Basenji Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I am a runner, can I take my Basenji?

Response: As an adult over 1 year old, most certainly! Let them work up to the great distance you are running a bit at a time. We do not recommend taking puppies under 1 year old as their little bodies are not mature and their bones are still growing.

Question: What shall I feed my Basenji?

Response: Any high quality dry food. During the winter, we add a bit of peanut oil to keep their coats in good shape. Some folks cook for their dogs, it’s just what you decide. Cooking for your dog requires a lot of time and understanding of nutrition.

To tell if you are feeding the right foot, watch their weight and health condition. Be sure to get them to the vet if they are sickly.

Question: I’ve heard about health problems, what are they for Basenji?

Response: Basenjis are dogs and can get any number of canine illnesses and emergencies. The breed does have two genetic illnesses.

First is a kidney condition called Fanconi. This is a particularly worrisome problem, but you are able to check for its onset beginning at 2-3 years of age. It is not as deadly as it was a few years ago. Fanconi dogs can be maintained to live out their lives with some help from you. Your breeder should have provided you with a packet on the disease and you can check the Basenji Club of America website (see our Links page) to learn about the Fanconi Protocol.

Second is Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA. This shows up as a loss of night vision and then progresses to total blindness. This disease is normally first indicated at 5-6 years. Again, your breeder will have provided you with an information packet.

Both of these diseases are a concern to breeders as they don’t show up until the dogs are older and possibly used for breeding. Until we are able to identify those that have the disease and who carries the genetic marker before they are used in our breeding programs, it becomes difficult to remove the diseases from the breed. The Basenji Club of America has established an endowment fund to research these two conditions and some day eradicate them.

Question: Should I breed my Basenji?

Response: Unless you are willing to take on the huge responsibility, we do not recommend it. You are responsible for the offspring the rest of their lives, even in their new homes. In addition, have you tested your girl for eyes, hips, blood, etc., and studied her pedigree to ensure she is from the healthiest background possible? Have you studied the American Kennel Club standard to ensure she meets that standard and the health concerns we described above? Have you researched for hours and studied pedigrees for the best and healthiest male to breed her to? Are you willing to wait through the night next to her bed to reassure her when she is ready to have her puppies? Are you willing to spend days on end raising the puppies and ensuring they are healthy and have the proper preventatives for all canine diseases? What process will you go through to place these puppies in good homes? What will you do if the family decides the puppy isn’t for them? What will you do if the family isn’t able to keep the older adult? Are you willing to do all these things for a tiny amount of money and huge amount of time?

Our recommendation is to discuss the whole issue with your breeder. If you still have more questions, please do not hesitate to visit our Feedback page. Click below to go back to the Basenji page.