Basenji

basenji
  • Life expectancy

    13 - 15 years

  • Weight

    Male 10 - 11 kg

    Female 9 - 10 kg

  • Height

    Male 10 - 11 kg

    Female 10 - 11 kg

  • Hair

    short

  • Group

    Spitz type and primitive type dogs

  • Nicknames

    Terrier del Congo,Perro de Kheops

The Basenji is a dog breed native to Africa known for its elegant appearance and unique character. It is a medium-sized dog, with short, soft fur, erect ears and a tail curved over its back. It stands out for being a "no-bark dog", as it makes a distinctive sound called "barroo" instead of barking. This is a result of their particular vocal anatomy and is a distinctive characteristic of the breed. They are independent, intelligent and clean, they will spend hours cleaning themselves when they have any dirt on their coat and therefore rarely smell bad, making them interesting companions for people who value these unique characteristics. Basenjis have a long history as hunters in Africa and still maintain their independent spirit and hunting instinct.

Characteristics of the Basenji

  • SIZE

  • EXERCISE NEEDS

  • EASY TO TRAIN

  • GOOD WITH CHILDREN

  • KINDNESS TO OTHER PETS

  • HEALTH OF THE BREED

  • COST TO KEEP

  • INTELLIGENCE

  • TOLERANCE TO BEING ALONE

Why choose a Basenji?

PROS

  • Basenjis form strong bonds with their owners, getting along well with other dogs and children.

  • They have a short, fine coat that requires little care.

  • They do not shed much hair, which is why they are considered a hypoallergenic dog. Although it is not one of the most recommended breeds for people with a high degree of allergy, it can fit when it comes to mild allergies.

  • They are known for being "silent dogs," but they can be talkative.

  • They have an incredible sense of smell and excellent eyesight.

  • Basenjis love company and thrive in a home environment

  • They are known as "odorless dogs" since they are very clean and lick themselves like cats to stay clean.

CONS

  • Basenjis are independent dogs by nature and can be stubborn. This can make training difficult and require patience and consistency.

  • They have a strong hunting instinct and can chase small animals such as cats or rodents.

  • Although they do not need a great deal of physical exercise, they do require constant mental stimulation. They get bored easily and this can lead to destructive behaviors.

  • They don't like to be left alone for long periods of time.

  • They have great potential for mischief, are known for their resourcefulness and ability to get into trouble if left unsupervised for too long, and are very good escapists.

Basenji puppies for sale

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Origin and history of the Basenji

The Basenji originated in the Congo regions of Central Africa thousands of years ago. They were bred to be versatile hunting dogs, capable of tracking and catching a variety of prey, such as small mammals and birds. They were independent hunters who worked alongside human hunters in the African bush. Their ability to hunt alone and their silent nature, as they do not bark in the traditional sense, made them valuable companions for local tribes.

Basenjis began to attract attention in the West in the 1930s when some European explorers and colonizers brought specimens of the breed to Europe. This introduction marked the beginning of the Basenji's popularity outside of Africa. In 1943, it was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States.

Despite having become popular pets around the world, many Basenjis still maintain their hunting instincts and independent behavior. They often enjoy outdoor activities and are agile and athletic.

Basenji breeders

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Character ofthe Basenji

Basenjis are intelligent, cunning dogs and tend to form strong bonds with their owners. They are independent by nature. They often have a mind of their own and can make decisions for themselves. This can make them a challenge to train as they can be stubborn and will not always obey immediately. In addition, they tend to be curious and explorers. They like to investigate their surroundings and can be prone to getting into trouble if not provided with a safe and stimulating environment. They have a strong hunting instinct and can chase small animals such as cats or rodents.

They require good early and constant socialization to avoid shyness or aggression towards other dogs and people. This is especially important due to their independent nature.

Although they are known as "barkless dogs," they produce a variety of unique vocal sounds, such as the characteristic "barroo" or "yodlero song." They are quite vocal when they want to communicate or express emotions.

Another particular characteristic of this breed is that they are very clean and groom themselves just like cats. They make sure to keep their coat clean and generally do not have a strong odor.

Although active and energetic, they do not have an overwhelming need for physical exercise and are suitable for people who have an active but not overly athletic lifestyle.

Curiosities about the Basenji

  • The Basenji is known as the "barkless dog" because it does not produce typical barking. Instead, it makes a unique sound called "barroo" or "yodler song." This trait is the result of its physical conformation that makes it difficult for it to produce barks.

  • Basenjis are known for their cat-like grooming behavior. They lick their fur regularly to keep it clean, and generally do not have a strong odor.

  • They are known for their jumping ability, can reach impressive heights, and have an amazing ability to scale fences and walls. If they are not provided with a safe area, they can easily escape.

Names for Basenji

Adisa, Lupy, Obi, Kube

The Basenji of our breeders

Perro sorprendido

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