Basenji Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

If you are searching for a breed that is loyal to a fault, consider getting a Basenji; they make fantastic companions. These dogs originate from the Congo; they are self-cleaning and don’t require much grooming. In addition, Basenjis are affectionate, playful, and intelligent. However, finding the right breeder is essential as it will determine the health of your puppy. But breeders aren’t the only way to obtain this breed. You might get lucky and find one in a shelter or rescue, and while unethical, backyard breeders also offer pups for half the cost. So, if you’re wondering if you can afford one of these adorable dogs, below is everything you need to know about Basenji prices, including purchase costs, vet bills, and more.

How Much Does a Basenji Puppy Cost?

The price of a Basenji will depend on where you are buying it from. For example, a breeder, backyard breeder, rescue, or shelter. Therefore, below is a table with the various estimations.

Reputable Breeder

When purchasing a Basenji from a reputable breeder, there is usually a waiting list. So, if you stumble across a breeder saying they have puppies available, it is the first red flag. Puppies from a true breeder will always come with registration paperwork, a health guarantee, up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, and vet examinations. If the puppy is being transported, a shipping crate should also be included in the price. Costs for Basenji puppies can vary between $1000 to $3000 depending on the breeder’s reputation, location, and quality of the puppies.

Backyard Breeder

Basenji prices from backyard breeders can be very alluring. However, purchasing one of these pups from an unregistered breeder can hurt you in the long run. They don’t check for medical conditions and, often, don’t take proper care of the parents or the puppies. As a result, these pups are more prone to health issues later in life. Backyard breeders can charge anywhere from $500 for a Basenji puppy, so unfortunately, many people support this industry.

Shelter or Rescue

If you are lucky, you may find a Basenji in a shelter or rescue, where you can adopt it for a minimal fee. For example, shelters and rescues usually charge between $50 to $500 per dog. But, if they don’t have any Basenjis, you can put your name down and request they contact you should they find one.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Basenji

The factors affecting Basenji puppies’ price are the breeder’s reputation, color, location, and lineage.

Price Based on Color

Prices By State

Price for Lineage

People pay higher prices for puppies with ancestors (parents, grandparents, etc.) who have won titles for outstanding breeding. This means that these pups come from champion bloodlines and usually sell for around $3,500, depending on the location and breeder.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for a Basenji

Medical expenses will be the costliest part of owning a Basenji, especially if it was bought from a backyard breeder. But it’s not just trips to the vet that will cost money; flea prevention, as well as other drugs, are expensive, too. But if your dog has any underlying issues, your costs will be much higher. Puppies are more expensive than adult dogs because they need several vaccinations, are more susceptible to disease, require microchipping, and must be spayed or neutered. Therefore, they require several visits to the vet in their first few months of life. However, adults only need one visit to the vet if there is nothing wrong with them. Depending on what is done during your consultation, a visit to the vet can cost between $100 to $300.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Basenji

The amount you spend on food each month will depend on the size of your dog and what food you are feeding it. For example, small or toy Basenjis will eat less. But, you must ensure to provide them with top-quality food as poor-quality food can negatively impact your puppy’s health.

When bringing your pup home for the first time, you must introduce the new dog food brand slowly. At first, feed them a mix of new and old food. Add small amounts of the new food to the food they are accustomed to. If you add too much of the new food, their stomachs will get upset, resulting in diarrhea. Observe your pup for any symptoms after ingesting new food, like skin irritation, dry skin, and hair loss. If you see any of these signs, take your pup to the vet and let them prescribe the right food.

Your Basenji puppy will need around three cups of food per day, depending on the brand, and water should always be readily available. There are roughly about 120 portions in a 30-pound bag of dog food. So, it will cost you approximately $100 a month.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Basenji?

Insuring your Basenji is essential as they are prone to health problems. And if these health issues are left unchecked, it can cost you thousands in the long run. For example, this breed suffers from dental disease, hip dysplasia, and renal dysplasia, which are all costly to treat and very common in Basenjis.

The cost of pet insurance will differ depending on what company you use and which plan you select. The lowest plans usually only cover physical injuries like wounds or broken legs. However, they will not cover chronic illnesses that require monthly medication. But, the higher plans may cover some or all of your dog’s medical expenses. Furthermore, your monthly premium will also depend on where you live and your dog’s age. For example, the older your dog is, the more you will pay per month. As a result, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $45 per month for pet insurance.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Basenji?

While Basenjis are affectionate, intelligent, and playful, they are also temperamental, strong, and independent. Therefore, they are very dominant dogs and are not recommended for first-time owners. In addition, they require a firm hand when it comes to training. These dogs need professional training to overcome their potential stubbornness, aggression, and skeptical nature. Group training is more affordable, costing around $350 for the course. However, one-on-one training is preferred for this breed, costing about $200 for an hour-and-a-half session with a professional trainer.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock.com