Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 5: Spitz and primitive types |
| Origin | Central Africa |
| Weight | 9–11 kg |
| Height | 40–43 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
Temperament
Independent, curious and reserved, very active. It does not bark, but makes peculiar sounds.
History
From Central Africa, where it was used for hunting.
Fun facts
It is known as the “barkless dog”: it makes a kind of yodel instead.
The Basenji coat
A short, close coat that is simple to maintain but sheds throughout the year.
A short, fine, clean coat; it sheds little and grooms itself like a cat.
What we do in the salon
A full bath with dead-hair removal, nail trimming, ear cleaning and conditioning.
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Cut / upkeep | Usually no cut needed. |
Care at home between visits
- Brush once a week with a rubber glove or soft-bristle brush.
- Dry the skin and folds well after a bath or rain.
- Check the skin: a short coat shows any irritation early.
- Look after the nails and ears.
Frequently asked questions about the Basenji
Does the Basenji shed a lot?
It sheds little. Even so, the coat can tangle or build up, so it should be brushed regularly.
How often should I bring my Basenji to the salon?
In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Usually no cut needed. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Does it need clipping?
Usually not: a regular bath with dead-hair removal and weekly brushing is enough.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.