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Hound Handbook
Insurance guide
Breed profile

Basenji

The barkless hound from central Africa. Clean, cat-like and independent, it yodels instead of barking and rarely comes when called.

A red and white Basenji with a tightly curled tail stands on a rock beside a woodland path
Barkless, but certainly not silent.Photo: Niko Herlin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Weight
9.5–11 kg21–24 lb
Height
40–43 cm16–17 in
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Group
Hound
Origin
Central Africa (Congo)
Popularity
#92 US#126 UK · 2025

Known for: QuietLow grooming

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Independent, Curious, Aloof, Playful.

Health problems to know about

  • Fanconi syndrome (kidney disorder)
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Malabsorption syndrome
  • Hypothyroidism

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

An hour of exercise a day in a secure area: Basenjis are fast and rarely reliable off lead. Grooming is minimal, but puppy-proof the house. Ask your vet about regular urine glucose checks for Fanconi syndrome.

A good fit for

Experienced owners, people wanting a quiet, clean dog, homes with secure fencing.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with cats or small pets, people wanting obedience or off-lead walks, owners away all day.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Basenji breed information
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Basenji
  3. American Kennel Club: Hound Group health testing requirements
  4. Wikipedia: Basenji

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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