Basenji
The Central African Basenji breed is known for its small body, short hair, pointed ears and curled tail. They are an energetic bunch that will stay alert and full of energy. Inviting a Basenji into your home will easily liven things up.
Breed Profile
Height
15 – 17
Inches
Weight
21 – 24
Pounds
Life Span
14 – 16
Years
Health
health
Dermatitis
What is it?
A skin disease that affects the dog due to allergies, atopy, or fleas and ticks.
% of dogs affected
9%
Clinical Signs
Symptoms of dermatitis in Basenji dogs are thick skin, abnormally red skin, itching and fur loss.
Treatment
Treatment options for dermatitis in dogs include medication, flea prevention and dietary supplements.
Eligible vet bill
$500
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Loyal
The Basenji dog is known as a one-owner breed. They stick by their special person no matter what.
Energetic
This breed is high-energy and will love to play with you all day long.
Curious
They are known for their curiosity and will love to explore and do enrichment activities for treats.
Lifetime Care
Coat
The Basenji breed has a short coat.
Colors
This breed comes in colors like red, black, tricolor and brindle.
Hypoallergenic
Yes. The Basenji breed is hypoallergenic.
Grooming
Thanks to their short coat. They have minimal shedding and grooming is a breeze.
Training
This breed is the second hardest breed to train due to its high intelligence and independence.
Basenji Breed Information
The central African Basenji dog is well-known for its small body that always seems to be full of energy. The breed sports a short coat, pointed ears and a little curled tail. These pups are very energetic and aware of what’s happening around them. They are very intelligent and curious and will love exploring your house. However, this means it’s very wise to puppy-proof the house before you bring them home.
Basenji: Introduction to the Breed
Bringing a new animal into your home is a big decision. When that animal is known to live upward of 16 years, like the Basenji dog, that decision is even bigger. Before introducing the pup to your family, take the time to consider which traits you want and don’t want in a dog. Not physical traits, but the dog’s personality. When it comes to the Basenji breed, here are a few things you need to know…
The Basenji breed is known for…
loyalty
communication skills
intelligence
stubbornness
prey-driven attitude
The Basenji is a very loyal companion. They live best when they have one special owner in their life to listen to and look up to. Before adopting your Basenji, decide who in your family will take primary responsibility for the new dog. This person should be confident and strong as well as patient with the new dog during training.
Basenji dogs are known for their unique bark or “yodel.” These communicative dogs are ready to let you know exactly what they need.
They are also very intelligent. However, unlike most intelligent dog breeds, this does not make them easier to train. The Basenji is the second most difficult dog breed to train. This is because they are smart enough to know when their actions will be rewarded or not.
The Basenji can be stubborn and doesn’t like water. They are cat-like in that they will refuse to go outside in any type of damp weather. No pool days for this pup.
Speaking of rewards, this breed loves to be compensated for its work. In this way, they are very prey driven. This means that they are not recommended in homes with small rodents or even cats.
What are the Origins of the Basenji?
The earliest known information on the Basenji breed comes from Central Africa. They were known and respected by locals for their intelligence, courage, and curiosity.
The first Europeans who met the breed fell in love. They made many attempts to bring the dogs to England starting in 1923. However, when the dogs arrived, they always fell ill and died during the quarantine process. Finally, in 1930, a group of dogs finally lived.
What are the Risks for the Basenji?
These fur babies often struggle with dermatitis. This is when the dog's skin becomes irritated due to allergies, fleas and ticks, or improper grooming. The issue can be treated with medication, flea and tick prevention and dietary supplements. Many health problems that the Basenji struggles with can be either treated or prevented.
Other health issues for the breed include,
Incontinence
Bladder Infections
Hypothyroidism
Pyometra
Infertility
There are ways to prevent sickness in your Basenji before it happens. Taking the time to avoid issues now will save you a lot of time, effort and money in the future. Two things you can do to help your Basenji are working with a responsible and reputable breeder, and keeping up with ongoing care for your dog.
Working with a Basenji breeder who is responsible and reputable will ease your mind about any health issues your dog may have. Parent dogs are usually tested before the breeding process. Meet with the breeder beforehand and don’t shy away from asking questions about the parents and past litters. For more information on cost, check out our blog on basenji price.
When it comes to your Basenji pup, ongoing care will be essential in preventing illness. Dermatitis is prevalent in the breed and can be avoided with the right grooming and flea and tick prevention. Also, don’t forget about regular vet visits and a healthy diet.
Sources:
Wikipedia
First Vet