How to Care for a Basenji

Have your basenji vaccinated when you first get him, and then have him get yearly booster vaccinations along with fecal tests (for worms) to maintain his immunity to disease. Consult your veterinarian about flea prevention products.

Socialize your basenji from an early age to be with children. Basenjis are naturally warm and friendly and love to be with children, but like any dog, they'll use their teeth if they think they need to discipline a small child. Get your dog used to all types of people from puppyhood.

Use positive reinforcement with your basenji when you're training or disciplining him. Basenjis are one of the "independent" breeds of dog, and as such, pleasing you is not a priority.

Avoid using time in the crate as a form of punishment. Basenjis can develop hostility toward you if you treat them harshly.

Try to have a person or another opposite-sex dog with your basenji at all times (basenjis are often same-sex aggressive). They require constant attention and will get lonely very quickly. Another option is to take your basenji to doggy day care while you work.

Expect your basenji to get along well with other pets. However, because basenjis are hunting dogs, in the beginning you'll need to supervise your pet when he's not on a leash, to keep him from chasing other pets. Teach your dog the "no chase" command and keep a squirt gun handy.

Provide your basenji with things to chew on at all times and teach him the "leave it" command at an early age, to discipline his chewing habits. Nylon bones and sterilized bones that you can stuff with peanut butter and other food items work best.

Bathe your basenji when he becomes excessively dirty or muddy or has been rolling around in something he shouldn't be. Start on the stomach area with a small amount of shampoo (their skin can be sensitive). Trim your basenji's toenails regularly, about every week and a half to three weeks.

Feed your basenji dog food with the first listed ingredient being meat. Basenjis aren't fond of dry food alone, so try adding a dressing of raw vegetables on top of their nightly meal or a dab of canned pumpkin for fiber.

Exercise your basenji frequently, walking him once or twice a day and allowing him to run freely in an enclosed area. Basenjis are adaptable and will do well with whatever exercise you give them. Their favorite activity is hanging out with you.

Know that basenjis are prone to certain health problems including Fanconi syndrome, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, malabsorption and hypothyroidism. Talk to your vet about how to address these conditions should they occur. A number of basenjis appear to have food sensitivities or allergies.

Be prepared to enjoy a good 10 to 15 years with your basenji - this is the breed's average life expectancy.