Appearance
Details: The Basenji is a small, lightly built dog with a wrinkled head and a tightly curled tail. They have slightly hooded ears and a flat, well-chiseled forehead. The eyes are almond-shaped and are generally hazel to dark brown in color. The gait is a swift trot, similar to a racehorse.
Average height and weight (mature size and weight): 16-17 inches, 20-25 pounds
Color / coat variations: The coat is short and fine. The color is chestnut red, pure black, or brindle. The feet, chest, and the top of the tail are always white.
Care
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Litter size: 3-6 puppies
Grooming and shedding: This breed requires little or no grooming. These dogs have a sense of cleanliness similar to the cat, and are quite clean. They emit very little odor. They may be sensitive to some shampoos. Bathing and shampooing can be done occasionally.
Food habits: Basenjis, as with other dogs, need a nutritious diet containing all the necessary nutrients such as fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and others. A typical diet for a basenji may include chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb, eggs, rabbit, cheese, yoghurt, barley, oatmeal, rice, wheat, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Several Basenjis are fond of ice creams, salads, peanut butter, biscuits, potatoes, kibble, and bones. They love to beg for food and cannot resist stealing it if they can. Basenjis tend to eat a lot.
Climate and environment: The short coat of Basenjis makes them ideal for warm climates. However, they do manage well in snow or rain. They are can be both outdoors or indoors. Adequate fencing of the yard is important, as they may sneak out. However, some Basenjis are expert climbers and can easily scale a high fence. They love to be at home with the owner's family.
Temperament
Behavioral aspects: One of the most remarkable aspects is that they do not bark but they do yodel, whine, or squeal. Aloof and mischievous, they may try to test the owner's patient some times. They are fast runners and love to chase. In a habit similar to cats, Basenjis tend to clean themselves all over. They lack a doggy odor, and hence are suitable for living indoors with their masters. Their incessant chewing may be a source of concern to the owner. They should not be approached from behind. With strangers, they prefer making the first overtures. The females come into season only once during a year, usually during the winter months. They develop boredom easily, and require adequate amounts of mental stimulation.
With children: They are generally good with well-behaved older children.
With other dogs and animals: Their hunting instincts are quite strong and tend to view smaller animals as prey. They are known to be aggressive with other dogs.
Training and learning rate: Basenjis learn very quickly using positive methods of training like clicker training or lure/reward methods. They are one of the "independent breeds" of dog, and the trick is to convince them that it is in their best interests to do what you want them to do (think of training a cat...). If you take a Basenji to a class that is run by someone who uses leash-jerking or negative methods of training, they will probably flunk the class with a very truculent attitude. With positive, lure-reward methods of training, they will probably lead the class!
Activity Level
Agility: High
Affinity to water: They generally avoid water, as they do not like getting wet.
How noisy are they: They do not bark, but can be noisy by yodeling or whining, especially when left alone.
Exercise: These dogs require a great deal of exercise to stay healthy, as they tend to become lazy if the owner is not careful about it. Running and jogging helps these dogs to stay active and fit.
Health issues: Some Basenjis are known to suffer from a kidney disorder known as Fanconi syndrome, in which the kidneys are unable to properly reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients back into the body, but instead allow them to pass into the urine. To counteract these losses, as noted on periodic blood, urine and venous blood gas tests, inexpensive supplements must be given orally, daily, along with a high-protein diet. With proper supplementation, a Fanconi dog can live a nearly normal and relatively healthy life span. Currently, there is a genetic Fanconi "bridge" test which can identify carriers and potential afflicted Basenjis before breeding.
Eye problems, particularly PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) are of concern with Basenjis. Hypothyroid problems are fairly common, and umbilical hernias are common but usually of little concern and don't cause problems requiring surgery.
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