Sometimes it’s fun to follow the crowd (“Hey, you have a Labrador Retriever too?”), but let’s face it—we’re all unique. Maybe you’d like a dog who’s as unique as you are, one who’s an independent thinker, charts their own course and thinks it’s fun to color outside the lines. The Basenji takes canine originality up a notch (they don’t bark—they yodel!), and they believe unabashedly in being themselves. If you’re looking for a dog who’s comfortable in their own skin, brims with self-confidence and is ready to embrace the next adventure, the Basenji has what it takes to stand out in a crowd.
Breed Snapshot
Temperament:
IndependentActiveIntelligentCoat Color:
Black And WhiteBlack Tan And WhiteBrindle And WhiteRed And White
Best For
Basenjis are best for experienced pet parents who tend to have quieter households and homes with fenced yards.
Basenji Temperament
The Basenji breed’s temperament might seem unusual if you’re used to more popular dog breeds like Golden Retrievers or Labs. Basenjis like their families, but they also like alone time and are quite particular dogs.
Originally bred as hunting dogs in Africa, Basenjis are instinctively alert dogs who love to chase things—and will do just that!—and they need plenty of mental exercise to keep from being bored. Even though they have low biting tendencies, Basenjis aren’t always keen on meeting new dogs and may be aggressive toward other types of animals. They can be friendly with children they know and often bond with one person, but early socialization is needed to make sure they grow up accepting new people, dogs and situations. Basenjis are quite fussy about their hygiene and will keep themselves tidy whenever possible.
Despite all this, Basenjis truly are members of the family and are indoor dogs who can’t think of a better place to hang out than your living room. They’re very intelligent, very active and very individualistic dogs who will definitely bring a smile to your face.
How to Care for a Basenji
Basenjis are easy to groom, and their food needs aren’t complicated. But they have an independent nature that will make training a challenge for the inexperienced pup parent. And Basenjis have a lot of energy that needs to be burned daily or else they just might find themselves getting into trouble.
Basenji Health
Basenjis have a lifespan of about 13 to 14 years. And the good news is that Basenjis are very healthy dogs with few health problems. It’s important for pup parents to be aware of these health issues, so you can help your pup live the fullest life possible.
- Fanconi Syndrome: Basenjis can be predisposed to a genetic condition called Fanconi Syndrome which affects a portion of the kidneys. Affected dogs fail to reabsorb some nutrients and electrolytes back into the body. Fortunately, breeders can screen for this condition to ensure it’s not passed to future generations. There is no treatment for this condition, but it may be managed with supplements.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is a genetic eye issue that leads to eventual blindness. Typically, night and low-light vision are affected first. There is no cure for PRA; it’s usually a slow progression to blindness, giving the dog time to adapt.
- Persistent Pupillary Membrane: This is an eye condition that can occur when a Basenji puppy’s embryonic eye membrane doesn’t quite disappear completely and remains on the eye, where it can cause mild to severe vision issues. Fortunately, this often clears up on its own and only occasionally needs veterinary intervention.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary issue that occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, and it can be quite painful. Treatment options range from weight management to physical therapy to surgery.
Basenji History
While Basenjis have only been in the United States since the 1930s, their history stretches back for centuries. Canine DNA research has shown Basenjis to be a truly ancient breed with unique DNA unlike any other domesticated dog breed. Cave paintings in Africa depict Basenji-like dogs with curled tails, and these dogs were given to pharaohs in ancient Egypt.
Basenjis were hunting dogs in Africa in the 1800s, but the qualities and characteristics of this intriguing breed fascinated Europeans. Early efforts to import Basenjis to England proved difficult due to distemper and other factors. In the 1930s, Mrs. Olivia Burn was instrumental in her efforts to establish Basenjis in England; she referred to them as “the barkless dog of the Congo.”
The first Basenjis arrived in the United States in 1937, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Basenji breed in 1944. (The Basenji Club of America was established a couple years earlier in 1942.) Today, Basenjis rank 86th on the AKC’s list of the most popular breeds.
FAQs
Do Basenjis bark?
No, Basenjis do not bark. But even though they are considered barkless, it’s important to remember they do make noise. Basenjis are capable of making many sounds, and they love to yodel!
Are Basenjis hypoallergenic? Do they shed?
While it’s impossible to say that any dog is 100-percent hypoallergenic, Basenjis tend to be a better match for people with allergies than many other dog breeds. Basenjis shed minimally and have low amounts of dander, plus they are fastidiously clean dogs, which also helps to reduce allergens.
Are Basenjis good family dogs?
Basenjis can be good family dogs when they’re properly socialized and trained from an early age. Children should always be supervised when they’re with your Basenji, and pups who were raised around children may have an easier time than an older Basenji trying to get used to children for the first time.
Which breed is most similar to the Basenji?
We have found Shiba Inus to have several similar characteristics as Basenjis. Compare these two breeds side-by-side and see for yourself.
Where is the best place to find Basenji puppies?
You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website.
What’s the average Basenji price?
Depending on the breeder, expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for a pup. But for that, you usually get a dog who’s been screened for health and temperament issues, and they might even come with pedigree papers. You can also reach out to Basenji rescue organizations to adopt a Basenji or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter.
What are the most common Basenji dog mixes?
- Chisenji or Basenji Chi (Basenji-Chihuahua)
- Pitsenji (Basenji-American Pit Bull Terrier)
- Labrasenji (Basenji-Labrador Retriever)
- Corsenji (Basenji-Welsh Corgi)
- German Shepenji (Basenji-German Shepherd)
- Basenji Siberian Husky (Basenji-Siberian Husky)
Are there any famous Basenjis?
In the 1950s film Good-bye, My Lady the title role was played by a Basenji by the name of My Lady of the Congo.
How do you pronounce Basenji?
Basenji is pronounced buh-SEN-jee.

Top Takeaways
You might first be drawn to the Basenji for their barkless trait or their cute curly tail, but once you discover their intelligence, their easy grooming needs and their fascinating history, you’ll be a Basenji fan for life.
Expert input provided by veterinarian Dr. Ellen Kinzl, DVM, of Liberty Village Animal Hospital and certified dog trainer Christine Danker, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, PMCT3, of Hemlock Hollow LLC.

Search for Adoptable Basenjis Near You
Female Names
- Lucy
- Luna
- Nala
- Sadie
- Rosie
- Coco
- Willow
- Cleo
- Ruby
- Lily
Male Names
- Benji
- Cooper
- Jax
- Ollie
- Duke
- Loki
- Remy
- Max
- Koda
- Bruno
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