Basenji - Top 10 Facts

Basenji is the "barkless" dog from Africa, that attracts admirers with his short coat, small, muscular body, alert demeanor, erect ears, and tail curled tightly over one hip. A wrinkled brow gives him a quizzical and sometimes mischievous expression.
👉Video Sources:
1. BasenjiGrant - / @basenjigrant9631
2. purebredstudios - / @purebredstudios
3. Animal Planet - / @animalplanet
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In this video, we’re counting down the top 10 facts about the Basenji.
A Quick Overview:
Group: Hound Dogs
Height: 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 5 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 22 to 24 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
They have large erect ears and tight forehead wrinkles when alert. Some people feel the large ears may help to dissipate heat. The breed's high head carriage, long legs, short back and tightly curled tail all contribute to the square outline.
The long legs relative to the overall size contribute to the basenji's speed and agility. While known as a barkless dog, the basenji does "yodel" and growl, so it is not mute.
The coat is uniformly short and smooth. Colors can be red, black, black and tan or brindle, all with white markings. White feet and legs are common, often with a blaze and a collar as well.
Basenjis have been around so long, they hung out with the ancient Egyptians. In fact, there is evidence of the dogs existing as far back as 4000 BCE. These dogs most likely originated in Central Africa, between the Congo Basin and South Sudan, and were probably kept as hunting companions. Experts believe they may have been gifted to the Pharaohs of Egypt, who were said to love the animals for their cat-like personalities and clean coats.
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[@alikhoobiary6595]

3 weeks after coming to india to get my bachelors degree, I saw a puppy scared in the middle of the road not able to completely get across nor come back. After helping her cross to the other side and enquiring the locals I found out her mother and siblings had died in an accident and she was an orphan. I have had 3 other dogs back in Iran so u can imagine what happened next. Took her home. Got all the necessary equipment along the way. Fed her. Bathed her & vaccinated the next day. And 2 years later (like 2 weeks ago) I found out her breed is basenji. Right now I can feel her breathing next to me on the couch. Angels on earth.

[@bearwaker4785]

We adopted a Basenji from a rehoming centre being told he was a Jack Russell. Having read about Basenjis he is definitely one. His cat like qualities, exploring, escaping and listening when he wants to, lack of doggy smell and only makes a noise when he hears someone at the door. He has that wrinkled frown and loves to sleep on my husbands lap but is always ready at a moments notice to play and run like a race horse anywhere. The best decision we ever made.

[@erinbierly2766]

B Earwaker loved to hear your story. What a wonderful family. 😊

[@janinec1396]

We adopted a dog last week, told it was a Staffy, Jack Russell cross. We were looking for another Staffy after losing our to cancer. But there is no Staffie in this dog - I'm pretty sure she's a Basenji / Jack Russell cross. She only weighs 8kgs but has the colour, the white feet, the face, the wrinkles, - part Meerkat, part ferret - with a touch of fox. Gentle and quiet inside the house - she is a race horse outside. We love her.

[@teresadedos8492]

Strange, because JRTs and Basenji's are nothing alike. They're both wonderful breeds though :)

[@janinec1396]

@@teresadedos8492 And I rehomed a dog I was told was a Staffie cross JR - but I think she is part Basenji. She has the ginger coat, two front white socks and chest, hardly makes a sound, has a wrinkled frown (so do Staffies), would run like a race horse if allowed, prefers to sleep on laps but leaps up if there is a chance to go outside. She has no doggy smell, is interested in everything and outside she goes straight into hunting mode. She reminds me of a cat and a goat and a meercat. But she has a straight tail and and ears and weighs under 9kg. My mini Basenji cross.

[@Stormblast729]

I am blessed with a basenji and Siberian husky mix. She has the ears, coat, face, and markings of a basenji but has a longer, straighter tail and beautiful blue husky eyes. Freyja has brought so much joy to our home since we adopted her in 2014! She's our baby!

