10 Things Nobody Tells You Before Getting a Basenji

July 31, 2026

10 Things Nobody Tells You Before Getting a Basenji

If you're thinking about welcoming a Basenji into your life, you've probably already heard the basics. They don't bark, they're intelligent, they're cat-like, and they're one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world.

But after sharing my home with Max, Lyra, Agnes and previously Evie, I've learnt there are plenty of things the breed books don't mention. Some will make you laugh, some might test your patience, and all of them are part of what makes Basenjis so wonderfully unique.

1. They're far more affectionate than their reputation suggests

Everyone says Basenjis are aloof.

Nobody tells you they'll sleep under your duvet, follow you from room to room, or gently tap you on the head at 3am because they want you to lift the covers so they can snuggle underneath.

Agnes follows me around like my little shadow. Lyra is much more independent during the day but will always curl up beside me at night. And Max? Well... Max simply can't cope unless his people are nearby.

They're independent, yes. But with the people they've chosen, they're incredibly loving.

2. They'll teach you that possessions don't really matter

When Max came into my life, I was blissfully ignorant to just how destructive a young Basenji could be. Evie had always been such an easy pup, so I thought I knew what to expect.

I did not.

Curtains shredded. Leads chewed. And my personal favourite... Max can destroy a seatbelt in under a minute. Needless to say, there are no quick trips into the shops if he's waiting in the car!

Looking back though, I can't remember half the things he destroyed. What I do remember is watching that manic young dog grow into the calm gentleman he is today.

Things are just things. Time with our dogs is what's truly precious.

That said... baby gates are worth every penny. Set them up for success, not temptation!

3. They never forget

Imagine there's something you really don't want your Basenji to get hold of.

You carefully hide it on a high shelf in a room they can't access.

Six months later, you accidentally leave that door open.

Within minutes you'll either hear the unmistakable crash of them trying to reach it... or the suspicious silence that tells you they've succeeded.

Seriously, they never forget where you've hidden something interesting.

4. They're incredible problem solvers

My sister once looked after Max while I was away.

I'll never forget the message she sent me afterwards.

She'd renamed him "VelociraptorMax"

Why?

Because, just like the clever dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, he'd figured out how to open the doors.

Nothing is ever completely Basenji-proof. They have an incredible ability to work things out, and if there's a solution to a problem, they'll probably find it before you do.

5. Rain becomes everyone's problem

Rainy day?

Congratulations... you're now entering negotiations with a dog who believes water is a personal insult.

Some Basenjis will refuse to step outside. Others require coats, fleeces and endless encouragement before they'll even consider going for a walk.

Then there's Lyra.

She hates rain.

She hates puddles.

But find her a muddy ditch and she's in it like a pig in heaven.

Go figure.

6. Comfort is a full-time hobby

Every room in your house will eventually contain a dog bed, a fluffy blanket, a water bowl and the warmest spot in the room.

Basenjis don't just want to be near you.

They want to be comfortable while they're near you.

I've even added custom made memory foam to my window ledges so they can comfortably watch the world go by.

Yes... I know. I've accepted who I am.

7. Walking them isn't quite like walking other dogs

Training at home?

Fantastic.

Training in the garden?

Amazing.

Training in a secure field?

Brilliant.

Step outside the front door...

"...Sorry, I can't hear you. Did you see that leaf?"

Suddenly the entire world becomes far more interesting than anything you're saying.

Of course, there are some incredibly well-trained Basenjis out there (go and look up Argo on Instagram!), but many are exactly as you've probably already heard... a challenge to train, and always on their own terms.

8. You'll become an ambassador for the breed

You'll quickly get used to answering the same question over and over again.

"Is it a Jack Russell cross?"

No... no, it isn't.

I've heard all sorts over the years, including someone once asking if Evie was an English Bull Terrier!

People love trying to guess what breed they are, and they almost never get it right.

Then, every once in a while, someone walks past and says...

"Oh look... a Basenji!"

I always smile and reply,

"Well, a shiny penny to you!"

It's a tiny moment that always makes me feel seen.

9. They have the strangest, loveliest little habits

One of my absolute favourites is bedtime.

They curl themselves into the tiniest little ball under the duvet and somehow produce the most wonderful sleepy smell.

It's almost impossible to describe.

A little bit like Wotsits/Cheetos.

A little bit musky.

A little bit hamster.

Basenji owners will know exactly what I mean.

It's one of those tiny things that somehow becomes one of your favourite parts of the day.

10. Life changes around them... and that's okay

If there's one thing I'd tell anyone bringing home their first Basenji, it's this:

They don't adapt to you. You adapt to them.

Not because they're difficult.

Because once you understand how they think, life becomes so much easier.

They're unlike any other dog I've ever lived with, and I wouldn't change that for the world.

They're clever, funny, affectionate, frustrating, endlessly entertaining and completely themselves.

And honestly...

That's exactly why I love them.

Final Thoughts

Basenjis aren't the right dog for everyone, and that's okay.

They'll make you laugh, keep you on your toes, steal your spot under the duvet, and occasionally test your patience in ways you never imagined.

But if you take the time to understand them instead of trying to change them, they'll reward you with a relationship unlike any other.

And if you ever meet someone who recognises your Basenji from across the street...

Give them a shiny penny from me. 🐾

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Basenjis good for first-time dog owners?

As a rule, I'd probably say no. In fact, if you're a first-time dog owner, it can sometimes be difficult to convince a breeder to trust you with one of their puppies. That's because experienced Basenji breeders know just how challenging they can be.

That said... my first dog was Evie, so it absolutely can work out.

Basenjis are intelligent, independent and often like to make their own decisions. They suit people who enjoy learning alongside their dog, are willing to adapt, and are open to growing together rather than expecting instant obedience.

Do Basenjis really not bark?

Not like most dogs!

Instead, they make a noise called a baroo – a kind of yodel – along with chortles, chirrups, grumbles and a whole collection of wonderfully strange noises.

My personal favourite has to be the dragon chortles!

Are Basenjis cuddly?

Much more than people expect. Many Basenjis adore snuggling under blankets and sleeping as close to their favourite people as possible.

That said, every dog is an individual. It's important to learn how your dog enjoys receiving affection and to understand canine body language and consent, so cuddles are something you both enjoy.

Why do Basenjis sleep under the covers?

They love warmth, comfort and feeling secure. Don't be surprised if yours politely taps you in the middle of the night asking to be let under the duvet!

Are Basenjis easy to train?

Basenjis are incredibly intelligent, but they're also independent thinkers. Training works best when it's fun, rewarding and built on trust rather than trying to force obedience.

Kindness, patience and understanding will always take you further than trying to "win" against a Basenji.