The Basenji breed is a between 15 and 18 inches high. With a distinctive face that is wrinkled around the forehead. Here we see a short muzzle, smaller than the skull, which is flat. The ears are small, erect, and face forward. The eyes are brown and oval in appearance. You see a lovely straight-line back. The legs are straight and in proportion to the dog. The tail is set elevated and can curl to either side. Their coat is shiny and short, with fine fur. The colors we see are pure copper, black, red and chestnut red. They have a lovely range of tri colors and these are black, tan and white, or black, brindle and white. For the AKC standard, the dog needs to have white on the chest, feet, and the tip of the tail. This dog can as an option have white legs, blaze and collar. This dog doesn’t bark. Now before you decide it’s the one for you, this doesn’t mean it makes no noise, it does, they can howl, crow, growl and are known for their yodel noises. So therefore they are still vocal, and it will depend on the dog’s mood what you may hear.

History: The Basenji is first seen, or recorded in the Egyptian tombs and Egyptian hieroglyphics. We see from this that the breed has a long history, which goes back four to five thousand years. It has since spread around the globe, being introduced to England in 1937 it was developed as the breed we see today. The first dog used on the African continent was used by the locals for pointing and retrieving game. They were also used to warn if dangerous animals came near. The Basenji was first brought to the USA in 1944. Another name for this dog is Congo Dog.

Temperament: Due to the Basenji dogs natural instincts and energy they need to know who the boss is. You have to show good leadership at all times and socialize the puppy well, to gain the best from this breed. It is wonderfully energetic and intelligent and so does well with training. It is fast and doesn’t get tired at play. This dog needs good handling from a young age to gain the best. It has a great desire to please, which allows good training to happen. They are cat like in the cleaning of themselves. This breed can do well with children providing the child can show leadership towards the dog, so unsuitable for really young children or toddlers. Due to its natural hunting abilities it is not to be trusted with other non-canine pets. They love to chew and thought has to go into a selection of chew toys, so this need can be met. Here is a breed that can, and will, climb, so chain wire fencing in a garden is not a problem for them to climb over. As with most dogs that have come from the working breeds, this dog will need to have plenty of exercise for both mind and body.

Health issues: The Basenji dog breed is known to get kidney problems, which must be treated the moment you think there could be a problem. They are also vulnerable to eye problems and intestinal problems as well. Another problem is progressive retinal atrophy.

Grooming: The Basenji dog washes like a cat, so next to no grooming is required from the owner. It sheds very little fur.

Living conditions: The Basenji breed is fine in an apartment but only if you are good and regular with their exercise both for the body and for the mind. Its walks need to be long.