Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on September 25, 2021.
This is the ultimate guide that entails every single piece of information you’re looking for, from traits and surprising facts to the Basenji cost.
The Basenji has a fascinating history and is an intelligent, energetic dog whose bark sounds like a yodel. They possess the qualities of both dogs and cats, making them ideal companions for those with allergies or who live in apartments.
The Basenji dog breed originated from African countries where they were bred to hunt small game. Today’s Basenjis are not used for hunting but excel at agility competitions, obedience trials, rally obedience, herding livestock, and tracking scent trails. In addition, a recent study found that these dogs had the fewest number of reported health problems among all other breeds.
Are you looking for a new Basenji puppy? Then look no further than this unique canine breed.
These purebred dogs are all-in-one. However, the Basenji dogs’ cost is pocket-friendly despite their amazing characteristics.
How Much Does a Basenji Cost?
In this article, we’ll talk about what factors affect the Basenji price. Of course, ultimately, it’s up to your budget! But this will help give you a sense of how much each type might cost.
The average Basenji puppy typically costs range from $1200 – $4,000+. Factors that can influence pricing include gender, size, color variations, and Basenji breeders’ location.
One thing vital to keep in mind with any pet Basenji puppy purchase is researching breeds before deciding on one because prices vary widely depending on many factors, including history and temperament.
Basenji Personality Type
Have you ever come across a dog that doesn’t bark? HAHA NO? This breed was primarily bred in Africa for hunting due to its vigilant, silent behavior.
These are none other than Basenji, aka Congo Dogs. They are small, charming, witty, and extremely intelligent. They are best known for their elegance.
However, they are not easygoing due to their independent nature, which also makes the training challenging. Does this make them NEVER-TO-ADOPT dogs? Of course not!
Like every other dog breed, this breed is also a perfect combination of positive plus negative traits.
Their beauty, dignity, and tempting traits wipe out their negativity. The cute fur with a sparkling soft coat, tautly coiled tail, crinkled brow, and poetic almond-shaped eyes symbolize low-key emotions.
They come in a range of captivating colors, i.e., black, black & white, brindle, tri-color, tan, and red. Each color never fails to steal the thunder.
The strong and subtle Basenjis are a hunting breed. They are small, graceful, fluffy coats with striking colors that walk elegantly yet actively. Despite their dignity, Basenjis are keen observers and heedful, which makes them a perfect watchdog.
Here’s every minor detail you need to know about their personality:
1. Bundle of Love
They love to be the center of attention; these dogs love to be loved and they love to be cuddled. They are very affectionate and can prove to be perfect family pets. These dogs appreciate the presence of their favorite people.
This breed is a bundle of love who will sit on your lap and make you feel special.
P.S. If you love them back in the same way they do, they’ll make you the apple of their eye.
2. Full of Energy
This breed is a pack of energy. They are active and sporty and need a lot of activities and exercise, always ready for something extraordinary.
Their lively nature will keep you well-engaged and energized around the clock.
3. Can’t Stand with Stupidity
A hitch with smart dogs is they cannot withstand nonsense or stupidity; Basenji puppies are one of them. They are smart, grab stuff quickly, and cater to all situations.
However, they can be stubborn at times, especially when triggered by unnecessary loud noise and chaotic situations.
4. Burning with Curiosity
Basenjis are as curious as a cat/fish. They have an optimistic approach towards situations and are always eager to learn new things, catch information, and explore their surroundings with no qualms. They don’t stick to their regular routine; instead, they look for adventures every day.
Note: Keep an eye on his activities. He might end up hurting himself or anyone else out of curiosity.
5. Always on His Toes
Basenji puppies are not couch potatoes; they are keen and vigilant, who observe things carefully without making noise. These silent witnessers burst forth their ears and stiff their foreheads when catching an unordinary situation. They are regarded as the best watchdogs.
6. Pal Up!
This dog breed is the best companion you will ever come across. He is child-friendly plus pet-friendly. His loving, caring, playful, and sprightly nature never bore people. He pals up easily and quickly; however, he needs little training before he socializes with new people.
P.S. Make sure situations don’t turn him off or get ready to handle the aggression.
Basenji Size
Basenji’s size is the major factor affecting the buying decision of many people. They are famous for small or small to medium-sized dog breeds.
