Basenji

The Basenji is a very affectionate dog that loves spending time with their favourite humans. But they can be a little independent and will sometimes need a bit of alone time. So try not to overwhelm them with affection. They’ll come and ask for some when they’re ready.

Hunting dogs have active minds as well as active bodies;  regular playtime is vital for their overall wellbeing. These active, intelligent dogs love stimulating games and activities.

These working dogs are always on the alert. Unless they’ve been well-trained, their high-energy natures can soon become hyperactive, especially around strangers and other dogs.

These dogs are very smart. They need the right kind of training and stimulation to be mentally satisfied. Walks and games need to be interesting and challenging. If not, the dog will soon become bored and frustrated, which may manifest as "bad " behaviour.

The Basenji is a natural born hunting dog. Even by dog standards, they have an excellent sense of smell and are capable of covering huge distances in a short space of time. Such deep-rooted instincts are not suited to urban living. These dogs need to live near wide open areas in which they can roam and explore.

The Basenji can be wary of strangers and may seem a bit shy or reserved.

The Basenji is capable of looking after itself. Much like cats do, these dogs clean themselves on a regular basis. They’re also very skilled hunters, making them well-equipped to survive independently.

These dogs deal will solitude much better than most other canines. However, no dog should be left without company for long periods of time. Dogs are social animals; they need companionship from other dogs or humans.

This depends on the ability and knowledge of the trainer. An inexperienced handler will have a very tough time keeping this dog focused. According to the author of the Intelligence of Dogs, the Basenji is the second most difficult dog to train.

Basenjis are often referred to as barkless dogs or silent dogs. And even when they do “bark”, it sounds more like a low yodelling noise. In other words, the Basenji is a perfect choice for owners looking for a “quiet” dog.

These dogs won’t run away on purpose, but they do have a curious nature and an instinctual desire to explore. They can all also cover big distances very quickly;  make sure all outside spaces are properly secured.

As long as their needs are being met, a Basenji is a well-behaved animal. However, if they're bored or lonely, they’ll may start expressing their frustrations through destructive behaviours.

These dogs were bred on the African plains, where accessible food sources are at a premium. The Basenji learned to survive on only what it needs.

The Basenji will alert their owners when they see or smell something they don't like. They have an excellent sense of smell and vision. The only drawback is their quiet bark, which is not loud enough to wake you up or deter any intruders.

Despite their relatively small frames, these hunting dogs are not suited to living in a flat or a small house with no outdoor area. Ideally, they need regular access to rural areas or large parks.

These high-energy dogs need around two hours of exercise each day, which must include plenty of time off the leash. You can break this into a shorter morning walk and then a longer, more intense runout in the afternoon/early evening.

Basenjis are fairly easy to travel with and transport, although it’s best to prepare them for any long trips well in advance. Crate training is a really good option, and a necessity if travelling by plane.

Given their very high prey drive, Basenjis are not the best dogs for families with cats. Bringing an unfamiliar cat into the house may also trigger their deep-rooted instincts to chase anything small and furry.

Pack dogs like the Basenji thrive off the company of other pooches. However, pack animals can be very competitive, especially when they come into contact with other dogs. All introductions to new dogs should be supervised.

Basenjis love being around children of all ages. They high-energy, playful natures makes them perfect companions for younger children and adolescents.

Training and exercising a Basenji will take a lot of time, energy, commitment, and patience; they might not be the best dog for some elderly people.

Although the Basenji is a gentle dog that loves being around people, they can be very difficult to train. An experienced dog handler would need to use all their skills in training a Basenji. These dogs aren't suitable for a first-time owner.