Basenji Dog
This intelligent dog was initially used as a scent and sight hound in Africa. They are a very friendly, easily adaptable dog that thrives in an active and loving environment.
Basenji At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Temperament | A curious and quiet breed who is highly intelligent and playful. |
| Suitable | A very active dog that requires a family who loves to get out and about. |
| Health | A generally healthy breed of dog that can suffer from common complaints. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage/Fracture | $1,924.10 |
| Anal Sac Disorder | $983.10 |
| Clinical Signs | $433.00 |
| Eye Conditions | $448.07 |
| Eye Condition Other | $284.01 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $1,128.00 |
| Foreign Body Or Toxin Ingestion | $805.85 |
| Arthritis | $250.00 |
| Neoplasia | $1,530.17 |
| Neurological Conditions | $724.85 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
Being a brilliant dog, the Basenji are also well known for their stubbornness in training. They are not an ‘eager to please breed’, and his ability to ultimately think for himself brings much frustration regarding training. Even the most well-trained Basenji may decide not to listen. However, this breed loves to play and run, so the trick with training is patience and enthusiasm. Like all breeds, Basenji do not take well to harsh punishment methods of training; you need to teach your dog to work alongside you and speak the same language, or they will become timid and stubborn. Do not let your precious pup become bored, or they will decide not to listen. Listen to your dog’s cues when they have had enough, and get creative. Understanding the history of the breed and the inherited desires to give chase will help you determine the type of dog sports your pup will excel at. Dog sports are a great tool to keep up with your training in a fun and active way to keep your dog interested. Think lures and agility. Early socialisation is essential. Consider as many sights, sounds and experiences as possible in puppyhood. Enrolling in a good quality puppy preschool will also set your pup on the right track with training and socialisation with other puppies.
Grooming the Basenji
This breed is super easy to care for when it comes to grooming. Being known for their cat-like nature in terms of self-care, they will keep their coats clean and in good health. The Basenji is a slight shedder, so a good rub over with a brush or mitt every few days will help keep the short hair from invading your clothing. Like all dogs, getting your puppy used to someone touching their paws, face, ears, and mouth is a great way to desensitise your pup to vet visits. Nail trimming should also start in puppyhood. Have your local vet or vet nurse demonstrate how to safely nail clip your dog at your next visit.
Protect Your Pet Today
Your pet’s health is priceless. Don’t leave it up to chance.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
Common Health Complaints – Australian Shepherd
Like all dog breeds, Basenjis can be prone to specific health conditions.
- Fanconi Syndrome: An inherited kidney disorder where the kidneys do not correctly reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients. This can lead to excessive glucose in the urine. Symptoms can include frequent urination and increased thirst. Treatment includes diet and medication.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited eye disorder that can lead to blindness. Typical onset is around age 5, and one specific symptom is night blindness. Good breeding is vital to prevent this disease. This condition has no cure; however, most dogs will adapt quickly to vision loss with the correct care.
- Hip Dysplasia: While less common than in larger breeds, hip dysplasia can still be present in Basenjis. A typically hereditary condition affecting the hip and thigh bone mechanics that can lead to pain and lameness. Most dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia will also develop signs of arthritis. Treatment consists of surgery, weight management, and physiotherapy, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD): An inherited form of haemolytic anaemia when the body’s immune system destroys red blood cells. Sadly, this deficiency has no cure, and most dogs will be euthanised by age 5. Treatment can involve specific therapies to remove the large iron deposits in the dog's bloodstream. However, it is more of a palliative care rather than a cure. Good breeding is paramount in protecting puppies from this condition.
- Umbilical Hernia: A lump of the abdominal lining, abdominal fat, or a portion of the abdominal organ around the belly button region. Many will close on their own; however, in some cases, surgical intervention may be required.
- Thyroid Problems: Basenjis can develop hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain and skin issues. Treatment includes regular management by a veterinarian and medications.
- Coloboma: This condition causes a hole in the eye structures, such as the iris, retina, choroid, or optic disc. It's congenital and will present at birth. There is no treatment; however, squinting can be reduced by investing in specially designed-dog sunglasses.
- Intestinal Malabsorption: Most often affecting younger dogs, some Basenjis may suffer from malabsorption syndromes. A condition when the intestines don't absorb nutrients as effectively. It can lead to chronic diarrhea, weight loss and loss of appetite. Early veterinarian intervention is paramount. This condition has no cure; however, it can be managed with diet and medications.
- Basenji Enteropathy: An inherited lymphocytic disorder known as immunoproliferative enteropathy. It can cause chronic diarrhea and weight loss, typically seen in young adults to middle-aged Basenjis. Treatment includes specially designed medications.
Exercise Requirements
This breed is energetic and needs an excellent on-leash brisk walk twice daily. Many Basenji owners do not allow their pups to run off-leash. Having a strong prey instinct and an independent nature, once they catch sight or smell of something more interesting, you can be off like a flash of lightning. However, some owners do have success running their dogs off-leash in well-contained or fenced areas. The breed also loves to play, so incorporating a good play session with your pup will help create a strong bond and assist with constant training. This breed also does well in dog sports.
Intelligence
The Basenji is a brilliant, independent dog. If they are not exercised correctly and have an enriching environment to spend the day, they will become destructive. The breed does not bark but makes fascinating noises and can almost sing the dull day away with a good array of yodelling. Keeping your pup correctly exercised and entertained will prevent boredom-related destructive behaviour. Consider rotating home-alone toys and giving your puppy a job before leaving for work each day – sniffing out the biscuits or a treatball works well here. The breed is known for eating and chewing anything in sight. So, your pup must have a good selection of solid chew toys and keep them interested in these toys. Remember to pick them up and remove them when you return home from work. Rotating their daily home-alone toys can not only extend the life of the toy but also extend your dog’s interest in them.
Family Friendly
The Basenji makes an excellent companion to a busy household. They love to play and will enjoy older children’s energy and constant companionship if they have grown up alongside them. Like with all dogs, it’s essential to train your dog how to correctly interact with your children and teach your children how to play with a dog correctly. All interactions should be supervised. This breed is a sighthound, so interactions with smaller pets should always be taken with care. Don’t be surprised if your pup chases the cat. They can learn to live harmoniously with cats if socialised correctly during puppyhood. However, it is probably best not to risk it with other small mammals like rabbits, hamsters and mice.
Indoor/outdoor?
This breed will require a good solid fence that needs to be checked constantly. They are incredible escape artists and climbers, so care needs to be taken concerning the confinement of your pup. These dogs will thrive only around their pack, so long, endless hours trapped in a backyard will spell disaster for this breed. Ensure you provide ample shade in the hot summer months alongside good weatherproof areas in the winter. The breed is also suited to apartment living. However, with any breed, the key to adaptability is ensuring the correct amount of exercise is implemented to keep your pup happy.
Responsible Breeding
If you are considering welcoming a Basenji into your home, it is crucial to only work with reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for common inherited health conditions.
Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see Mum and Dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should also have paperwork to prove they regularly test their bloodlines for genetic diseases. It may take a little preparation and time before you hear the pitter-patter of puppy paws, but it can save you and your family a lot of pain and costs associated with many hereditary diseases.
Contact PIA for Basenji Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Basenjis. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
