Basenji
Group: Hound
Size: Medium
Coat length: Short
Grooming required: Once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Small or Large House
Garden size: Small/Medium
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
The Basenji is a small, muscular dog with a short, shiny coat that comes in a variety of colours. There are white markings on the feet, chest and tip of the tail too. They also have a long tail that curls over to one side of the back. Their foreheads are wrinkled giving them a slightly puzzled expression.
In Africa, Basenjis were used to warn of danger and to help with hunting but images of Basenji-like dogs have been found in Egyptian tombs.
Basenjis are alert, playful and respond well to training. They also love to chew so giving them their own chew toys is wise. They form a bond with their owner but are wary of strangers. They may respond well to other dogs and often enjoy living with other Basenjis but they might not be trustworthy around non-canines.
They have plenty of energy and will be active around the house as well as enjoying exercise outdoors. Because the breed washes itself like a cat, little grooming is needed, they tend to be odourless and they shed very little hair.
They are prone to kidney problems.