How Big Do Basenji Dogs Get? [Average Size Guide]

If you are contemplating the Basenji breed, you will naturally want to know how big they get. Besides, size is a huge consideration when it comes to getting a dog. Are you going to have the space to properly accommodate them? Well, this size guide will help set your expectations and give you all the important information, you simply need to know.

So, how big do Basenji dogs get? Basenji Dogs typically reach between 15 to 17 inches in height and 20-26 pounds in weight, on average. Males typically stand between 1-2” taller, and weigh 1-3 pounds more, on average too. These dogs tend to reach their full size by the age of 14 months.

Not particularly big, then.

In fact, this hound breed is only classified as medium in size.

And that actually makes them a great size for owners.

As we shall see as we will continue to explore in the following sections.

So keep reading!

You don’t want to go anywhere, believe me!

What Is The Average Size Of A Basenji?

From above the shoulder to the ground, the average male Basenji stands at 16 to 17 inches tall, with a weight of 22 to 26 pounds. For females, the average height from the top of their shoulders to the ground is 15 to 16 inches, with a weight of 20 to 24 pounds.

In addition, the average length of the Basenji’s body is between 23 to 25 inches (for males and females), and a standing height of 19 to 20 inches.

Basenji Size Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Let’s look at the size of a Basenji compared to other dog breeds.

The largest dog breed is the Great Dane.

Great Danes can reach from 42.5 to 49.5 inches tall, with an adult weight of 65 to 100 pounds.

In other words, a Great Dane can be more than three times as tall as a Basenji and weigh four times as much!

The smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua, which weighs less than 6 pounds and reaches an adult height of no more than 5 to 8 inches.

So, a Chihuahua would be about half to one-third the height of a Basenji and weigh three times less.

Comparatively, Basenjis are very similar in height, size, and frame to Cocker Spaniels.

How To Estimate How Big Your Basenji Will Be

If you get your Basenji puppy from a breeder, the best way to know how big your Basenji will get is to look at his or her parents.

Most dogs grow to be a similar size to their parents – the males will grow to be a comparable size to their dads, and females will reach the approximate size of their moms.

Some people also look at the paws of their puppies to see how big they’ll get.

Puppies are known for ‘growing into their paws,’ although this isn’t as exact a method as looking at the size of their parents.

You can also request an estimate from your vet based on your puppy’s age (the vet will know by looking at his teeth) and appearance.

Vets have a lot of experience with puppies throughout their lives, so they can give you a fairly accurate estimation.

At What Age Are Basenjis Full Grown?

On average, Basenjis are considered to be full-grown at the age of 14 months. The smaller-sized Basenjis can reach their adult size a bit earlier, at one year old.

Growth Rate Of A Female Basenji Puppy

If your Basenji puppy is a female, here’s what to expect in terms of her growth:

At 3 months old, your Basenji should weigh between 9 and 10 pounds.
At 6 months old, she will weigh on average between 15 pounds and 18 pounds.
When she’s one year old, she’ll probably weigh between 19 and 24 pounds.

Age	Weight – Low Average (lbs)	Weight – High Average (lbs)
3 Months	9	10
4 Months	11	14
5 Months	14	16
6 Months	15	18
7 Months	16	19
8 Months	17	20
9 Months	18	21
10 Months	18.5	21.5
11 Months	19	23
12 Months	19.5	23.5
13 Months	19.75	23.75
14 Months	20	24

Growth Rate Of A Male Basenji Puppy

If your Basenji puppy is a male, here’s what to expect in terms of his growth:

At 3 months old, he will probably weigh between 9 and 11 pounds.
Once he’s 6 months old, he’ll weigh on average between 16 pounds and 19 pounds.
At one year old, a male Basenji puppy usually weighs between 22 and 25 pounds.

Age	Weight – Low Average (lbs)	Weight – High Average (lbs)
3 Months	9	11
4 Months	13	14
5 Months	15	17
6 Months	16	19
7 Months	17	20
8 Months	18	21
9 Months	19	22
10 Months	20	23
11 Months	21	24
12 Months	22	25
13 Months	23	25.5
14 Months	24	26

Factors that Affect the Growth Of A Basenji

There are several factors that can affect the growth rate and, therefore, the adult size of your Basenji. Food, genetics, and health are the main elements to consider.