[@cutedoglilangel799]

Basenjis are awesome! They always look like they're smiling 🐶🐶

[@Andy-ve4xm]

ikr! My basenji mix has a double chin, so its really funny when she smiles

[@liamrmorgans921]

@@Andy-ve4xm does your basenji also have the strong prey drive? Im thinking of getting on but i want a dog i can trust off a leash

[@Andy-ve4xm]

​@@liamrmorgans921Basenjis typically do have a really strong prey drive, like my uncle's Basenji, which will dart at any chance. I do think that there are plenty of exeptions though, because my Basenji really doesn't have much of a prey drive. She could care less if other dogs walk by and will hide behind my back if a car drives by. She's already given up on squirrles, so when she is off-leash, she just runs around in circles, its honestly really funny. You should definitly check with the Basenji your gonna choose (if your gonna choose one lol). Oh one more thing, it 66% depends on your location. If you live in a busy-busy place, I wouldn't recomed taking a Basenji because they will sniff EVERY little darn thing within 10ft, or will whine and hide behind you. Suburbs and more quiet places are definitly better. Hoped this helped

[@Andy-ve4xm]

Yup, I found another comment that would probally help more than mine: Basenjis LOVE being off leash. You have to take them to wilderness areas (bird dogs run around off leash somewhere, right?). I started by going in the heat of Texas summer, and making sure they knew I had cool water and a collapsible bowl. They don’t go too far. One is usually ready to go when I am, but the other isn’t. He thought he was clever by keeping out of reach until I drove off and left him for ten minutes. I parked a distance away and could hear him howling and see him running all over to find us until I went back for him. He slept the rest of the day because it was so scary for him. We’ve had to do that a few times, but he is getting better about coming when I’m ready to go. I find that while I walk or run, they tend to go ahead, but generally closer than 30 yards. The more open the vegetation is or the better they know a place, the farther they go. They’ve learned pretty quickly that even if they are ahead, I choose the direction. I call out to let them know when I’ve changed direction, and they hear me getting farther away, so they will turn and follow. There is nothing they love more than running free.

[@liamrmorgans921]

@@Andy-ve4xm very helpful thank you

[@1975nrjones]

I am here because I am expecting my Basenji in 1 week!! Thanks for the video!

[@supa6starr]

Hi Dr. Naketa Jones that’s so exciting! How’s it going with your Basenji?

[@noahfolsom2152]

Dr. Naketa Jones hows your Basenji doing

[@Diamondskull2011]

How and where to get a Basenji?? Please if you inform ill appreciate it. Thanks.

[@TheDannyB96]

How and where?

[@mrsjal8616]

How much did cost? Is hard to training like he said?

[@lovetrain442]

Love basenjis. Truly loyal friends. Everything else is just a dog.

[@JWildberry]

I have to say that this is the best "Basenji facts" video I have seen. They are destructive, they are loud, they hunt, they're escape artists and they cannot be trained by harsh means. When it comes to training, they're basically like cats. Harsh treatment will not get you anywhere, and at worst it can make the animal aggressive. The breed has a bad reputation because people try to "be the alpha" and force them into submission. Cats and basenjis don't submit. The only thing I disagree with is crating. It's best to not crate if you can help it. A basenji without the ability to flee from danger can get severely stressed. The best you can do it basenji-proof a room or your home. Crating should be the last option. My favorite basenji trait is their loyalty. Nothing is more important to a basenji than its family. Well, maybe food. But nothing else! I also love how curious they are. If you don't want a dog who will stick its head in your bag when you get home, who will follow you from room to room, who will stand between your legs when you're washing the dishes (and scream bloody murder if a drop of water lands on them), a basenji is not a good choice. Their curiosity is what gets them into trouble every time.

[@erinbierly2766]

J Wildberry Awww, what a beautiful portrayal. Your love of the breed shines through! My doxie does the same except is not bothered by water droplets lol.

[@cherylmarie5477]

They really do sound more like cats

[@jessicagorrell4857]

I have heard that they are ok to be left at home by themselves during the day while the owner is at work. I work 8 hours sometimes more (as most do) 5 days a week. If I was able to come home for lunch and give them a short walk and then a run/walk after work during the week and obviously more over the weekend, do you think it would be ok for them?