Their maximum height ranges between 15 to 17 inches and weighs between 20 to 26 lbs. If you are looking for a larger dog, these itty bitty pooches are not for you.
More About Basenji Price
Everyone is willing to pay a hefty amount to own a purebred, smart, and rare breed. And why not pay when you’re getting everything in one dog breed? But when it comes to basenji, this breed is not only unique and holds all the amazing traits, but he is also a low-priced puppy.
The average Basenji cost ranges from $1,200 to $1,800. However, the price of a well-bred Basenji puppy typically costs $4000 or more from conscientious breeders. The cost may differ due to certain factors such as the breeder you’re buying from, the health of the puppy, or more.
It is important to go for a reputable and reliable Basenji breeder as it counts on the quality and health of the Basenji puppy.
Hint: You can adopt a puppy from a shelter or the rescue organization and save a few bucks. Adopting a Basenji puppy can save you around $1,000 or more, as many shelters or rescue organizations charge adoption fees of $150 to $300.
The amount is invested in the dogs to provide rehabilitation and veterinary care before they are handed over to the adopter. This builds adaptability in them to accept new families, new pets, and new environments.
Factors Affecting The Basenji Cost
There are multiple factors that contribute to the fluctuation of Basenji dog breed prices. Put a glance:
● A Rare Breed
Basenji puppies are not born around the year like other dog breeds. They are born between the late autumn and early winter season, i.e., October to December. However, female Basenjis come between July (late summer) to September (early autumn).
Since they are unable to create a slew of babies each year, they are honored as the rare and unparallel breed.
In most cases, many reputable breeders keep the potential buyers in a queue until the slew of puppies produces the next generation. Resultantly, the number of puppies demanded exceeds the number of puppies produced each year, which leads to rising prices.
● Breeder, You’re Buying From
A reputed and well-recognized breeder who has invested years of experience in gaining knowledge about different dog breeds will surely charge extra for a puppy, but along with the puppy, he’ll offer every single piece of knowledge he has learned so far.
He will guide you related to mental and physical health concerns and some avoidable and unavoidable situations. On the contrary, some breeders offer a puppy for a bargained amount but will not reach the quality standards.
If you’re a first-time owner of Basenjis, it is recommended to go for an experienced breeder. He can make your starting journey fun-filled.
IMPORTANT: Basenji breeders are finite in numbers due to the uniqueness of the breed. These small breeders sell the Basenjis at the asking price, which is usually high.
● Basenji’s Documentation
Dog identification and registration is a mandatory process, which requires some necessary documents as evidence of the dog’s breed. Basenji breeders who know the worth of these documents and provide them at the time of selling will surely charge you extra.
● Health Diagnosis
It is observed that Basenjis undergo some health diseases that can be unavoidable sometimes. These diseases include Fanconi syndrome, anemia, hernia, retinal atrophy, pupillary membrane, and autoimmune thyroiditis.
To ensure the puppy’s good health before selling it, some breeders get the dogs vaccinated and checked up by a reliable veterinarian. This costs the breeder some medical expenses, which he usually charges from the to-be owner.
This extra cost is your pre-investment in the dog that saves you from future medical expenses.
Initial Cost of Owning a Basenji
The initial cost of Basenjis will spur you to grab these little furries with all your pleasure. Once you’ve tied the knot with a Basenji puppy, the initial prices are surprisingly low.
Check out these upfront ownership costs;
● Accommodation
Providing your puppy a neat and clean place with necessary supplies can make him feel special. This gives him an aura that he’s surrounded by a righteous soul.
To make him feel kind, getting him a dog bed or a crate is a decent option. The beginning of the dog bed and crate is $11 and $14, respectively.
Similarly, a food and water bowl adds additional value to his living style. The cost of the food bowl is $2, while the water bowl costs $5.
Tip: Get a ceramic or stainless steel bowl that prevents food contamination and bacteria.
● Schooling
Basenji is full of spirit with an independent personality and a strong temperament. They are dominant as a boss and mischievous as a monkey, which makes the training challenging. To overcome his potential aggression, stubbornness, and skeptical nature, professional training is needed.
If you opt for normal group training, it will cost you around $350. However, if you choose one-on-one training and hire a personal trainer, it will cost $200 for the 1.5-hours session.
P.S. Puppy Kindergarten is a wonderful option if you’re going for group training.
