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 through