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Basenji

Also called African Barkless Dog, Congo Dog, Congo Terrier, Zande dog

Recognised breedFCI group 5Short profile

From Central Africa, particularly the Congo basin; the breed was developed further in Britain from the 1930s.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male9.5 to 11 kg145
Weight, female9.5 to 10 kg145
Height, male43 cm14
Height, female40 cm14
Lifespan12 to 14 years53
Sizesmall

FCI/KC ideal is 11 kg for males and 9.5 kg for females; AKC gives about 24 lb (10.9 kg) and 22 lb (10 kg); Hill's lists 21-24 lb.

almost barkless, yodels instead
very clean and cat-like
elegant, gazelle-like movement
132

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, fine smooth coat

A light, fine-boned and elegant hound with upright ears, fine wrinkles on the forehead when alert, a deep chest and a tail curled tightly over the back. The coat is short, sleek and very fine over supple skin.14

Coloursred and whiteblack and whitetricolour (black, tan and white)brindle and white14

Personality what they are like

Bright, independent and alert, with a lot of affection for its own family and a cooler, reserved manner with strangers. It is curious and energetic, and its self-minded nature is often compared to a cat's.1452

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic hunter that needs up to an hour of exercise daily and enjoys running, lure coursing and agility.35

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very low maintenance: a brush or wipe with a cloth once or twice a week keeps the short coat clean, and the dog grooms itself much like a cat.53

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to town or country living with a small to medium garden; a secure fence helps since it is a quick, curious hunter.32

Company who they like around

Tends to attach closely to its own people and may be choosy about other pets, so early socialising is helpful.25

The story where it all began

In the Congo region these dogs hunted with local people, using both sight and scent to find and drive game. Western travellers described them in the 1800s, and the breed was established in England in the 1930s before spreading to the USA.32

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Instead of barking, it makes a mix of chortle and yodel, often called a baroo.1

  2. 2

    Like dingoes and New Guinea singing dogs, Basenji females usually come into season only once a year.2

  3. 3

    Dogs resembling the Basenji appear in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings.3

  4. 4

    It is known for having very little doggy odour and can sprint at an estimated 30-35 mph.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Basenji' comes from the Congolese word meaning 'dog of the bush' or 'village dog,' reflecting its central African origins.6

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

KitoZuriJamboSafariBarklessLuluMosiPakaRokaSimbaTotoZala

A day in the life told by a Basenji

I wake with the sun, stretch like a cat, and sniff the air for adventure. No bark escapes me, just a yodel when I find a squirrel. I race through the garden, chase a leaf, then perch on the sofa to survey my kingdom. My human laughs, calls me a little lion. We walk, and I lead the way, curious about every scent. At home, I groom my fur and nap in a sunbeam. Perfect day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 43, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 6 Primitive type; country of origin Central Africa under British patronage.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group.3
AKC
Hound Group; current standard approved 8 May 1990. Wikipedia gives 1943 as the year of AKC recognition.4
UKC
Registered by the UKC.2

Popularity AKC rank 802

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Basenji. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Basenji, and at what times?

Feed adult Basenjis at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. There is no fixed ideal time, so choose a consistent schedule that works for you, and avoid free feeding puppies. For amounts, follow the food label and your vet's advice.7

What should a Basenji eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Ask your vet to design a diet for your Basenji, as no single breed-specific menu is listed here. Many human foods are dangerous, including alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts and xylitol. Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and xylitol are especially dangerous for dogs.8

How often should I bathe a Basenji?

Basenjis are very low maintenance and keep themselves clean, almost like a cat. Furry Diary's starting plan is a bath every 56 days, and general advice says at least every three months or more often if they get very dirty.539 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Basenji need brushing?

A quick brush or wipe with a cloth once or twice a week is enough, as Furry Diary's plan is also weekly brushing. Their short, smooth coat is easy to care for, and general guidance for short coats is weekly brushing too.539 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Basenji's nails, and how often?

Furry Diary's starting plan is every 21 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time and stop before the quick, and ask your vet or groomer if you are unsure.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Basenji need?

An energetic hunter, the Basenji needs up to an hour of exercise each day and enjoys running, lure coursing and agility. Furry Diary's plan is daily walks and play, and a secure fence is important for such a quick, curious dog.352 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Basenji's teeth and ears?

Furry Diary's starting plan is daily tooth brushing and a weekly ear check. General guidance advises brushing teeth two to three times a week, never with human toothpaste, and checking ears regularly without pushing anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Basenji live?

Basenjis have a typical lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Furry Diary notes that senior years usually begin around age 10, so regular vet check-ups are a good idea as they get older.53 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Basenji good with children and other pets?

Basenjis are affectionate with their own family and may be reserved with strangers. They can be choosy about other pets, so early socialising is helpful. Because temperament varies, ask a good breeder about how a particular Basenji does with children.52

Can a Basenji be left alone?

This varies from dog to dog, so ask a good breeder or your vet for advice on your Basenji's alone time.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 43 Basenji fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Basenji - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, AKC year, history, facts, popularity
  3. Basenji - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history, living space
  4. AKC Official Standard of the Basenji images.akc.orgused for size, colours, temperament
  5. Basenji - Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming, temperament
  6. link.springer.com link.springer.com
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.