At a glance the quick version
FCI/KC ideal is 11 kg for males and 9.5 kg for females; AKC gives about 24 lb (10.9 kg) and 22 lb (10 kg); Hill's lists 21-24 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, fine smooth coat
A light, fine-boned and elegant hound with upright ears, fine wrinkles on the forehead when alert, a deep chest and a tail curled tightly over the back. The coat is short, sleek and very fine over supple skin.14
Personality what they are like
Bright, independent and alert, with a lot of affection for its own family and a cooler, reserved manner with strangers. It is curious and energetic, and its self-minded nature is often compared to a cat's.1452
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic hunter that needs up to an hour of exercise daily and enjoys running, lure coursing and agility.35
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very low maintenance: a brush or wipe with a cloth once or twice a week keeps the short coat clean, and the dog grooms itself much like a cat.53
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to town or country living with a small to medium garden; a secure fence helps since it is a quick, curious hunter.32
Company who they like around
Tends to attach closely to its own people and may be choosy about other pets, so early socialising is helpful.25
The story where it all began
In the Congo region these dogs hunted with local people, using both sight and scent to find and drive game. Western travellers described them in the 1800s, and the breed was established in England in the 1930s before spreading to the USA.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Instead of barking, it makes a mix of chortle and yodel, often called a baroo.1
- 2
Like dingoes and New Guinea singing dogs, Basenji females usually come into season only once a year.2
- 3
Dogs resembling the Basenji appear in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings.3
- 4
It is known for having very little doggy odour and can sprint at an estimated 30-35 mph.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 43, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 6 Primitive type; country of origin Central Africa under British patronage.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Hound group.3
- AKC
- Hound Group; current standard approved 8 May 1990. Wikipedia gives 1943 as the year of AKC recognition.4
- UKC
- Registered by the UKC.2
Popularity AKC rank 802
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Basenji. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 43 Basenji fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
- Basenji - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, AKC year, history, facts, popularity
- Basenji - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history, living space
- AKC Official Standard of the Basenji images.akc.orgused for size, colours, temperament
- Basenji - Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming, temperament
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.