[@JWildberry]

@@jessicagorrell4857 Separation anxiety is a risk with all dogs, some more than others. Basenjis are very attached to their family/owner, which is probably why they're a little more likely to get it. It's a combination of nature and nurture. Taking it slow and letting the puppy mature and build confidence is a good way to reduce the risk. If you have anyone who can puppy-sit in the beginning, that's going to give you a lot more time to teach it to feel safe. Another option is to look for an adult dog to adopt, because then you will know if it has a history of separation anxiety. If there's a basenji rescue organization in your area, they will be able to assist you in matching the right dog with the right home!

[@jessicagorrell4857]

@@JWildberry I've been looking for rescues, definitely! Thank you for your feedback! (:

[@ellybarth915]

This is so true. We have a rescue dog who the Humane Society designated as a Jack Russell mix, My husband stumbled upon the "10 facts about Basenjis and it fits our dog to a tee. He "sees no need to obey" (he's thought this through), and he is definitely attached to me, and will listen to what I have to say rather than what my husband contributes. He is delightful, and it is great to finally determine where he has acquired many of his traits.

[@susanhlavaty9500]

We have a Basenji. Love her to death. She is by far the smartest dog we ever had. We also have cats and she thinks she's one of them. She's really attached to me. She does fit the traits in this video, but she's not destructive, she has her favorite chew toy that keeps her busy. She is so spoiled it's not even funny. LOL

[@annettewiitala4911]

Our basenji is a handful, but we are so lucky to have her. All the traits you mention are true. You forgot to mention that they love to snuggle under the covers, will get your attention by bopping you, and love to be high up(back of couch). Think that’s the sight hound trait. I will be getting another one in a few years. Socializing early is key.

[@sansabark]

Also worth mentioning is their lack of doggy odor and the way they keep themselves clean and dry.

[@Rocadog]

Curious, confident and playful! Great breed

[@l.k.reagan9209]

LOVE basenjis. I've had 3 of them!

[@alyssaboccuzzi6062]

I have a Basenji / Greyhound mix and she is totally stubborn at times, but does listen pretty well. She definitely needs her exercise though, and once she gets it, she' out like a light for 24 hrs :D

[@marygunn3589]

I love Basenjis, she was the best dog I ever had.

[@erinbierly2766]

Almost got a basenji. Got a dachshund instead. 8 years ago. Does not mean I do not love the Basenji. We are apartment dwellers and wanted a less energetic doggy. 😊 TY for the wonderful Basenji video!

[@beers1968]

This video is very Educational. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful breed. ❤❤❤

[@godsfurbabies.bekindtoanim7622]

Great

[@megamonkeypickle]

#11 They can read your mind and know where you hide your credit cards.

[@ameliapryl5840]

My basenji girl is so cute and well trained. I'm not a dog trainer or sth and I trained her very good. I've never shouted on her - its my secret. She can jump on a comment, sit, turn around and wait for her food until I say that she can eat. She reacts on two of her names ( my family didnt like name I chose). On a comment WAIT she waits, COME - she comes to me. Now I'm training her to go off leash but its hard. She's doing great but she has need to always say hi to dog that she sees or human ( maybe he's got treats:)) Basicly she's very friendly.

[@MdlnMrls]

keep leash on. Very unpredictable behavior. Can look dead calm and start chasing a squirrel. Trust me I lost my dog like that. I house trained him and walked him every day and he still ran off after any smaller animal.

[@ameliapryl5840]

@@MdlnMrls i'm sorry❤ but she listens to me and got my number on collar and GPS in case if she would be lost. I have to take her for a walk 3 times a day and one time it has to be 2 hours, and i put her off leash and she is walking beside me. I'm really sorry that happend to your little doggie

[@Artbyfortunat]

Congo region of WEST Africa?? Lol... My childhood dog❤❤❤

[@tshiololiai6135]

😂😂😂😂 Na kamwe fort !