● Licensing/Documentation
Puppies have a right to get registered, licensed, and have identification. And the puppy owner is responsible for this. This only cost $5. However, a fur owner will be charged with penalties if his dog is found unregistered.
● Microchip
Basenjis are mischievous in nature. They are escape masters and can run away in the blink of an eye. Microchips help in finding them if they are lost somewhere—this costs around $10.
Cost of Supplies
Supplies welcome the puppies at home. They help to create an unbreakable bond between the puppy and its owner. We have done in-depth research on the cost-effective supplies of Basenjis. The chart will help you to make a reasonable decision;
Supplies Cost High-quality food $35 Food and water bowl $2 - $15 Bed $21 Crate $24 (vary with size) Collars or Harness $10 - $40 Leash $10 - $30 Toys $25 Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 Plastic poop bags $5 - $10 Stain & odor removal spray $5 - $20 First aid kit $15 - $50 Brush $5 - $45 Shampoo $5 - $20 Tooth-brushing kit $5 - $15 Toenail clippers $5 - $30
The total cost of supplies is even more effective than the Basenji price itself. It ensures the pup owns your home sweet home.
Basenji’s Monthly Expenses
Supplies cost are a one-time investment and will only recur when broken or damaged. However, some expenses are meant for monthly maintenance of the Basenji.
Below is the chart of Basenji’s average monthly expenditure that helps you decide your budget.
Items | Items Average Monthly Expense |
Food | $120 |
Insurance | $10 |
Treats | $20 |
Emergency Funds | $30 |
Basenji’s Medical Treatment Cost
No doubt, Basenji was originally bred for hunting, but they are prone to health issues. Some of these medical conditions are inherited, which may be serious at times.
Below is the list of potential diseases and their average treatment cost:
Disease Average Cost of Treatment Hip Dysplasia $4,000 - $6,000 Elbow Dysplasia $3,000 - $5,000 Heart Disease $5,000 - $20,000 Spine Problem $5,000 - $9,000 Torn Ligaments $3,000 - $6,000 Patellar Luxation $1,500 - $3,000 Fanconi Syndrome $9,000 - $11,000 Hernia $750 - $2,500 Anemia $500 - $2,000 Hyperthyroidism $10 - $30 per month Hypothyroidism $10 - $30 per month Eye Problems $50 - $3,000 Broken Bones $2000 - $5,000 Foreign Body Ingestion $500 - $5,000 IPSID Varied Price
It is recommended to make annual visits to a renowned vet for timely checkups and health diagnoses to avoid potential problems.
Surprising Facts About Basenji
You’re planning to adopt these cute itty bitty pooches with unique lifestyles and appearances. But before you proceed, check out these surprising facts that will help you better understand Basenjis and will keep you smiling throughout the journey.
- Though Basenjis are distinguished as the ‘barkless’ puppies, their voice can be extremely ear-splitting sometimes. They whine, scream, and yodel.
- They are independent, yet they can’t live alone. They love being surrounded by their owner. They adore socializing with other pets and human children.
- Exercises and tons of activities are the best solutions to keep these ‘escape masters’ engaged.
- Basenjis are a clean, low-maintenance breed. Also, they don’t shed much, which butters up the owner.
- These small furry friends are sensitive in nature. They cannot withstand punishments or enrage.
The Basenji is a hunting dog that comes from Africa but was originally used as a present for Egyptian Pharaohs. The Basenji was brought to England in 1937 and to America in 1941. He’s often nicknamed the “barkless dog” because he only makes a sort of yodeling sound when he’s excited. He can be colored black, red, or brindle, but always has a white chest, feet, and tail lip. He has wrinkles on his head and a high curly tail.
The Basenji is playful, agile, and moves easily because he’s muscular. The Basenji temperament is independent and often aloof. He works out of sight of the hunters and is guarded when meeting strangers. He only needs minimal grooming because his short coat doesn’t have a normal “doggy” smell. He weighs 22-24 pounds and is 16-17 inches high.
Final Words
Welcome to the adventurous journey with the cost-effective dog breed, the Basenji. Basenjis are a perfect fit for people who are looking for a jolly and sprightly spirit.
They are sports enthusiasts, extroverts and cherish their owners. The dog may be stubborn, but they are worth a pet. Note: Train them properly to prevent behavioral issues. And I am sure your efforts will pay off with your Basenji’s care and love.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, Basenji Information.
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