Basenji for Sale



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About Basenji

The Basenji is a purebred dog native to central Africa and is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. It is known for its signature yodel and unique appearance. While most of the breed’s stock is from Congo, this dog has traveled far and wide after European settlers in Africa discovered them in the 18th century and took them to England and the US. Its name means “dog of the bush”, but Europeans called it the Congo terrier or the Congo dog.

Researchers believe this dog is most closely related to the Dingo, a lean and hardy wild dog. Locals prized the dog for its courage and intelligence, and so do other populations who come into contact with them. If you would like more information on this cute dog before seeking out a Basenji puppy for sale, please check out the following sections.

The Basenji’s Appearance

Role

Used to retrieve, point, and hunt

Size

Medium-sized

Body

Pointy triangular ears with tightly curly tails and wrinkly forehead.

Almond-shaped eyes and pointy muzzle

Confident gait and are quite strong for their size

Height

17 inches (male)

16 inches (female)

Weight

24 pounds (male)

22 pounds (female)

Coat

Short and smooth with a light undercoat

Color

Red, black, white, mahogany tan, sable, cream, blue, brindle, trindle

Lifespan

12 to 16 years

Basenji Personality Traits

  1. Quiet- this breed does not bark, as its larynx is shaped differently. Instead, they yodel. They also howl and cry when distressed.
  2. Hypoallergenic- most dog breeds trigger allergies, but the breed’s short coat and little shedding mean that it does not trigger allergic reactions in humans. As such, if you are allergic to dogs or fur, consider adopting this breed.
  3. Energetic- they are very active and need regular exercise. 
  4. Affectionate- they are close to their family but rarely bond with a single person or warm up to strangers. 
  5. Intelligent- they are very good at problem-solving and often learn by themselves. 
  6. Athletic- not only can they stand on their hind legs when curious about something, but they can also climb fences.
  7. Independent- these dogs can be aloof at times, especially with strangers. However, this makes training them challenging.
  8. Self-grooming- some owners say that this breed is catlike in that they groom themselves and enjoy playing with cats as well as perching in high places.
  9. Dislike wet weather: some owners have noticed that this pup will refuse to go out in wet weather.

This breed has traits similar to the Shiba Inu, so check out our article on them if you would like multiple pets. 

How To Care For A Basenji

1. Diet: Proper Nutrition

Just like other dog breeds, this breed enjoys raw meats as well as other dishes. You can feed your pet the following:

  • Beef
  • Bone
  • Offal
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Fish
  • Lamb
  • Eggs
  • Duck
  • Oils, e.g. fish oil, flaxseed oil, and hemp seed oils etc.
  • Water
  • Carrot
  • Cauliflower stalks
  • Broccoli
  • Strawberries
  • Oranges
  • Grapes
  • Bananas
  • Good quality kibble brands

While this list is not exhaustive, it can provide you with a good idea of what to feed your pet before you seek out a Basenji dog for sale. Some are more affordable than others, while others are less available in certain areas, so choose fresh foods and those applicable to your pet’s needs. 

It may differ based on age, breed, and role, as noted in our other articles, such as the one highlighting the Australian kelpie.

2. The Right Exercise Regimen

While they are highly energetic, they are relatively small; hence they need only one hour or so of exercise or even more if you can! They can run for up to five miles and will enjoy the exercise. However, a leash is necessary as they have a strong prey drive and may chase other animals or scents on the walk.

3. Proper Grooming

Generally, they do not smell because they occasionally self-groom. Despite this, you need to groom this dog every four to eight weeks. Your dog will need a bath with a natural shampoo, a nail trim, ear cleaning, and checking of anal glands. This will keep your dog’s skin healthy and prevent health issues arising from poor hygiene.

4. Common Allergies

This breed can be negatively affected by exposure to substances like pollen, dust mites, wheat, potatoes, corn, excessive proteins, and others. You can tell your pup is suffering an allergic reaction if they exhibit signs like vomiting, swelling, itching, scratching, vomiting, hair loss, skin issues, and anal licking, among others. 

5. Illnesses To Watch Out For

Before seeking out a “Basenji puppies for sale near me”, it is important to understand the various illnesses your dog may be at risk of. They include:

  • Kidney disorder
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
  • Luxating patella
  • Epilepsy
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Incontinence
  • Cancer
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Digestive colitis

Some of these may be triggered by age, but others are preventable through the use of vaccines such as those for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, rabies, parvovirus, and many others.

If you have other breeds, you may be curious about how to care for them, which we outline in our other articles, such as the American pit bull terrier

Where To Find A Basenji For Sale

When you search for “basenji puppies for sale near me” or “basenji puppy for sale”, you will come across several adverts. However, for quality service and reliable breeders, you should choose our site. We have several listings available for both adults and puppies, so feel free to check them out.

Pros and Cons of Basenjis

Pros

Cons

  • Quiet as they do not bark, hence they are good for apartments
  • Very protective of their families
  • Don’t mind some alone time
  • Very playful
  • Low-maintenance grooming
  • Likely to escape, so a good fence is needed
  • Very independent and not easy to train hence not suitable for beginners
  • Can be aggressive to other animals
  • Easily irritated by children

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the price of a Basenji?

The price of a Basenji puppy is $1500 to $2000, while a full-grown pup could go for up to $4500.

2. How can you socialize with your dog?

You may start when they are a puppy, as it gets harder as they get older. Walk them along with other dogs, let them keep their distance from each other, let them meet people at home, and let them ride in cars to get them used to being around others and vehicles.

3. Are Basenji's tears real?

Yes. They may cry due to fear, anxiety, boredom, excitement, illness, lack of attention, or a desire for something. 

4. Which pets do Basenjis get along with?

Basenjis get along with cats who don’t run but have issues with rodents, rabbits, and birds since they activate their chasing instincts. 

5. How can you train a Basenji puppy?

Experts would encourage you to react to things when they occur to help them learn, form routines, and encourage calmness; if you have multiple pets, feed them in separate spaces to avoid bullying and theft, announce potty breaks, and be patient as they are still an infant. 

6. What breed is similar to a Basenji?

Shiba Inu has a similar independent personality and certain primitive behaviors, such as being mistrustful. 

Conclusion

In short, the Basenji is a purebred African dog known for its athletic ability and unique yodel. The dog is also quite intelligent, hypoallergenic, energetic, self-grooming, and independent. With all these qualities, it is no wonder that many people seek out adverts for a “basenji dog for sale near me”. If adopted, this breed will bring love and light to your home, so check out our classified section.