They require plenty of exercise and play time, but once they let their energy out, they become great cuddlers and "couch potatos'--- they hate being cold and will burrow under blankets or hog the warm spots by the vents or the fireplace. Though Basenjis do not bark (with rare exceptions) they cannot be assumed to be silent! They yodel, scream, howl, whine, and almost "talk" at times.

Basenjis are combination sight and scent hounds and usually have a strong prey drive -- which means they will chase and possibly kill anything fairly small and fast moving. Therefore, they need great care and early socialization to accept small animals, such as cats or chickens, ducks, etc. Some Basenjis have such high prey drive that they will NEVER be safe around any of these! Others do fine with their "own" cats in the house, but not if the animal is running outside and not strange cats! They can NEVER be allowed to run loose safely as when they see something moving fast, even a mile away, as they will fixate and are "off!" and do not even hear anyone calling them or see cars coming! They are very agile with Houdini-like capabilities of climbing, getting out of things or into things with their curiosity and humor!

Basenji owners require a great sense of humor, must not place too high a value on personal possessions and demonstrate confidence and determination to match their Basenjis!

1. Energy level: Need running room-- always well fenced-- apartment may be ok if person is dedicated to providing exercise for their Basenji on regular basis.

2. Good with children under 5? Maybe, if raised with children under 5, but probably not.

3. Good with children over 5 ? Maybe, if child is calm, supervised and dog was raised around them.

4. Good with children under 10 ? Maybe, see (No 3)

5. Good with children over 10 ? Yes, The dog will see these as adults. Will not tolerate being manhandled though, by anyone.

*** It would not be wise for the type of "average" family to get a Basenji -- they do NOT make good "first dogs". Usually these are the dogs that we, in rescue, end of getting at about 6 months to 1 year.

6. Ease of care (grooming etc): Very easy, "wash and go" breed.

7. Housebreakability: Easy if started young-- may do some "dominance" urination, even the females.

8. Life limiting disorders: Fanconi Syndrome-- can kill them if not diagnosed early and not amenable to the treatment of MANY pills daily.

Hemolytic Anemia--(not common anymore, but needs to be remembered) a hereditary form of anemia that used to kill dogs by or before a year old.

Malabsorption Syndrome- IPSID- (not common anymore, but needs to be remembered) is an inability to properly digest food -- leads to thinness, lack or appetite or good appetite with continuing weight loss.

9. Non-life limiting disorders: PPM, and PRA are both eye disorders that range from slight to blindness. Not life threatening depending on the families ability to adapt to the dog's special needs.

Low Thyroid-- not uncommon, Basenjis normally have slightly high thyroid, so low thyroid is very hard on them.

Some Hip Dysplasia is now noted, also.

11. Trainability: Brilliant dogs, but often NOT quite what you want them to do! They tend to "train" the human if the human is not aware!

12. Less than lovely breed quirks: Chewers, climbers, can be snarky-- same sex aggression is the norm, high prey drive.

13. Average weight/size: Usually about 20 to 25 lbs, Standard height is 16 inches for female, 17 for males, (though more or less for "rescued" or pet quality dogs)

14. Personality: Dominant/same sex aggression/affectionate with people they like/stand-offish with strangers/stubborn/eager/single-minded (PROUD, curious, full of energy, loving, protective, independent.)