[@Artbyfortunat]

@Kyle Coleman heck they discovered us🤣🤣🤣

[@shawnaebbeson7882]

Our 'Red' was a stray and on the list to be put down before we got him. He was found in Florida on the streets and was successfully rehabilitated before we got him. He was relocated to Iowa and was at the pound for months before we saw him. We took him home when we saw him (we are in Iowa too). We think that that he is at least 10 years old and have even been told that he may be up to 13 years old. He is part Chihuahua as well and is full of personality. We rescued him in December 2019 and it took a little time to acclimate him to his new home but grew to fit right in. He exhibits most of the characteristics listed in this video and also shares some characteristics of the Chihuahua breeds. We were told that he did not like males, but has latched onto me as his master in the family (I am male). He follows me almost everywhere and is a joy to have around the house. We walk him often, and he is very healthy, especially considering his age. He does have arthritis (who wouldn't when they are old), but still has the drive to continue on. Our 'Red' gets a lot of positive attention and love in this household. He loves to sit on our deck and view over his 'kingdom' with the proud stance that the breed is known for. He is very protective and will bark at anyone/anything that comes onto his property. Other than that, he is rather silent (except for playtime). I love our little guy and glad that we can give him a forever home for the rest of his life. With regard to your video, I would suggest speaking a little more slowly. Your editing seems a bit rushed between sentences and comments, indicating that you did not edit enough time between statements when editing them all together.

[@GoDaveGo]

Basenjis LOVE being off leash. You have to take them to wilderness areas (bird dogs run around off leash somewhere, right?). I started by going in the heat of Texas summer, and making sure they knew I had cool water and a collapsible bowl. They don’t go too far. One is usually ready to go when I am, but the other isn’t. He thought he was clever by keeping out of reach until I drove off and left him for ten minutes. I parked a distance away and could hear him howling and see him running all over to find us until I went back for him. He slept the rest of the day because it was so scary for him. We’ve had to do that a few times, but he is getting better about coming when I’m ready to go. I find that while I walk or run, they tend to go ahead, but generally closer than 30 yards. The more open the vegetation is or the better they know a place, the farther they go. They’ve learned pretty quickly that even if they are ahead, I choose the direction. I call out to let them know when I’ve changed direction, and they hear me getting farther away, so they will turn and follow. There is nothing they love more than running free.

[@NatureDogRealms]

great and informative👍

[@shadowkey4461]

The only thing that I would change about this video is that the speaker talks way to fast; it is hard to keep up with if you are hard of hearing. He is spot on with the facts though. Our Chihuahua Tiny (actually turned out to be half Basenji as well); his father was a pure bred Basenji that jumped the fence and got to his Chihuahua mom. Ooops, Tiny when full grown looked so much like a full blooded Basenji that a couple in town(that bred papered Basenji's) saw us walking him one day and asked if mom would breed him with their female. Mom told them that he was only half Basenji plus he had been gelded. He in no way looked or acted like a Chihuahua at all. He was a complete knot head, nearly untrainable and definitely had all of the traits of the Basenji from the yodel, climbing trees, digging, making a screaming sound like a small child hit by a car to having the wrinkled forehead that made a vet think that he had distemper. This breed will keep you on your toes. If Tiny got loose the best thing to do was to follow him in the car and open the door for him when he got tired out because there was no way that you could catch him otherwise.

[@karaninamunyu6072]

He however says the Basenji were discovered by westerners in Central Africa. What???? How do you discover something that Africans were already using?

[@MdlnMrls]

My dog was exactly the same. Basenji / Chihuahuah mix. But he just looked straight Basenji even his behavior was pure basenji. But he was loyal and protective. Only bad thing was he was an escape artist and loved to hunt. Best dog i ever had.

[@melindathomas7529]

We have a mix but she looks almost identical to a Basenji in her markings, head, face... so many things. Her tail has the white tip buy it doesn’t curl. She’s smaller than average Basenji. I think she may be mixed with Chihuahua. She is the most adorable little dog and I could not imagine my life without her! Oh and since she is mixed, she does bark but she also yodels at times which is hilarious. I would definitely recommend this wonderful breed of dog or have it in your mixed dog!

