenjis.
Basenjis respond particularly well to clicker training, which uses positive reinforcement to mark and reward desired behaviors (source). This training approach was originally developed for captive wild animals and aligns well with the Basenji’s alert, intelligent nature.
Crate training is also highly recommended for Basenjis, as it provides them with a safe, den-like space while preventing destructive behaviors when left unsupervised. Consistency and patience are key when crate training, as Basenjis may resist confinement.
While Basenjis can be challenging to train, their intelligence allows them to succeed with persistent, reward-based methods. Proper socialization and training from an early age will help Basenjis become well-adjusted companions.
Grooming
Basenjis have a short, fine coat that requires minimal grooming [1]. Their coat lies close to their body and is easy to maintain. Occasional brushing with a hound glove or soft bristle brush is recommended to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils [2]. Basenjis are clean dogs and do not have a doggy odor.
While Basenjis don’t require frequent bathing, they do shed seasonally in the spring and fall. Regular brushing during shedding seasons can help remove dead hair. Bathing a few times a year can also assist with shedding management.
Health
The average lifespan for a Basenji is 10-12 years. While generally a healthy breed, Basenjis are prone to some health issues that potential owners should be aware of. One condition to watch out for is Fanconi syndrome, which affects kidney function and electrolyte absorption. Signs of Fanconi syndrome include increased water consumption, increased urination, and weight loss. Basenjis are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness if untreated. Regular veterinary exams and eye checks are recommended to catch any health issues early. Proper nutrition and regular exercise are important for keeping Basenjis healthy and avoiding obesity. With attentive care, regular vet visits, and genetic testing of breeding dogs, Basenjis can live happily into their early teens.
Finding a Basenji
When looking to add a Basenji to your family, it’s important to find a reputable breeder. While you may find Basenjis available for adoption, this breed is uncommon in most shelters and rescue organizations.
Generally, you can expect to pay $1,000 or more for a Basenji puppy from a breeder. Breeders should screen their dogs for health and temperament issues common in the breed. Be sure to ask about health testing and meet at least one of the puppy’s parents.
A good breeder will ask you questions as well to ensure their puppies are going to good homes. They should provide health records for the puppy and be willing to answer any questions you have.
Some things to keep in mind when searching for a Basenji breeder:
- Ask for references from other families who have purchased puppies from them.
- Ensure they are not breeding dogs at every heat cycle or producing litters too frequently.
- Puppies should be socialized and handled from an early age.
- Reputable breeders will have a contract and health guarantee.
While a higher initial price tag may be involved, purchasing a Basenji from a responsible breeder is worth it for a healthy, well-socialized puppy. Take your time researching breeders to find one that is ethical and breeds quality Basenjis.
Basenji Mixes
Basenjis are sometimes mixed with other breeds to reduce health issues and modify their temperament. Some popular Basenji mixes include:
- Basenji-Labrador Mix (Baseador): Labs bring friendliness and trainability to this mix. Baseadors tend to be energetic, loyal, and more obedient than pure Basenjis.
- Basenji-Hound Mix: Pairing a Basenji with hounds like Beagles or Foxhounds results in high energy pups that love to run and have strong tracking instincts. They also tend to be more vocal.
- Basenji-Poodle Mix (Basenpoo): Poodles contribute intelligence and low-shedding coats to this mix. Basenpoos are often affectionate, eager to please, and less aloof.
In general, Basenji mixes gain some of the best traits from both parent breeds. Mixes are often healthier as they have a wider gene pool with less risk of inherited diseases. Their temperaments also become more balanced.
Is a Basenji Right for You?
When considering adding a Basenji to your family, it’s important to evaluate if they are a good match for your lifestyle and home environment. Basenjis are energetic dogs that need ample daily exercise and mental stimulation [1]. They do best in active households that can give them regular outlets for their high energy, such as long walks, hiking, running, or other vigorous activities. Basenjis may not be the ideal choice for families with very young children, as they have an independent nature and can be impatient with toddlers [2]. Take the time to properly socialize and train a Basenji from a young age, as they can be a challenge to train for inexperienced owners. With patience and consistency, however, Basenjis can learn good manners and obedience.