Life Span:	10-12 years although and occasional Basenji has lived up to 20 years of age.
Litter Size:	4 to 6 puppies
Group:	Southern and AKC Hound
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	According to the American Kennel Club standards there are four basic colors: Red, black, tricolor, which consists of black with tan in their traditional pattern) and brindle (red with black stripes), each of these with white on the tail, chest and feet.
Hair Length:	Short
Size:	Medium
Shedding:	Lite Shed
Male Height:	16-17 inches (41-43 cm)
Male Weight:	22-26 pounds (10-12 kg)
Female Height:	15-16 (38-41)
Female Weight:	20-25 pounds (9-11 kg)
Living Area:	The Basenji can live outdoors with a big yard or in an apartment provided they get exercise daily and lots of it. It is important to remember when your Basenji is bored, he will begin chewing things-anything is his sight so if you live in an apartment, he should not be left there alone. In many ways, they are similar to a hyperactive child.

About this Breed

The Basenji, which originated in Africa, is a small, shorthaired and athletic dog with a smooth shiny coat and is the size of a fox terrier. They have a shiny coat of a number of different colors usually having white feet as well as white on the chest and tip of the tail. The Basenji is an elegant dog with long legs and a level back. Many think they have a perpetual worried look on their face because of the deep wrinkles in their forehead. The tail is high up, but curls up and slightly over to the side of its back. The ears are erect, straight and open in the front similar to a German shepherd, although some say they resemble a small deer. The small almond shaped eyes make the Basenji appear to be squinting. The long legs of the Basenji contribute to its running gait being similar to what you would see on a horse. They have a type of gallop, when running at full speed, where their feet just barely touch the ground. They enjoy doing what they were born for: hunting and running. It is this quality that makes them want to chase every small animal they see. If he gets off the leash, he will go and, in most cases, will be totally oblivious to your calling him. The Basenji only comes in heat once a year, in the fall. The one trait that the Basenji is most known for is the fact it does not bark. This is not to say that it is a mute dog by any means. Depending on what their mood is at the time, they will whine, squeal or howl and give one single 'woof' from time to time. When the Basenji is upset about something like being locked up, they will let out a scream that is similar to a woman or baby screaming or a rooster crowing. They do make a sound called a yodel or baroo that is attributed only to their breed. Overall, when they want to be heard, they know what to do and they are heard. Basenjis can be hard to train because they can be very stubborn. Positive reinforcement is highly recommended when training them and tricking them into thinking it's their idea. They want to please their masters, but are still headstrong. They are very destructive dogs and will chew on things much more so than most dogs. In fact, there is very little that they won't eat. They need to be strictly confined or crated when you're not around because if there is a way to escape and run wild, they will. Some dog trainers feel that if you are a person that wants a very well-trained dog, the Basenji dog is not for you because of their stubborn independent streak.