Understanding Basenji Weight and Growth

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Posted Nov 4, 2024

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Adorable Basenji resting on soft blanket on bed
Credit: pexels.com, Adorable Basenji resting on soft blanket on bed

Basenjis are a unique breed with a distinctive weight range. On average, a male Basenji typically weighs between 24 and 31 pounds.

Their growth rate is steady, with most reaching their full size by 18 months. This means that by the time they're a year and a half old, they've usually reached their adult weight.

Basenjis can vary in size, but their compact build is one of their defining characteristics.

Basenji Growth Chart

At 1 month, a Basenji puppy typically weighs between 3 and 6 pounds and stands between 7 and 10 inches tall.

As they grow, their weight and height increase steadily. By 2 months, they can weigh between 6 and 10 pounds and reach heights of 8 to 11 inches.

By 3 months, Basenji puppies can weigh between 8 and 14 pounds and stand between 9 and 12 inches tall.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of their growth:

Their average height is between 18 and 21 inches, and their weight shouldn't go much over 50 pounds.

Care and Lifestyle

Dog breed Basenji sitting in front of a brick wall.
Credit: pexels.com, Dog breed Basenji sitting in front of a brick wall.

To keep your Basenji happy and healthy, you need to establish a consistent routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and blocking off rooms as necessary to keep her out of trouble.

Basenjis have low grooming needs, but you should still brush their coat at least weekly to keep them clean. They're also known for their lack of "doggie odor", which is a bonus for any pet owner.

Taking care of your Basenji's teeth is crucial. Brush their teeth at least twice a week to keep them perfect, just like their good teeth are already.

Cleaning your Basenji's ears is a must, even when they're still a puppy. It's a weekly task that's easy to fit into your routine.

If you have a yard, make sure it's securely fenced. Basenjis love to climb, and they'll definitely try to escape if they can. Leash walking is also a must, as they can't resist chasing cats and other small animals.

Recommended read: Basenjis Good

Different Breeds Of Dogs Sitting On Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Different Breeds Of Dogs Sitting On Grass

Feeding your Basenji a high-quality diet is essential. Stick to a consistent diet and avoid giving them people food, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Here's a quick rundown of your Basenji's basic care needs:

  • Brush coat weekly
  • Brush teeth at least twice a week
  • Clean ears weekly
  • Feed high-quality diet
  • Exercise regularly (but don't overdo it at first)

General Appearance

The Basenji's general appearance is quite striking, with a lightly built, short-backed body that gives it a high-on-the-leg look.

Its wrinkled head is a distinctive feature, carried proudly on a well-arched neck that adds to its elegant appearance.

The tail is set high and curled, which is a breed characteristic that adds to the Basenji's poise and inquiring alertness.

Its balanced structure and smooth musculature allow it to move with ease and agility, much like a racehorse trotting at full speed.

The Basenji's wrinkled forehead and tightly curled tail are breed typical features that showcase its unique appearance.

Its swift, effortless gait is a notable aspect of the breed, making it look like it's gliding across the ground with ease.

If this caught your attention, see: Basenji Benji Dog Breed

6-12 Months

Black and Brown Short Coat Dog Lying on the Ground
Credit: pexels.com, Black and Brown Short Coat Dog Lying on the Ground

At 6-12 months, your Basenji should have reached its full size before its first birthday.

A healthy Basenji should weigh between 26-50 pounds and stand between 18-21 inches tall.

Keep in mind that some Basenjis might grow a tiny bit even after they reach 12 months of age, but this is most likely due to weight gain and changes in muscle tone rather than actual growth.

To ensure your Basenji is at a healthy weight, measure its weight regularly and compare it to the Basenji growth chart.

Here are some acceptable weight ranges for your Basenji at different ages within this period:

A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight.

Lorraine Stehr

Writer

Lorraine Stehr is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling. She has honed her craft through years of writing engaging articles that transport readers to new and exciting worlds. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for weaving words into compelling narratives, Lorraine has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.

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