Basenji Dog

The little dogs have a very wrinkled head, which they carry proudly on a back that is quite arched, giving them their elegant appearance. The tails are curled and look like puffy pigs tails. When the Basenji dog walks or runs, they resemble the trotting of a race horse. The breed weighs between 22 and 24 pounds, and is about 17 inches tall, with the males being slightly taller and heavier than the females.

A Basenji is a highly affectionate and intelligent dog, but that doesn't mean they are easily trainable. In fact, this breed is independent and resists training, and is smart enough to actually out smart you! Anyone who plans to own one of these dogs is encouraged to attend dog obedience classes to help with the training process. You must have a very high tolerance for destruction if you plan to own these dogs, as puppies everything in your home will become their chew toys. Clothing, remote controls, the corners of your kitchen cabinets- if it's in an area the dog can get to, you can bet it will get chewed up. The dogs love to play, and some people say they are more like cats than dogs. They are extremely highly energetic, and because of their tendencies to chase every chipmunk, cat or other moving object they see outdoors, you'll want to have them in a safe, fenced in area- or on a leash whenever you bring them outdoors.

There are a few health problems known to be inheritable within Basenji dog breed, like many breeds of dogs. The diseases that often are found in these dogs are Fanconi Syndrome, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, IPSID, Hypothyroidism, and Hip Dysplasia. Good breeders do everything they can to reduce the chances of their dogs developing any of these diseases, but there is no way to be 100% sure your dog would be completely healthy for his or her entire lifetime.