Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, the Basenji is one of the dogs that can accompany their family for a long time when it receives an appropriate diet, a good level of activity and regular veterinary follow-up.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed is considered rather robust on a daily basis, with good overall resistance. This sturdiness does not, however, dispense with particular attention to hereditary diseases known in the breed, nor with monitoring of joint and eye condition.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Before adoption, it is relevant to check the seriousness of the selection and screenings carried out by the breeder. Then, careful monitoring of weight, mobility, vision and overall condition makes it possible to identify potential health problems earlier.
Fanconi syndrome: This hereditary kidney disease is a major condition in the breed and warrants rigorous selection of breeding dogs as well as clinical vigilance throughout the dog's life.
Hip dysplasia: Even though the Basenji is small in size, it can be affected by this joint condition, which can impair mobility and locomotor comfort.
Progressive retinal atrophy: This progressive eye condition can lead to a gradual loss of vision and requires particular attention to ophthalmological follow-up.
Inguinal hernia: This abnormality is among the problems reported in the breed and must be assessed by the veterinarian when swelling or discomfort is observed.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Basenji tolerates high heat well, provided it always has water available and avoids intense exertion during the hottest hours. On the other hand, it does not tolerate winter cold well and must be protected when temperatures drop significantly.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Basenji may tend to become overweight if its diet is not adjusted to its actual activity. A measured ration, limited treats and regular daily activity are essential to maintain a lean and athletic silhouette.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition to prevent overweight.
- Have the eyes and mobility checked during routine veterinary visits.
- Protect the dog from the cold in winter, especially during prolonged outings.
- Request the useful lineage screenings before any adoption.
Vaccination
Basenji vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Basenji need? Like all dogs, Basenjis should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Basenji vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Basenji booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Basenji need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Basenji
Hip and eye screenings are particularly relevant in this breed. Prior to adoption, it is also wise to ensure that the breeding dogs have undergone the useful checks for the main hereditary conditions known in the Basenji.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
