The Basenji has been nicknamed “the barkless dog” but they will make a sound, a little yodel, when they’re excited to see their owners or having fun playing. In general, the Basenji is a playful dog with a keen sense of curiosity that can sometimes get them into trouble.

Basenjis love to be where the action is and if kept in the house, spend most of their time hanging around the kitchen and other high-traffic areas. They also love to explore, so whether it’s a hole in the backyard or a box full of old Christmas wrapping paper, your Basenji is sure to get into it.

One particular trait that makes the Basenji desirable is its cleanliness. Like a cat, a Basenji is a keen groomer and will habitually like itself clean. But, like their feline counterparts, the Basenji despises the rain and baths. They also like to climb and explore new places, making them probably the most cat-like dog breed in the world.

Basenjis are friendly with everyone, but you have to let them come to you first. Don’t give it too much attention at first and they’ll eventually seek you out. High-spirited and energetic, the Basenji is also great fun to play with and really fun to train. They love to learn tricks as well as show them off. So, keep your Basenji interested with new trick ideas and fun games to keep him engaged.

Because the Basenji is a sight hound, it’s important that he gets a lot of good exercise. These dogs love to run and they can go fast. They also love to chase things, including cars, so keep him either on a leash or in a fenced yard. The breed is still used for hunting purposes in Africa, but is typically either a companion dog or racer in Europe and North America.

In terms of health issues, veterinarians and breeders suggest that you ask about the dog’s risk for eye defects, glaucoma, malabsorption, PFK and Fanconi’s Syndrome.

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