This small hunting dog originated in Africa and is one of the oldest dogs in the world. Amazingly, they don’t bark. Instead, they let out a cute little yodel. Petite but strong, the Basenji features upright ears, a short coat, a tightly curled tail and extremely expressive eyes.
This breed has an instinct to run and hunt, so to keep him safe, you should consider a fenced yard. Independent and smart, this breed may take extra bonding time to settle into his new family, but once he does, you have a loyal, lifelong friend.
The Basenji originates from the continent of Africa. Similar dogs are shown in drawings from the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt (1991-1178 BC). These breeds were used for hunting, tracking and driving game into nets. They are contenders for the oldest AKC breed and look much like the original domesticated dogs.
The breed was discovered by Europeans in the Congo. The dogs were used by African tribesmen for their hunting abilities which included their ability to jump to scout prey in the grasslands.
Basenji Training & Temperament
Basenjis are strong and independent. They are trainable, but their independence means it’s best to keep training to short sessions of 5-10 minutes and start when they’re young. It’s recommended to also take them to socialization or puppy training classes.
Basenjis are a high energy breed that needs to remain active. It’s best to keep them in a fenced area as they are bred to hunt and might otherwise run off to chase prey. They’re well suited to canine sports like agility and tracking. They need to be exercised well to prevent them from becoming bored and potentially destructive.
Basenjis are easy to care for. They only require occasional light brushing to help keep their coat looking good. They don’t typically smell, so baths are only required if they get dirty or get into something that smells. Their nails should be trimmed regularly.
Basenjis are a healthy breed without too many concerns. As with other dogs their ears should be checked and cleaned and their teeth should be brushed regularly.