How much exercise does a Basenji need?

Basenjis are high-energy dogs requiring 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation.

How often should I groom my Basenji?

Basenjis need moderate grooming including brushing 2-3 times weekly and regular maintenance.

How do I train a Basenji?

Basenjis are highly trainable and typically respond well to positive reinforcement methods.

Are Basenjis good with children?

Basenjis are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

What makes the Basenji unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Basenji stands out from other breeds due to its dignified appearance and bearing, rich heritage from Demokratiska republika Kongo, exceptional hunting abilities. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Basenji?

Before bringing a Basenji into your home, potential owners should consider: They have high exercise requirements (4/5) and need an active owner. They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They're typically highly trainable (4/5) and eager to learn. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Basenji. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Basenjis originally bred for?

Basenjis were originally bred for hunting. This hunting background explains their natural prey drive, scenting abilities, and often high energy levels. As part of the Hound group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Basenji's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Basenjis are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Basenjis typically live?

The average lifespan of a Basenji is 10 - 12 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Basenjis may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

← Back to Breeds

BasenjiImage not available

Basenji

Q: What is the temperament of a Basenji?

Basenjis are known to be affectionate, energetic, alert, curious, playful, intelligent, athletic, brave, loyal, affectionate, funny, loves, playful, smart, friendly, couch, curious, dignified, gentle, loves treats, spayed or neutered, quiet, good with cats, good with dogs, good with kids, housetrained, independent, sweet, active, available for foster, family friendly, no walks yet i am a puppy, no refunds on puppies, seeks affection, silly playful, cuddle bug, crate trained, eager to please, gives kisses, quick learner, food motivated, playful goofy, active home, dog selective, high jumper climber, mouthy, multiple visits required, needs socialization with people and or dogs, needs basic training, older children only, velcro dog, toy motivated, loves to play fetch, not good with vet care, not good with cats, dog friendly, snuggle bug, bold, protective, calm, good with men women. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: August 30, 2025

Temperament

Affectionate, Energetic, Alert, Curious, Playful, Intelligent, Athletic, Brave, Loyal, Affectionate, Funny, Loves, Playful, Smart, Friendly, Couch, Curious, Dignified, Gentle, Loves Treats, Spayed or Neutered, Quiet, Good with Cats, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Housetrained, Independent, Sweet, Active, Available for Foster, Family Friendly, No walks yet I am a puppy, No Refunds on puppies, Seeks Affection, Silly Playful, Cuddle Bug, Crate trained, Eager to Please, Gives kisses, Quick learner, Food motivated, Playful Goofy, Active Home, Dog Selective, High jumper climber, Mouthy, Multiple Visits required, Needs Socialization with People and or Dogs, Needs Basic Training, Older Children only, Velcro Dog, Toy motivated, Loves to play Fetch, Not good with vet care, Not Good with Cats, Dog Friendly, Snuggle Bug, Bold, Protective, Calm, Good with Men Women

Weight

22 - 24 lbs

Height

16 - 17 inches

Life Span

10 - 12 years

Breed Group

Hound

Bred For

Hunting

Origin

Demokratiska republika Kongo

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability4/5

Energy Level4/5

Grooming Needs3/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs4/5

They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Grooming Requirements3/5

They need moderate grooming, including regular brushing and occasional professional care.

Trainability4/5

Highly trainable and quick to learn commands

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

🐕 Basenji Guide

📚 Explore comprehensive information about this breed

Overview

About the Basenji

The Basenji is a wonderful dog breed with unique characteristics. Hunderasse

Breed Purpose

Hunting

Temperament

Finding similar breeds...

How We Find Similar Breeds

We analyze breed characteristics including temperament, size, appearance, and care needs to identify the most similar dog breeds. This helps you discover alternatives that might be a good match for your lifestyle and preferences.

Adopt a Basenji

Pure Breed Only

Filter to show only purebred Basenjis (excludes mixed breeds and crosses)

Find Dogs Near You

Enter your location to discover adoptable pets nearby

Required

Find Your Perfect Basenji Match!

Enter your location above to discover adorable Basenjis waiting for their forever homes near you!

With thousands of dogs available, your new best friend might be just a few miles away.

Our search covers over 6,000 adoptable dogs within 50 miles

No rescue organizations found

Try searching with a different location or contact your local animal shelter for information.

No verified breeders found for Basenjis

We prioritize rescue and adoption. Please consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.

Adoption guide not available

Please check back later for information on adopting this breed.

Basenji

Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Span

Breed Group

Bred For

Origin

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Characteristics

Care Requirements

About the Basenji

Breed Purpose

Temperament

Breeds Similar to Basenji

How We Find Similar Breeds

Adopt a Basenji

Find Dogs Near You

Adoptable Basenjis

Find Your Perfect Basenji Match!

Rescue Organizations

No rescue organizations found

Reputable Breeders

No verified breeders found for Basenjis

Adoption Guide

Adoption guide not available