[@Tresador]

Cool😊

[@RebeccaGallin]

Wow I. So surprised! I loved my Besenji. Zeus was a great baby! Lived to 14 great health, easy groom and he was easy to train using treats. He yodeled on command. However he did have free reign where I live so could let his wild side out and come home exhausted. Lol. I wish I could afford another 😭

[@annettewiitala4911]

Oh and they are only bred once a year. Usually born in November so pups are ready in January

[@MdlnMrls]

I wish I saw this video 6 yrs ago. Everything he said my basenji mix did. Smh.

[@Luisp0t]

He's talking of pure breeds not mix

[@jwt723]

Did you not keep him??

[@jorddalord5400]

Your fault: you should've researched before buying the dog.

[@MdlnMrls]

@@jwt723 i had him for about 6 years. Very good dog. He died unfortunately.

[@MdlnMrls]

@@jorddalord5400 Are you on drugs ??. I never heard of a Basenji 6 years ago. A lot of ppl still don't know this breed. I adopted him and unfortunately the shelter didn't have his previous history. But overall he was a great dog. He was trained but stubborn at times.

[@hxki6249]

When he said they don’t bark I was like that’s tuff😂

[@MorostyleGaming]

the Pharaoh's favorite dog breed

[@PatrickPierceBateman]

You need to talk faster. I feel like I'm listening to Morgan Freeman on opium. Also it is not surprising that a Basenji was valued more than a wife for it's hunting ability and ingenuity. Never once have I met someone's wife whose hunting ability and ingenuity surpassed that of his Basenji. Great video.

[@MICHEL-xv9yb]

Does basenjis can live with cats? If i get a puppy and introduce them

[@dodgechargersrthellcatmopa3265]

Bruh my besanji never runs off

[@DEAD-oh7bu]

1:15 this is something mine would do XD

[@corinapalezza1]

I want this

[@richarddlewis5422]

Basenjis WILL bark! We have owned 3 Basenjis and they have all barked, although it rarely happens. Usually when someone comes over to visit the house, they will will bark once or twice. It is a myth that their larynx is different than other dogs. It is most likely that barking was bred out of the dogs over several thousand years on the continent of Africa. Dogs that barked were more vulnerable to predators AND the tribes people most likely would NOT want barking dogs around because it interfered with their role as hunting aids. Great breed of dog; very smart and loving, AND NEVER BORING!. Once you have a Basenji you will most likely not ever own another breed of dog.

[@RamiGold]

my basenji is a silent one😁. The only thing she dose (but realy rare) is a sound thats æüğ

[@lauravlassenbroek2516]

I have a question: Does this dog like agility and is it trainable to do so?

[@MdlnMrls]

I believe so. My dog was very fast but they lose focus and get bored quickly. Be careful around smaller animals and animal feces as sometimes they will rub themselves in it to mask their scent for hunting.

[@wolfhaven9312]

They love to be kept busy but they are not easy to train. They have a mind of their own and it takes a person with very strong character to get the upper hand on this amazingly intelligent breed. They are ao clever and will attempt to gain the upper hand if they sense that the human is soft.

[@waynemckenzie3287]

HAD A M&F IN CHILDHOOD... BRO IS THINKn @ ONE FOR HIS KIDz, 12&16... REAL GOOD INFO HERE... I FEEL, YOU SHOULD EXAGGERATE MORE THE TRIGGER RESPONSE AROUND QUICK MOVING OBJECTS TO HUNT! THIS IS A REAL EVENT TO KEEP IN MIND!! YOU DID GREAT TELLING @ THE ESCAPE ARTIST SIDE OF LIFE... BARK, BARK... PEACE & SMILEz ;~}

[@mayoloramon7530]

We almost got one but since we have small children we were advise otherwise. Beautiful dog!

[@beamills9205]

mine was feral for over 6 months.....i fed her twice a day for 6 months....she got pregnant.....i trapped her 1 week before she delivered 8 pups....i slept with her after puppies came and helped her....she was a great mom.....puppies adopted into great homes.....she is smart....and, has trained well.....love her so much...

[@noelter]

They look like a long-legged Jack Russell

[@shahlashirafkan4777]

Besenji sound

[@lyncolin]

Hunting with bells? Hmmm...

