Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Basenji is one of the most ancient dog breeds, originating from Central Africa, where it was used by local tribes for hunting. Depictions of dogs resembling the Basenji can be found on Egyptian frescoes dating back to the time of the pharaohs. The breed was brought to Europe in the 19th century and immediately drew attention for its unusual behavior and lack of barking. Thanks to its natural agility, speed, and cleanliness, the Basenji became valued not only as a hunting dog but also as an elegant companion. Today, it is known worldwide as a rare, refined, and intelligent breed with an independent temperament and a unique voice resembling a yodel.
General Appearance
The Basenji is an elegant, compact, medium-sized dog with a dry, muscular build and a proud carriage. The body is square in format, with smooth and harmonious lines. The head is elongated, featuring expressive almond-shaped eyes and alert, erect ears. The neck is long and arched, flowing smoothly into a straight, firm back. The limbs are lean and strong, providing lightness and flexibility of movement. The tail is set high and tightly curled into a ring. The coat is short, dense, and glossy. The overall impression of the Basenji is one of elegance, strength, and innate dignity, reflecting the breed’s ancient heritage.
Important Proportions
The Basenji’s body is square in outline: the length from the shoulder to the base of the tail equals the height at the withers. The head is proportionate to the body, with the muzzle approximately equal in length to the skull. The chest is deep, reaching to the elbows, and the ribs are moderately arched. The back is straight, the loin short and strong. The limbs are long, dry, and well-angled, providing elasticity and lightness of movement. The tail is set high and tightly curled. All proportions should emphasize balance, harmony, and natural elegance, giving the Basenji the appearance of a lively, compact, and energetic dog.
Behavior and Temperament
The Basenji is an intelligent, independent, and well-balanced dog with a distinct sense of dignity. It possesses quick wits, alertness, and excellent reflexes. The breed does not bark but produces soft, melodic sounds that make it unique. Energetic and lively, the Basenji enjoys activity and play but requires a respectful and patient approach to training. Deeply attached to its owner, it is loyal and attentive while maintaining its independence. It is not aggressive, remains cautious toward strangers, and is gentle with children. Daily interaction and mental stimulation are essential for its well-being.
Head
The Basenji’s head is elegant, well-proportioned, and clearly defined, with noble expression. The skull is of moderate width, flat between the ears, and gently tapers toward the muzzle. The stop is moderate. The muzzle is dry, slightly tapering, and approximately equal in length to the skull. The nose is black with wide nostrils. Lips are thin and tight, highlighting the clean lines of the head. Eyes are almond-shaped, dark, with an intelligent and slightly wary expression. Ears are small, pointed, erect, and directed forward. Characteristic fine wrinkles appear on the forehead when the dog is attentive, emphasizing the breed’s lively and expressive nature.
Foreface
The foreface is clean, refined, and expressive, reflecting the breed’s nobility and delicacy. The muzzle is moderately long, tapering slightly but never pointed. The transition from forehead to muzzle is smooth and natural. The nose is black with wide, open nostrils. Lips are tight, never pendulous. The chin is firm and well defined, without heaviness. Cheeks are smooth, dry, and close-fitting, enhancing the clean lines of the muzzle. Wrinkles may appear on the forehead when the dog is alert, giving the Basenji its characteristic intelligent and focused expression. The foreface should express balance, energy, and refinement.
Eyes
The eyes are almond-shaped, of medium size, and slightly oblique, giving a distinctive “oriental” expression. Their color is dark — deep hazel to almost black — and harmonizes with the coat. The expression is intelligent, alert, and soulful, reflecting the dog’s awareness and independent nature. Eyes must not be too round, prominent, or small. Eyelids are darkly pigmented and fit closely. The Basenji’s gaze conveys nobility, intelligence, and inner strength, contributing significantly to its unique and distinguished appearance.
Ears
The ears are small, pointed, erect, and slightly forward-facing. They are thin, mobile, and triangular, with narrow bases and sharp tips. The inner surface faces forward, giving an alert and attentive look. The ears are set high and close together without touching, harmonizing with the wedge-shaped head. When attentive, the ears tilt slightly forward, emphasizing the breed’s liveliness. Large, wide, low-set, or floppy ears are undesirable. Correct ear shape and placement are characteristic features of the Basenji, enhancing its refined and intelligent expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, graceful, and slightly arched, with well-developed muscles. Set high, it flows smoothly into the withers, giving the Basenji its proud, noble carriage. The skin is tight, smooth, and free of folds. The neck should be long enough to accentuate the dog’s elegance and freedom of movement. In males, the musculature is more pronounced; in females, it appears finer. The correct neck contributes to the Basenji’s aristocratic outline and overall impression of balance, lightness, and grace.
Body
The body is compact, well-balanced, and proportionate, giving an impression of strength, agility, and endurance. The back is straight and firm, the loin short and slightly arched, emphasizing flexibility. The chest is deep but not broad, with moderately sprung ribs providing ample lung capacity. The abdomen is well tucked up, creating a graceful underline. The croup is slightly rounded and merges smoothly with the tail. The Basenji’s body is muscular yet refined, with smooth contours expressing power, balance, and natural elegance characteristic of an ancient hunting breed.
