In the vast world of dog breeds, some in particular stand out more than others, not just for their unique appearance but also for their intriguing history and remarkable traits. Meet the Basenji, a breed often referred to as the “barkless dog” due to its unique vocalization patterns. Barkless dogs are a rare phenomenon in the dog world. Among these enigmatic breeds, the Basenji stands out as a bright example, captivating the curiosity of dog enthusiasts.
Originating from the heart of Africa, intelligent, highly energetic, and affectionate, though barkless, Basenjis make great pets for active individuals. These dogs are small but have strong and determined personalities. So, if you are considering adopting or buying a Basenji, let us help you decide whether they are fit for you.
From physical characteristics to health issues, the article provides all the essential information you should know about Basenjis.
What Makes Basenjis Unique?
Do you know cave paintings found in Libya that date to 6000 B.C. portrayed hunters with dogs with curled tails—a unique feature in Basenjis? This suggests that Basenjis may be the oldest dog breed.
Moreover, they are widely known as African barkless dogs, hunting for African tribesmen. If you’re wondering why Basenjis can’t bark and only yodel, chortle, or crow, it's because they have a differently shaped larynx than the other dog breeds. Their larynx is fatter, which makes producing bark difficult for Basenjis. When excited, they make a sound mix of yodeling and howling, also known as barroo.
Basenji, the unique barkless dog, is a clever, independent, and fastidious creature with a short, chestnut red or brindle-colored coat. Basenjis are extremely agile and can be challenging to train because of their independent nature.
The Enigmatic History of Barkless Dogs
Basenjis originated from Central Africa, where the Congo tribes used them for hunting because of their silence, keen eyesight, explosive speed, and strong sense of smell. Here is an interesting legend about this barkless dog: it is said that they were gifted to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, often called an Egyptian dog.
According to the Basenji Club of America, the Basenji dog is even depicted in Babylonian and Mesopotamian art. However, there is a conflict on whether the illustrations are of Basenjis we know today or of another ancestral breed. According to PetMD, cave paintings in Libya, dated between 6000 BCE and 100 CE, depict Basenji-type dogs living alongside humans as hunting companions.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in 2021, the genomes of two Basenjis were studied, and it was discovered that they fell within the Asian Spitz gene. The wolf, husky, and dingo only have two copies of this gene, which provides evidence that the Basenji arose before the expansion of agriculture, making them one of the oldest known dog breeds.
In the 1930s, the foundation stock of Basenjis was established in England and then in the United States, and it is thought that all Basenjis in the Western world originate from those few small imports. This African dog breed was introduced in the late 1800s. The first breeding pair was brought to England in 1895, but it ended in a tragedy as they both died before producing any litter. A second attempt also ended similarly, with the female dog and her litter dying before the babies matured.
However, a dog named Bois - first Basenji registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1944 - was brought to America and bred with a female imported from Congo. This time, the breeding was a success, leading to more import of Basenjis from Africa in the 1980s. Though this dog breed is still considered rare or more commonly known as a “cult breed,” many live as loving family pets in the U.S.
From Ancient Origins to Modern Basenji
The small hound’s lineage originates back to Egypt, the Congo, and Sudan. Bred for hunting, their history is a living testament to the rich tapestry of canine history.
Their silence was a coveted trait, enabling hunters to pursue game without giving away their position. This ancient lineage has bestowed upon Basenjis a unique set of characteristics that make them stand out.
While Basenjis were originally highly sought-after for their excellent hunting companionship due to their distinct lack of odor, keen eyesight and sense of smell, and quiet vocalizations if any at all, they have lost popularity in the developed world over the years, ranking 93rd in popularity in 2011, according to the AKC.
Basenji Traits: Appearance and Temperament
Physical Characteristics
Basenjis are small dogs, standing 16-17 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 22-24 pounds. They have short coats with Basenji colors, such as chestnut red, black, or brindle (black stripes on a chestnut base), and white markings, typically on their chest, feet, and tail tip.
Their captivating almond-shaped eyes are slightly slanted and range in color from hazel to dark brown. Cute wrinkled heads give them a worried or puzzled look. But what stands out in their appearance is their bushy curled tail. And a sleek build makes these dogs look perfect, graceful hounds.