Food

It’s essential to provide the right food for your puppy as he grows.

Young puppies need more protein than adults, for example, and more of certain nutrients to help their bones grow.

Genetics

As we mentioned above, genetics will play a part in how big your Basenji will get.

Health

The healthier your puppy, the better and more effectively he will grow to reach his full size.

Because their immune systems are still developing, puppies are more susceptible to parasites like worms, affecting their growth rate.

Greedy parasites can deprive your puppy of essential nutrients, so keep an eye out for any signs of parasites.

Early spaying or neutering can also affect the growth rate of puppies.

Recommendations vary between individual vets, but the main consensus is to spay or neuter your Basenji between the ages of four to nine months.

Because this is quite a wide time frame dependent upon many factors, consult with your vet to see what’s best for your puppy.

How To Make Sure Your Puppy Grows To Their Full Size

Here’s what you can do to help your puppy grow at a healthy rate and reach his full size:

Feed your puppy food that’s formulated for puppies since they have different nutritional needs than adults.
Use the guidelines on the food bag as to how much to feed your puppy, and adjust accordingly as he grows.
Feed your puppy several small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal.
Don’t add any supplements or vitamins unless your vet has told you to do so. Some nutrients, when ingested in excess, can lead to bone development problems.
Monitor your puppy’s growth with regular vet visits. If you have questions between appointments, call and ask your vet. Better to be informed!

How Much Space Does A Basenji Need?

Your Basenji puppy will need a good-sized puppy crate that’s about 19 by 19 by 27 inches: you can then bring his crate in your car when needed. Basenjis don’t need much in terms of indoor space as they’re the smallest of the hound breeds, but they do need lots of exercise outdoors.

Your Basenji won’t need a large, spacious house or apartment to be happy.

As long as you are providing him with at least an hour’s exercise a day (more, ideally), he can be content in a small living area.

Because Basenjis need to be kept on a lead when outdoors, you can get away with a small living space if you are an avid jogger or hiker and you take your Basenji on daily adventures.

Basenjis will chase anything that moves, and they are very fast and aren’t known for coming back when they’re called!

So, keep him on a lead when in outdoor spaces, and make sure he burns off lots of energy before coming back inside.

You’ll also need to keep his mind occupied as well as his body.

Basenjis are highly apt at solving problems, so make sure your space contains interactive toys that challenge their minds.

Change them regularly, and keep training sessions focused and short so that he doesn’t get bored.

Any enrichment games or scent work will go a long way towards keeping him happy, no matter what size your home is.

Know, though, that just because your Basenji can be happy in an apartment doesn’t mean he won’t make noise.

Basenjis don’t bark, but they do howl, yodel, and even scream, which may not please your neighbors!

Other Size Considerations For Basenji Owners

Other size considerations for Basenji owners include providing a window space and robust fencing.

Basenjis Are Window Gazers

Your Basenji will happily sit and gaze out of a window for hours, as Basenjis are highly intelligent and curious dogs who are always thinking!

You’ll still need to provide your Basenji with plenty of exercise as they have lots of energy, but they will also enjoy some ‘down time’ if they’ve got something to occupy their minds.

Remember, though, that the window needs to ideally be in the room where you spend most of your time.

Your Basenji will want to be involved in whatever it is that you’re doing, so make sure you have the space for him to be included.

Basenjis Need Robust Fencing

Basenjis are not the best dogs to leave unattended in your yard: these dogs can climb!

Some Basenjis will climb not only fences but even trees! They will also go after (and catch) any cats, rabbits, squirrels, or other unsuspecting animals who wander into their territory.

So always be with them when they’re outside, and make sure no other animals can get in.

Make sure that your outdoor space for your Basenji has powerful fencing. This means fences that are at least 6 feet high and include a portion that’s buried underground.

Your Basenji is also an accomplished digger and escape artist!

Bred in the Congo, Basenjis hunt on the African plains by jumping over tall grass to spot their prey.

So keep an eye on your Basenji at all times when he’s outside, as he will constantly challenge any barrier by digging, jumping, or climbing.

Finally

Medium-sized dogs of an athletic build.

That’s the way to describe the size and frame of these hound dogs.

They are actually a fantastic size; not too cumbersome to ‘get in the way’ or too small ‘you don’t know where they are’.

Perhaps harsh descriptions of the extremes there, but you likely know what I mean.