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Basenji

The Basenji is an ancient central African hunting dog, kept by the peoples of the Congo basin, and one of the most genetically distinct dog breeds — closer to the primitive lineages than to modern European breeds.

It stands 40 to 43 centimetres, weighs 9.5 to 11 kilograms and lives twelve to sixteen years. Two things set it apart. Its larynx is shaped differently, so it does not bark — it makes a yodelling sound often written as a baroo. And unlike every other dog breed, a Basenji bitch has a single annual season rather than two, another trait shared with wild canids and a marker of how little the breed was reshaped by European breeding.

Origin
Congo basin, central Africa; an ancient lineage
Size
40–43 cm; 9.5–11 kg
Lifespan
12–16 years
Voice
Does not bark — yodels, because of the larynx shape
Temperament
Independent, cat-like, extremely high prey drive
Health
Fanconi syndrome and PRA — both DNA testable

3 basenji photos, newest first

Basenji feed
  • Kito, a basenji

    Kito

    Kito found the edge of the canyon and stood there as though he had arranged it himself.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Clover IV, a basenji

    Clover IV

    Clover IV was promoted to archaeologist uncovering a giant spoon; unfortunately, a stack of empty bowls wobbles dangerously.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Clover IV, a basenji

    Clover IV

    Nothing about Clover IV's expression is an accident.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a basenji

Ask for the Fanconi syndrome DNA test. It is a kidney tubule disorder that causes sugars and proteins to be lost in urine, appears in middle age, and is common enough in the breed that a test was developed specifically for it. Untreated it is fatal; managed with a supplementation protocol, dogs live well.

Not barking is not the same as being quiet. Basenjis scream, yodel and make a great deal of noise when they choose to.

The prey drive is absolute and recall is poor. They climb fences and open latches, and off-lead freedom in an unenclosed area is not appropriate.

They are independent and cat-like — they groom themselves, dislike rain, and do not much care for obedience.

Ask about PRA and about hypothyroidism, both of which occur.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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