Temperament and Behavior
Barkless dogs, including Basenjis, possess a temperament that is as unique as their vocalization style. They are curious, intelligent, and independent – all traits that have contributed to their popularity. Understanding a Basenji’s temperament is essential for anyone considering them as a pet.
Basenjis are alert, intelligent, and independent dogs with a strong prey drive, which stems from their hunting background in Africa. Though affectionate with their families, they can be aloof with strangers. These dogs require regular exercise as they are highly energetic and agile.
Not only that, they love running and can jump vertically, which makes them perfect for agility training. Remember to keep the fence high because these dogs can easily run off after small prey, such as squirrels. Moreover, Basenjis are fastidious about cleanliness and possess catlike grooming habits.
Basenji are known for their inquisitive nature. Their curiosity drives them to explore their surroundings, and their intelligence allows them to learn quickly. Despite their independent nature, they form strong bonds with their human companions.
Because of their independence, Basenjis’ personality type can also be described as catlike; not only do they often groom themselves like cats, but they are generally wary of strangers.
They get bored easily and are highly energetic and intelligent, which can make a challenging combination for the unprepared pet owner. Without the proper training and exercise, Basenjis can be mischievous and troublesome.
Because of their small size, they are apartment-friendly dogs but don’t forget that they need plenty of exercise and enrichment. They have a high prey drive, meaning they must always be on a leash if they’re not in an enclosed space. Otherwise, they may be tempted to chase squirrels and other small rodents. They are happiest when tracking a scent, which means there is a high risk of them running off, and they also tend to chew on things they shouldn’t, so consider this when leaving them home alone.
How to Care for Your Basenji
Grooming Tips
While Basenjis keep themselves clean, as we previously mentioned, you can brush their coat once a week to keep it nice and shiny. Also, thanks to their catlike grooming habits and short coats, these barkless dogs don’t need bathing unless they get awfully dirty. However, ensure to care for their ears and oral health and trim their nails. Brush their teeth two to three times a week. This helps prevent tartar buildup and bacterial growth.
Cleaning a Basenji’s ears once a month or when they have been in water is enough. You can use an ear-cleaning solution or cotton balls to help gently clear the debris. Also, regularly trim their nails, especially when you hear the nail tapping on the floor. It's always best to be aware of your pet’s condition, whether that’s noticing consistent itching, scratching, or irritations, and know when to visit your vet!
Remember, any changes to your dog's health should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible, especially regarding the ears, as it could be a sign of an ear infection.
Coat Care: Managing Basenji's Unique Fur
Basenjis have a short, fine coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. According to PetMD, they don’t need more than the occasional bath if your vet recommends it for their overall cleanliness and health.
Nutrition
Basenjis should be given high-quality commercial dog food approved by AAFCO. Feed them ¾ to 1 cup of dry food a day, divided into two meals. Also, understand that the amount of food your dog needs depends on size, age, metabolism, and activity levels.
You must be wondering if they can have human foods. Well, you can feed them some fruits, like blueberries, mangoes, apples, and bananas. You can also give cooked chicken and salmon. However, ensure to offer in moderation as overfeeding in Basenjis can cause health issues, such as hip dysplasia. Avoid feeding them grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, chocolate, and dairy products.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Basenjis are highly energetic dogs that need lots of exercise daily, about 30-60 minutes long. You may also need to plan various activities, such as puzzle games, to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent them from getting bored and irritable.
Thanks to their explosive speed and alertness, they fit perfectly for agility training or lure coursing. Also, keep them on a leash when they are outdoors for walks because their high prey dive can overtake them, making your Basenji runoff.
Training a Basenji: Challenges and Strategies
Basenjis are known for being very independent and stubborn, like cats, which can make training challenging. This is one of the African dog breeds that like to boss instead of complying with their pet parent’s command.
However, reward-based training, such as positive reinforcement obedience training sessions, can help you and your Basenji get along. Offer plenty of treats during training and make it as fun as possible so that these dogs don’t wear out.
Keep the training sessions short and entertaining, lasting about 5-10 minutes, as they lose interest quickly and get bored. Also, ensure to socialize your dog early to help lessen the aloofness of strangers and other animals. You need to be patient and creative when training a Basenji.
