Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to add a new dog to the family is a very important one.  How do you know if a basenji is the dog for you?  Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about basenjis.

Exactly what is a basenji? A basenji is a small African sighthound that has remained relatively unchanged for thousands of years.  As one of the worlds oldest "pure" breeds, pictures and carvings of them can be found in ancient Egyptian tombs.

What health issues are found in basenjis? Although a relatively healthy breed, basenjis do have some common health issues.   Foremost among those issues is fanconi syndrome.  Other health issues include: IPSID (immunoproliferative small intestine disease), PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), HA (hemolytic anemia), HD (hip dysplasia), thyroid issues, PPM (persistent pupillary membrane), other miscellaneous eye problems, and hernias.  Some of these problems are very serious in the breed (i.e. fanconi).  Others, while serious, are less often found (HD and IPSID).  Some are widespread, but usually easily managed (thyroid) or not an issue (umbilical hernias).  And others, like HA, have been virtually eliminated through testing.  It is still a good idea for any potential basenji owner to educate themselves on all of these health issues and ask prospective breeders about the health of their lines before buying a puppy.

Is it true that basenjis really can't bark? While it's true that basenjis can't bark repeatedly, they are capable of a full range of sounds including a single woof (usually when startled), growl, howl, yodel, chortle and an ear-piercing scream (think toddler having a melt-down!).   Some basenjis are very quiet, while others are certainly more talkative.  Don't assume that just because they don't bark, they are silent.

I've never owned a dog before.  Are basenjis good dogs for first time owners? Basenjis are usually fairly dominant dogs.  For this reason, they may not be the ideal choice for a first time dog owner.  But don't give up!  Find a reputable breeder who will help match you with a puppy or dog that will best suit your individual needs and lifestyle.  A reputable breeder will also always be available to help with any situations that may arise.  You might also want to consider adopting an older dog from rescue.   These mature dogs may be easier for a first time dog owner.

Are basenjis really as destructive as I've heard?  I can't believe any dog would chew through walls. Yes, it's true.  Basenjis can be ace chewers and one dog demolition crews.  Usually, this is due to boredom.  Give your basenji toys to play with and praise him when he chews on them instead of your couch.  I have yet to meet a basenji that won't shred kleenex or eat any underwear it finds laying around. (The moral of that story is to pick up your dirty clothes, and keep the trash out of reach of the dog!!)  I also recommend crating your basenji if no one is home; at least until you can be sure that your house will be in one piece if you leave your basenji loose without supervision.

I want a dog that is easily trained and will follow all of my commands.  Will a basenji do this? Not usually.  Basenjis are very intelligent, independent dogs.  They like to think for themselves, and often don't see the point of obeying their owners every wish. (After all, aren't the people here to serve the needs of the basenji?)  Remember, basenjis are a primitive breed that has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.  Traditional yank-and-jerk training does not work well with basenjis.  Many owners have found great success in using clicker training or positive reinforcement based training with their dogs.  If you have a great deal of patience, time and a strong sense of humor, your basenji can be trained.  If you're looking for Lassie, this isn't the breed for you.

Are basenjis hyper dogs? Basenjis can have a very high activity level.  They need to be exercised daily, both physically and mentally.   A bored basenji can be a one dog demolition crew.  Long walks and being able to run in a fenced backyard is a big help to burn off some of that extra energy, not to mention that it's great exercise!  As the saying goes, a tired basenji is a good basenji!!

I've heard that basenjis are difficult to train to walk on leash without pulling.   Is this true? In general, an untrained basenji (like any untrained dog) pulls like a champion sled dog.   However, basenjis can be taught to walk politely on leash.  Many basenji owners use a halter such as the "Gentle Leader" or a "Halti" with great success with even the most determined pullers.

I want to be able to take my dog to the park and let him run around off lead.  Can I do this with a basenji? No!  Basenjis are sighthounds and typically have a very strong prey-drive and desire to run.  They will chase anything that moves and cannot be trusted off leash in an unfenced area.   More basenjis are probably lost due to being hit by cars than almost any other reason.

