Basenji Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips

Adopting a new dog is an exciting time. Whether you’re set on adopting a basenji, already have one, or are conducting research on which dog is the best fit for your family, you’ll learn all you need to know about basenji-rearing in this article.

Keep reading to get information from veterinarians on basenji training and behavior, learn how to housebreak, and discover the foundational cues this breed needs to learn in puppyhood. 

Breed Summary

Basenjis, often called the “barkless dog,” are unique and lovely pets. Just like a Shiba Inu, basenjis have a cat-like behavior in both their grooming of themselves and their play styles. Bred to hunt in Africa, this compact dog breed runs like a horse, yodels to make themselves known, and shares a range of complex emotions through its expressive face.

As a family dog, basenjis suit the lifestyle of active individuals who can keep their dog both mentally and physically stimulated for much of the day. They’re also a better choice for experienced pet parents, as training a basenji can prove difficult at times.

Basenji Growth and Weight Chart by Age

While the growth of breed individuals varies, the chart below suggests a rough growth and weight timeline owners can expect.

When Will My Basenji Stop Growing?

Breed individuals vary widely on their rate of growth. When basenjis stop growing comes down more to lifestyle, exercise, and nutrition than it does their bloodline. On average, basenjis will experience slowed growth around the 12-month mark and probably reach their full maturity weight and height between 14 and 16 months old.

How Big Will My Basenji Be When It’s Fully Grown?

The breed standard of a basenji is about 17 inches in height and 24 pounds in weight for males, 16 inches tall and 22 pounds heavy for female individuals of the breed. Not all breed individuals will conform to the standard set out by the American Kennel Club, but should hover around these numbers on average as a healthy basenji. 

Owners of basenjis severely over- or underweight should consult with their veterinarian to discuss options on if their dog needs special supplements to aid growth — or a diet to control weight gain.

When Should My Basenji Be Spayed or Neutered?

Veterinarians and breeders agree that you can neuter your basenji around the one-year mark. Neutering is less invasive than spaying and can happen any time after your boy basenji reaches nine or 10 months old, but consult your vet on the best time for you to start the surgery. 

Spaying removes the ovaries of a female dog to prevent pregnancies and ovarian cancer — and owners usually want to spay their basenji pup before her first heat cycle (around the six month mark). Again, it’s best to confer with your vet on when the best time to fix her is to keep her healthy — while allowing her hormones to develop her body at a normal rate.

When Should My Basenji Be House Broken?

Like other fastidious and clean breeds, basenjis don’t like to sleep or play near their bathroom. As such, they’re relatively easy to housebreak. With a mix of positive reinforcement and consistent training, your basenji can become fully, reliably housebroken in as little as a few weeks.

When Should My Basenji Stop Eating Puppy Food?

Confer with your vet on the specific week or month milestone your basenji can transition to adult food. On average, basenjis eat puppy food until about nine months old, or at least when they’re the majority of the way to their mature weight. Transitioning food takes between two and four weeks for a basenji’s digestive system to adjust. 

When Will My Basenji Start Losing Teeth?

Like most other purebred breeds, basenjis will begin to lose their teeth around the three to four month mark. This makes room for the several new teeth they’ll have — just make sure you have plenty of soothing teething treats for your basenji puppy to endure this uncomfortable season of puppyhood.

When Should I Start Training My Basenji?

Even the experienced dog owner should start training their basenji as soon as they adopt them. Basenjis are independent and often want to take the lead in a relationship. Because of this stubbornness, veterinarians and animal behaviorists encourage owners to use bite-sized training sessions several times a day through puppyhood to set a foundation for learning, and build on top of it as the dog matures.

Dr. Sara Ochoa of Hound Games has worked with basenji dogs for years. She sat down with A-Z Animals to discuss some tips for training.

“I’ve lived with basenjis for many years, I’ve learned a thing or two about training them,” she said. “The key is patience, persistence, and keeping things positive. Basenjis are smart but independent. They respond best to short five to 10 minute training sessions focused on respect, not strict obedience. I like to make training feel like a game we both enjoy. Attending a fun obedience class is a great way for owners to bond with their basenjis.”

What Cues Should I Teach My Basenji First?

Without a doubt, the first cues you need to teach your basenji are:

• Sit.
• Stay.
• Come.
• A release word.

Because basenjis love to explore, recall skills and the stay command can prevent off-leash accidents. Outside of the above cues, leash manners remain of paramount importance. Your basenji should learn how to properly walk on a leash without pulling long before other more complex (or even silly) tricks.

When Will My Basenji Calm Down?

Bred to hunt, basenjis have a ton of energy. Described by some at VCA Animal Hospitals as “spirited and curious,” basenjis have a nose like a bloodhound and an ability to run like a greyhound. They need significant exercise and mental stimulation, so the faster you can get your basenji on an exercise routine that works for them, the faster you’ll be able to anticipate their need for more entertainment.

As with all dog breeds, puppyhood is a roller coaster of energy and sleep. Within the first year, you should have a pretty good grasp of what excitement is your basenji’s personality and what is leftover puppy energy.

Common Health Issues Your Basenji Might Experience

Basenjis remain relatively healthy dogs according to the American Kennel Club and the Basenji Club of America. Still these purebred dogs have a proclivity to inherit or develop several different diseases, including:

• IPSID, or  ImmunoProliferative Small Intestinal Disease, is an inflammatory bowel disease and malabsorption issue that prevents the basenji from using the nutrients they intake.
• Fanconi Syndrome, a kidney issue that occurs in about seven percent of basenjis. If left untreated, it becomes fatal.
• Hemolytic anemia, though rare, can develop in the form of pyruvate kinase-deficiency hemolytic anemia.
• Thyroid issues, like hypothyroidism, which is a known occurrence in basenjis.
• Hip dysplasia, a condition in which the bone doesn’t fit a poorly-formed hip socket. It can lead to lameness and/or arthritis.
• Patellar luxation, when the kneecap consistently slides out of place on the femoral groove.
• Eye issues, including progressive retinal atrophy, corneal dystrophy, and colobomas.
• Inguinal hernias, which won’t usually cause many problems or pain but are good to be aware about.

Pictures of Basenji as Puppies

Pictures of Basenji at 6 Months

Pictures of Fully Grown Basenji 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © New Africa/Shutterstock.com