Basenji Dog Breed

Thinking of getting a Basenji Dog and want to know if a Basenji is suitable for your household?

Use the Basenji information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Basenji and more.


Basenji Breed Facts

Basenji Facts

  • Name: Basenji
  • Other Names: Congo Dog, Congo Terrier, African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, Zande Dog
  • Origin: Congo
  • Breed Group: Hound (AKC:1943)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Basenji Dog Facts

Basenji Information

The basenji is square-proportioned and high on leg. It is far more slightly built and longer-legged than most other primitive breeds, giving it a good amount of speed and the ability to perform the double-suspension gallop. Its erect ears help it locate prey in thick bush and may act as heat dissipaters. Its short coat also aids in dealing with the hot climate of Africa.

Some consider the basenji to have terrier-like mannerisms because it is feisty for a hound. More often it is considered catlike in mannerisms: clever, inquisitive, stubborn, independent and reserved. Its hunting roots are very evident, as it loves to chase and trail. It needs regular mental and physical stimulation, lest it become frustrated and destructive. Basenjis may be barkless, but they are not mute. They do make a sort of yodel, howl and shriek — and occasionally bark, but just one or two "fox barks" at a time.

What to do if you lose your Basenji

If your Basenji Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the lost pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Telephone the nearby vet clinics to see if anyone has brought in your lost pet.

4. Phone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Shelters.

What to do if you find a lost Basenji

If you find a Basenji Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Call the Local Council to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the animal to the local Animal Pound assigned to your area.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who normally scan the animal’s microchip and call the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.