Tail
The tail is set high and tightly curled, forming a single or double ring lying over the back or to one side. It is short, thick at the base, and tapers toward the tip. The tail’s placement and curl complete the breed’s elegant silhouette. The coat on the tail is short and smooth. A high set and firm curl are essential; a low carriage or loose curl is undesirable. The tail is a defining feature of the Basenji, emphasizing its compact, proud outline and refined appearance.
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, strong, and dry, with well-developed muscles but no heaviness. Shoulder blades are long, well laid back, and fit closely to the body, forming good angles with the upper arms for free, flowing movement. Forearms are straight and parallel. Elbows point directly backward, neither turning in nor out. Pasterns are short, slightly sloping, and resilient. Feet are compact and oval, with strong pads and tightly arched toes. The forequarters provide the Basenji with stability, precision, and effortless mobility, reflecting its endurance and natural agility.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and well-angulated, providing powerful propulsion and smooth movement. Thighs are broad and firm, with well-developed muscles. Stifles are well bent, hocks low-set and firm. Rear pasterns are short, vertical, and parallel when viewed from behind. Feet are compact and oval, with thick pads and tightly arched toes. The hindquarters should be in harmony with the forequarters, ensuring balance, drive, and fluidity. Weak joints, straight angulation, or cow-hocked limbs are considered faults.
Gait and Movement
The Basenji’s gait is light, free, and springy, showing perfect coordination and balance. Forelegs reach well forward while hindlegs provide powerful, smooth drive. Movements are graceful, energetic, and steady, without swaying or stiffness. The topline remains firm and level in motion. When running, the Basenji demonstrates natural grace and flexibility, moving swiftly and silently. Its movement embodies endurance, agility, and confidence — the hallmarks of this ancient hunting breed.
Coat
The coat is short, fine, smooth, and close-fitting, with a natural sheen and silky texture. It feels soft yet dense and evenly covers the body. The breed has little to no undercoat, which gives the coat its sleek, glossy appearance but makes it sensitive to cold. The colors are clear and well-defined: red and white, black and white, tricolor (black with tan and white), or brindle. White markings on the feet, chest, and tail tip are required. The coat highlights the Basenji’s elegance and purity of form and requires minimal maintenance.
Acceptable Colors
Recognized coat colors include red and white, black and white, tricolor (black, tan, and white), and brindle. All colors should be vivid and well-defined, with clean white markings on the feet, chest, and tail tip. The coat must be glossy and close-fitting, enhancing the breed’s refined and athletic appearance. Faded, uneven, or atypical color patterns are undesirable.
Size
The Basenji is a medium but compact breed with a balanced build. Males stand about 43 cm at the withers, females about 40 cm. Males weigh approximately 10–12 kg; females 9–11 kg. The body is proportionate and square, with a slightly longer length than height, creating an impression of agility and lightness. The frame is strong but not heavy. Overall, the Basenji combines grace, endurance, and strength in perfect harmony.
Faults
Faults include any deviation that detracts from harmony or breed type: heavy or coarse head, narrow or elongated skull, weak chin, light or protruding eyes, large or low-set ears. Other faults include narrow chest, weak back, straight or crooked limbs, loose joints, low-set or uncurled tail, dull coat, or lack of white markings. Behavioral faults include shyness, excessive excitability, or aggression. These deficiencies lower the dog’s evaluation in breeding and show quality.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations from the standard: incorrect bite (overshot or undershot), marked head asymmetry, blue or mismatched eyes, unrecognized coat colors (solid white, gray, fawn, or any nonstandard pattern), drooping or semi-erect ears, uncurled or low-set tail, spinal deformities, or severe limb faults. Behavioral disqualifications include aggression, excessive fear, or lack of response to the owner. Dogs showing signs of genetic disorders, physical defects, or lacking official ICCF documentation confirming pedigree and breed purity are also disqualified.
Important Notes
The Basenji is a unique, barkless breed requiring thoughtful handling due to its independence and intelligence. Breeders must preserve the purity and health of the line in strict accordance with ICCF standards. Breeding should focus on correct head shape, ear set, tail carriage, and body proportions. The Basenji must retain its hallmark traits — cleanliness, composure, and natural grace. Only dogs with official ICCF documents confirming lineage and compliance may participate in breeding and exhibitions.
Conclusion
The Basenji is an ancient African breed that embodies natural elegance, independence, and intellect. Known for its calm demeanor, lack of barking, and graceful movement, it represents the harmony of instinct, intelligence, and dignity. Within the ICCF system, the Basenji is esteemed for its purity, balance, and noble temperament. Participation in shows and breeding is permitted only for dogs holding official ICCF documentation confirming their pedigree and conformity to the standard. Maintaining this standard ensures the preservation of the breed’s health, character, and heritage as a proud representative of ICCF excellence.