I have allergies.  Is it true that basenjis are hypoallergenic? Personally, I don't believe ANY dog is truly hypoallergenic.  However, a basenji can be a good choice for many people with allegies because they are such clean dogs, with no doggie smell and very little shedding.  The best way to find out if a basenji is compatible with your allergies is to visit with some basenjis in person.

I have a doghouse and I want my dog to be an outdoor dog.  Is this okay for a basenji? No.  Besides the fact that basenjis typically enjoy human companionship and need to be a part of the family, they do not tolerate cold, wet weather well and should not be kept as an outside dog.

I have young children.  Are basenjis good with kids? Most basenjis who have been well socialized get along fine with well-behaved children.   Usually the biggest problem with basenjis and small children is the fact that basenjis can be very rowdy when they play -- jumping, bouncing, spinning, running -- and this may frighten young children.  This is usually worse with puppies and can typically be resolved with a little maturity and training.  Overall, it depends on the individual dog.  Some have temperaments that make them suitable for family life, others do not.  Talk to a reputable breeder and allow them to help choose the dog that will be best suited for your family.   With small children in the family, it is VERY important to get a basenji that has been well socialized.

Will a basenji get along with my cat? Part of this depends on the dog and part of this depends on the cat.  Many basenjis (mine included) live together harmoniously with their feline housemates.  Most basenjis raised around cats have no problems.  Be warned though, that the same cat the basenji is friends with in the house, if outside and running, will probably be viewed as prey.

What kind of fencing do you suggest for basenjis? In general a six-foot solid (wood, block, etc.) fence is ideal.  Many other basenji owners have had success with a 4 foot chain link fence.  Some basenjis will use chain-link as a ladder.  If your basenji shows signs of being an escape artist, a single strand of hotwire can be run along the top and bottom of the fence to discourage climbing or digging.  Keep in mind, some basenjis are also fantastic jumpers.

Will a basenji get along with another dog? Basenjis usually get along fine with dogs from different breeds.  However, they can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially basenjis of the same sex.  It is generally recommended that for multiple dog households, you have a boy and a girl rather than two boys or two girls.

I don't have a fenced yard.  Can't I just put my basenji on a tie-out (cable, chain, etc.) in the backyard?  Can I use an invisible fence? Once again, because basenjis are sighthounds, they should never be tied to an immovable object.  Sighthounds in pursuit of "prey" (be it a rabbit or a leaf) have been known to break their own necks when they hit the end of the chain they are tied to.   Invisible fences are almost never a good idea for a basenji.  Many basenjis will ignore the "shock" and run right through the "fence" if there is something on the other side that interests them.  Invisible fences also do not keep other dogs, animals, or people out of the yard.  This leaves your basenji vulnerable to attack by stray dogs or theft. If you don't have a fenced yard, you will need to walk your basenji, on leash, several times a day.

I've been looking for a basenji puppy all summer and can't find any.  Why? Most female basenjis only come into season once a year, usually in the fall.  This means that most puppies are born in the winter.  If you want a puppy, find a reputable breeder and ask to be put on a waiting list for an available puppy.  There are occasional litters born at other times during the year, but these are the exception rather than the rule.

How much does a basenji cost? Puppy prices may vary depending where you are located in the US.  Generally speaking, pet puppies sold on a spay/neuter contract are between $600 - $800 in the Midwest.   Prices are generally higher on the West and East Coasts.  Although these costs may seem high, responsible breeders generally never "make money" on a litter, and rarely break even when you factor in the cost of health tests, breeding expenses, litter expenses, show expenses, time, etc.  And, most people don't realize that the puppy in the pet stores is usually being sold for up to two TIMES the cost of a puppy from a responsible breeder!!

Is there a difference in temperament between males and females? For a spayed or neutered pet, either sex would be a fine addition.  A lot depends on your personal preference.  If you already have another dog, you might consider adding a basenji of the opposite sex, since most basenjis can be aggressive to canine members of their own gender.

Where do I find a basenji? Make sure you get your basenji from a responsible breeder!  NEVER buy a puppy from a pet store.  For more information on what makes a responsible breeder and where to find one, click here.  The Basenji Club of America has an online breeder's directory and breeder referral available on their website at: www.basenji.org.

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