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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+8
Dogs
# The Basenji: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Congo
A primitive, clean and affectionate dog, with a lively temperament and a discreet voice.
Size SmallLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €81/monthPuppy €500 – €1,700
[Find a breeder 4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=basenji)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Very good
First-time owners Very good
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Limited
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Very clean: The Basenji is known for its natural hygiene and limited daily maintenance.
- Not very vocal: It barks very little, which often makes life easier in an urban environment.
- Affectionate with its family: It forms a strong bond with its loved ones while keeping a certain finesse of character.
- Light maintenance: Its short coat sheds little and requires simple daily care.
- Delicate recall: Its hunting instinct and taste for trails can make off-leash obedience difficult.
- Sensitivity to cold: Its short coat and low tolerance to cold require precautions in winter.
- Need for activity: It is not suited to a life that is too sedentary and needs regular outings.
- Reserved with strangers: Its temperament can be wary if socialization is not well handled.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active families: The Basenji enjoys a daily routine punctuated by walks, games, and the presence of its loved ones.
- Urban life with outings: It can live well in an apartment if it gets enough exercise and stimulation.
- Owners looking for a clean dog: Its natural cleanliness and simple upkeep appeal to many households.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: The Basenji needs a real level of physical and mental activity on a daily basis.
- Households with little time for training: Its recall and the management of its hunting instinct require consistency.
- Very cold environments without precautions: The breed tolerates prolonged cold poorly and must be protected in winter.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
42 cmBasenji
- Height at the withers
- 40–43 cm
- Weight
- 9–11 kg
- Coat
- Short, glossy, close
- FCI group
- 5
- Origin
- Congo
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Basenji in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Basenji is a very ancient breed originating from the Congo, often compared to the dogs depicted in Ancient Egypt. Its silhouette has been found on certain pharaohs' tombs, which attests to its antiquity. Rediscovered in the 19th century in the Ituri Forest by British explorers, it was then introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale has officially recognized the breed since 1964.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Basenji is a small, well-proportioned dog, harmonious and elegant, with a short, level back, a well let-down chest and a tucked-up belly. Its head is finely wrinkled, especially on the forehead, its ears are small, pointed and well erect, and its dark almond-shaped eyes give it a lively and mysterious expression. Its coat is short, glossy, close and fine, and its tail is set high then curled in a tight loop over the back.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Basenji is a well-balanced, lively, intelligent and fairly independent dog. Affectionate with its family, it often proves more reserved with strangers. It hardly barks, but produces very distinctive vocalizations reminiscent of a yodel. Its hunting instinct remains strong, which requires properly managing its outings and its recall.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Sociable Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The Basenji enjoys family life and can live in an apartment if it benefits from several daily outings and real physical exercise. It remains active, curious and athletic, with a pronounced taste for exploration. Very clean, it willingly maintains its coat itself, which sometimes recalls the behavior of a cat. It tolerates heat well but is clearly less comfortable in cold weather.
Training
## Training and socialization
Basenji training must start early and remain consistent, firm and gentle at the same time. Recall is a priority lesson, because it may favor its scenting ability and its desire to follow a trail rather than obey spontaneously. It is an intelligent dog, but not particularly docile, which becomes stubborn easily if harsh methods are used. Early socialization and short, varied and positive sessions give the best results.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Basenji
The Basenji remains a relatively rare breed in France, which can influence its purchase price. The rate depends in particular on the quality of the lineage, the seriousness of the breeding, the screenings carried out and the availability of puppies.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/basenji/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Basenji generally enjoys robust health, but certain hereditary or orthopedic conditions deserve particular vigilance. Choosing a reputable breeder and regular veterinary follow-up are important to limit risks and support this active dog throughout its life.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/basenji/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Basenji needs a balanced, good-quality diet, adapted to its age, its weight, its physical activity and its body condition. As the breed can gain weight, the ration must be monitored carefully.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/basenji/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Basenji is famous for its near-absence of barking, replaced by an atypical vocalization often compared to a chuckle or a yodeling song. It is also known for its great cleanliness and its way of grooming itself, which sometimes evokes that of a cat. Among its other names are Congo Terrier and Nyam-Nyam Terrier.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Basenji
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Does the Basenji bark?
The Basenji is known for barking very little. It is not mute, however, and produces distinctive vocalizations often described as yodels.
### Can the Basenji live in an apartment?
Yes, provided it benefits from several daily outings, regular exercise, and real stimulation. Its low level of barking is an advantage in an urban environment.
### Is the Basenji easy to maintain?
Yes, its short coat and great cleanliness make maintenance fairly simple. Weekly brushing and regular checks of the ears, eyes, teeth, and nails are still necessary.
## Find a Basenji breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Basenji breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Basenji breeders by country
[19 breeders of Basenji in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji/germany) [16 breeders of Basenji in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji/italy) [5 breeders of Basenji in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji/denmark) [5 breeders of Basenji in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji/spain) [4 breeders of Basenji in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji) [3 breeders of Basenji in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji/finland) [2 breeders of Basenji in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji/austria) [2 breeders of Basenji in Croatia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji/croatia)
[All breeders of Basenji in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji)
## Ready to welcome a Basenji?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-basenji)
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