Basenji dog breed sitting tall against a white background
Basenji dog breed sitting tall against a white background

Traits and Characteristics

type

Hound

weight

21 to 24 pounds

height

16 to 17 inches

family

Sighthound

Traits and Characteristics

type

Hound

weight

21 to 24 pounds

height

16 to 17 inches

family

Sighthound

This small to medium-sized fox-like African dog sports a distinctive curly tail and wrinkled forehead with a smooth, glossy coat. They are fast, with erect ears that helped them find game in thick bush in their former life as hunters. (They might also dissipate heat.) Basenjis are smart, high-energy, and fun, and make lovely companions—if you can keep up, that is

  • Energy Levellevel 4 in 5

  • Exercise Requirementslevel 3 in 5

  • Playfulnesslevel 3 in 5

  • Affection Levellevel 3 in 5

  • Friendliness to Dogslevel 2 in 5

  • Friendliness to Other Petslevel 1 in 5

  • Friendliness to Strangerslevel 3 in 5

  • Watchfulnesslevel 1 in 5

  • Ease of Traininglevel 2 in 5

  • Grooming Requirementslevel 1 in 5

  • Heat Sensitivitylevel 3 in 5

  • Vocalitylevel 5 in 5