Common Health Concerns in Basenjis
When caring for your dog, regardless of breed, it is important to consider preventative care in the form of flea, tick, and heartworm protection. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are vital in maintaining their overall health. The Basenji lifespan is typically 13-14 years. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with protecting your dog.
While barkless dogs are generally healthy when they’re active and not overfed, they are susceptible to specific health issues common to their breed.
Hypothyroidism: This is an auto-immune disease that destroys hormone-producing cells in the thyroid, which is important for metabolism and skin health.
Dogs that are affected typically do not exhibit signs until a significant amount of the gland is destroyed.
Signs can include:
Obesity
Low energy
Dull coat
Increase in skin infections
Fanconi Syndrome: This is a genetic disease affecting the kidneys, causing problems with protein and sugar leaking into the urine from the blood, eventually leading to kidney failure and death.
There are DNA test markers for Fanconi syndrome, and if your dog has one of these markers, then there are urine tests that can be administered to identify if your pup is developing the disease.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Essential for vision, the retina is the part of your eye made of rods and cones that receive light signals and send nerve signals to the brain. When present in dogs, the number of rods and cones decreases over time, resulting in the gradual loss of vision.
PRA is not treatable, but because the loss is gradual, dogs may learn to cope with their vision impairments.
Hip Dysplasia: Three bones fuse together in the pelvis to form the hip joint as puppies grow, and if these bones don’t fuse properly, it can result in hip joints that are too loose or shallow.
Eventually, this developmental problem causes pain and arthritis. This is a developmental disease that affects many breeds, including the Basenji dog breed.
To combat it, have your vet monitor and evaluate your dog every six to 12 weeks for signs of pain and decreased mobility and to potentially obtain X-rays to help detect hip dysplasia.
Caring for a Basenji involves more than just providing food and shelter. Their active minds and bodies require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them content. Engaging in activities like puzzle toys, agility training, and interactive games not only provides physical exercise but also stimulates their sharp intellect.
Is a Basenji Right for You?
Before welcoming a Basenji into your home, it's essential to assess whether this unique breed aligns with your lifestyle. Their intelligence and curiosity require mental stimulation and physical activity. If you’re prepared to invest time, patience, and love, a Basenji can make a wonderful, albeit unique, addition to your family.
This breed of dog requires an experienced pet owner who is patient and will provide consistent training. Though Basenjis are highly intelligent, they can be just as independent, and that can lead to stubborn behavior. This is a high-energy breed that requires at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, preferably more, so they would be well suited with an active owner.
If you’re a first-time pet parent thinking about adding a Basenji puppy to your family, it may be worth considering the behavioral and physical needs of the dog as well as care requirements. With time, dedication, and patience, Basenjis can be a loyal companion.
If you are considering a Basenji specifically, we always advise adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a home to a loving dog in need. While we understand that you may choose to purchase your dog, please ensure you do your research and choose a reputable breeder.
Be sure that the breeder you choose follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their dog. Reputable breeders prioritize health and temperament, conducting necessary health screenings and providing a healthy nurturing environment for puppies.
Basenjis also do better in homes with older children who understand how to properly interact with dogs/pets. The Basenji can be a good family dog if they are socialized and trained early, and kept active to stay out of mischief and avoid troublesome behaviors. They also tend to bond with only one to two members of a family, so if you’re planning to add them to a larger home, consider they may not be affectionate towards every member of the family, and can also become very protective over the people they do bond with!
Conclusion
Basenjis are warm toward their families, but they are generally suited best for homes with older children who can properly interact with them. Remember to keep them active, socialized, and trained and prevent trouble. If you’re looking for a dog that speaks volumes without uttering a sound, the Basenji might just be the perfect addition to your family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Basenjis good with children?
According to the American Kennel Club, Basenjis are loving with children, but they should be supervised around young kids because of their high energy levels.
Do Basenjis bark at all?
No, they do not bark in the traditional sense, but Basenji yodel or growl.
How much exercise does a Basenji need?
Basenjis need an hour of exercise per day. You can take them for a walk or run as they love running and hiking.
Can Basenjis live in apartments?
A Basenji dog can be good for apartment living as they are small to mid-sized and quiet. Though, they have a unique Basenji bark or yodel. Also, they shed less and keep themselves clean.
Are Basenjis hypoallergenic?
Yes, Basenjis are hypoallergenic because they shed less and have short fur.