[@kobepelsser]

I have a tree collor

[@DogsWiz]

What are your favorite Basenji traits? Let us know in the comments!

[@mf4329]

Mine was a Kleenix-eating machine!

[@ltssiris]

i have a basenji and she escapes every rubbish day

[@thegiovannimauro]

We weren't aware of this fact until we bred our basenji and one of her pups climbed out of the gate we built around the crate and got up onto the couch and relaxed. We nicknamed that pup "the escape artist".

[@ltssiris]

@@thegiovannimauro cool we have to find a way so she cant escape but she will probably find even another way?

[@Andy-ve4xm]

Lol a basenji showed up at our front porch, so now we have a dog

[@Sonia-uz7wn]

Are they hard to housebreak to use the bathroom outdoors?

[@hasanx4637]

they are easy to train if consistent. establish yourself as the alpha and maintain that position all the time. they will test your authority daily until they see you are consistent. They can learn how to do basic commands quickly and are very clean dogs.

[@Tresador]

3:39...what is that??

[@kaverianil9678]

I have a basenji in india

[@debraalvarez82]

They are also black and white

[@Uruglot]

The one who discovered basenji - does not know other dog breeds

[@saby8765]

Looks like a 'neri'

[@lucasroos3704]

I own one

[@thunder5684]

Lol

[@isaiahnkansah6479]

This guy read this off a website on Google

[@lucasroos3704]

My bazeng killed a mouse 🐁 as a puppy hah and now hes 13years old and we kan leave the door open

[@ThePetraji]

narrator needs to take a breath periodically....phew

[@karaninamunyu6072]

1:03 What do you mean, "discovered by westerners?"

[@voguehaven5154]

they always try to take credit for everything. even though the dog has existed and used for thousands of years in Africa.

[@karaninamunyu6072]

@@voguehaven5154 Gosh! I don't know why some keep up with that narrative. This dog has been there for many years before they knew it and yet he says "discovered by westerners..."

[@bjc3045]

Karani Namunyu It's likely "discovered by westerners" means that westerners became aware of basenjis on a large scale, not that they were the original discoverers of the breed.

[@traceurs619]

They mean that it was well-known by Africans and it wasn’t known until that specific time that the Westerners discovered them. Not that they were the ones who 1st discovered them. This is not another Columbus incident.

[@karaninamunyu6072]

@@bjc3045 That is very misleading. Westerners never discovered the dog. Use a different word that factually points to the westerners role in getting the dog to Europe and US.

[@therandom9483]

My basenji is a mix with a pit bull so I wish she didn't bark

[@l.k.reagan9209]

Pit Bull/Basenji seems like a dangerous combination

[@traceurs619]

@@l.k.reagan9209 Pitbulls and Basenjis are actually bred together ALOT since they have very similar traits. They’re called Pitsenjies;) they’re only dangerous if you make them dangerous. I love and want a pure basenji so bad though!

[@gerrimccoy6339]

Fell in love..but believe this breed will be too active and hard to control..sad

[@MaitreeBoro17]

And yodelling at 4am

[@stormyweather0626]

NOT a good show dog. They look fantastic in the ring, but I've never met a Basenji that didn't like to act the fool in the ring!🤣 Had them nearly 30 yrs.

[@milochanel9491]

0:39 not a basenji?

[@tshiololiai6135]

BASENJI ARE FROM CONGO DR 🇨🇩 AND CONGO IS NOT FROM WEST AFRICA.

[@aliiisaida642]

We have a basenji and he smells horrible.

[@JWildberry]

Then you should take him to the vet. If your basenji smells horrible, there' something wrong. Might be anal glands, might be teeth, might be an ear infection or allergies. A healthy basenji should not smell.

[@ameliapryl5840]

My basenji dont have a smell, maybe you should wash them and take to the vet?

[@kreana02]

Thats weird, i have 2 and they don't smell. They hate water as hell, so they don't take a shower for weeks but never smell.

[@jaykay1528]

“He” “his” the whole damn video.. really man?

[@ItsOnPaper]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@traceurs619]

@Luna Duan Yeah, and it’s only female when they’re talking about cars or other inanimate objectsXD