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MediumHound Group

Basenji

The Basenji is a primitive central African hunting dog of the Congo Basin, documented in ancient Egyptian imagery and retaining single-annual-estrus reproduction shared with wolves rather than modern breeds.

Calculate Basenji age
Lifespan12.1 yrrange 11–16
SizeMediumHound Group
Weight22–24 lb10–10.9 kg
Senior at7 yrgeriatric at 11

Gallery (3)

About

About the Basenji

The Basenji is a primitive central African hunting dog of the Congo Basin, documented in ancient Egyptian imagery and retaining single-annual-estrus reproduction shared with wolves rather than modern breeds. The larynx shape produces a yodel rather than a bark.

Aging

How Basenjis age

RVC VetCompass gives a median 12.1 years (n=122, small sample). Basenji Fanconi syndrome — a genetic renal tubular defect causing progressive kidney failure — is the defining breed inherited concern, with mandatory DNA testing since 2011.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 12.1 yr · range 11–16Senior careSenior at 7 · geriatric at 11Common health issues6 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
22–24 lb(10–10.9 kg)
Height
16–17 in(40.6–43.2 cm)
Coat type
Short
Colors
Black & WhiteBlack Tan & WhiteBrindle & WhiteRed & WhiteBlack Brindle & WhiteBlue Cream & WhiteCream & WhiteMahogany Tan & WhiteSable & White
Temperament

Temperament

How Basenjis tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

independentalertcuriousreserved
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • High prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr

    Cataracts

    Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~6 yr

    Progressive Retinal Atrophy

    Description and veterinary guidance for Progressive Retinal Atrophy land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~5 yr

    Hypothyroidism

    Description and veterinary guidance for Hypothyroidism land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
60min
per day

About 60 minutes of activity per day keeps a Basenji physically and mentally satisfied. Split it between a structured walk and free play.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. RVC VetCompassRoyal Veterinary College VetCompass life-table research (McMillan et al. 2024)

    UK primary-care records; source for the median-lifespan and mortality figures.