Learn More About Basenji

Summary

The Basenji is a small, elegant breed of dog often referred to as the "Barkless Dog" because it does not bark but instead makes a series of unique vocalizations known as "Barroo." He is a member of FCI Group 5: Spitz and Urtyp dogs, Section 6: Urtyp - primitive types. He has a fine, short and dense coat that requires very little grooming and a distinctive tail that is carried in a tight loop over his back. His erect ears and his intelligent, penetrating gaze give him an attentive and curious expression.

Character

The Basenji is a very intelligent and independent dog. He is often reserved towards strangers, but very affectionate and loyal to his family. If you're looking for a dog that's always at your feet, the Basenji might not be the right choice because it has a mind of its own. But that doesn't mean he isn't loving; he often shows his affection in more subtle ways. One of the most interesting features of the Basenji is its "silent" bark. Instead of barking, he makes a yodeling or "barroo" sound, which sounds very melodic. This can be a huge advantage for people who live in urban areas or simply don't want a noise-prone dog. Because of its hunting history, the Basenji has a strong hunting instinct. This means he tends to hunt anything that moves, including squirrels, birds and even insects. So you should be careful when letting him off the leash in an unfenced area. It's also important to know that he likes to dig, which can be a problem if you have a well-maintained garden. Another notable feature of the Basenji is its cat-likeness when it comes to cleanliness. He spends a lot of time grooming himself and is generally a very clean dog. This often makes it a good choice for people who are allergic to dogs or for those who simply don't want a dog that sheds a lot. The Basenji is an active dog and requires daily exercise to be happy. He loves to run and play and will enjoy mental stimulation through games and training. It is important to begin training from puppyhood, using patience and consistency. Because of his independence, the Basenji can sometimes be difficult to train, but with the right approach he can learn to be an obedient companion. One point to keep in mind is that the Basenji may not like being left alone. He may develop separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior. It's important that you invest time in getting your Basenji used to being alone and provide him with mental stimulation and toys to avoid boredom.

What to Expect

Basenjis are considered to be rather original dogs. They have a very high motivation to hunt and solve problems independently. They need employment that suits their independent nature and very experienced, active dog owners.

Care

The Basenji's size and adaptability make it suitable for both city and country life. He is intelligent and curious, but also needs space to burn off energy. He usually gets along well with children, but like everyone Dog encounters should be supervised. The Basenji has a strong hunting instinct, which is why it doesn't always get along well with cats or other small pets.

Training & Education

Basenjis are intelligent but also independent and proud, which can make training challenging. They need clear, consistent parenting based on positive reinforcement. Since they are hunters by nature, they must learn to control this instinct, especially around small animals. Activities like agility, lure coursing, or mantrailing can help them utilize their natural abilities and stay happy.

Nutrition & Grooming

A Basenji's diet should be balanced and nutritious. As with other breeds, protein, fat and carbohydrates should be in the right proportion. It is advisable to pay attention to high-quality food. When it comes to grooming, Basenjis are quite easy to care for. They have short, fine fur without an undercoat and hardly shed. Regular brushing is enough to keep the coat in good condition. The climate in Germany is pleasant for Basenjis in summer, but in winter they should have protection against the cold as they originally come from warmer areas.