Basenji Growth & Weight Chart
Veterinarian
Also known as "a barkless dog", the Basenji is an ancient breed originating from Central Africa. This dog breed is known for elegance and independence, making it a go-to option for pet lovers.
If you plan to adopt a Basenji or recently added one to your family, understanding the pet's growth and weight milestones is critical to help you observe its development and spot any issues before they get out of hand.
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This article explores average weight ranges and growth stages and provides tips to keep your Basenji in the best shape. We’ll also cover common questions, such as how much to feed a puppy, along with other useful information.
Table of Contents:
Basenji Weight Chart
This dog breed features a relatively small stature. But despite this feature, Basenjis possess a sleek, muscular build, making it perfect for hunters. The dogs are energetic and exhibit an independent demeanor, which makes Basenjis a great companion for those who love their unique appeal.
Age Range | Stage | Weight Range | Development Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|
0-4 Weeks | Neonatal Period | 6-12 Ounces | Blind, deaf, dependent on mother Feeding on mother's milk Eyes begin to open |
1-2 Months | Transitional Period | 4-6 Pound | Eyes and hearing are fully developed Walking, exploring, and playing Transition to solid food |
2-4 Months | Socialization Period | 6-8 Pounds | Increased energy and curiosity Teething begins Socialization in puppies technically can extend up to 16 weeks |
3-6 Months | Juvenile Period | 12-15 Pounds | Major growth spurt Developing coordination and agility Strong chewing behavior due to teething |
6-12 Months | Adolescent Period | 18-22 Pounds | Slower growth but continued muscle development Testing boundaries during training High energy, requiring exercise |
Pro Tip: Want to know how big your dog will get? Use our puppy weight calculator to estimate their since at maturity!
How Big Do Basenjis Get?
Basenji dogs can weigh up to 22 pounds and stand as tall as 24 inches from the ground to their shoulders at maturity. Their growth is divided into four stages of development: neonatal, socialization, juvenile, and adolescent.
0–4 Weeks: Neonatal Period
During the first four weeks of life, Basenji puppies are highly dependent on their mother. Born blind, deaf, and unable to regulate their body temperature, they spend most of their time sleeping and feeding.
At this stage, their weight ranges from six to 12 ounces at birth, gradually increasing as they receive essential nutrients through the mother's milk. Physical development includes gaining strength, wiggling around, and primary sensory awareness.
The end of this period is marked by eyes opening, and the dog may begin to interact with its littermates minimally. It's a perfect time for immunity-building as it lays the foundation for future development.
1–2 Months: Transitional Period
Between one and two months, Basenji puppies undergo rapid development. The dogs are more aware of their environment, with their eyes fully open and hearing improved. They start to walk, explore their surroundings, and interact more with their littermates.
Their weight usually ranges between four and six pounds by the end of this stage. Puppies are also introduced to solid food, although they will occasionally nurse from their mother.
Socialization becomes essential, as they learn basic behaviors from their siblings and human interactions. The development of their senses and early exposure to the world sets the stage for their future learning and independence, making it a vital phase for nurturing proper growth and behavior.
2–4 Months: Socialization Period
From two to four months of age, Basenji puppies experience a significant leap in physical size and behavioral growth. They weigh around 6 to 8 pounds and become more energetic and curious, exploring their surroundings more confidently.
This period is also crucial for socialization, as puppies start forming bonds with humans and learning basic commands. Introducing them to new experiences, sights, sounds, and other animals helps shape their temperament and adaptability.
Teething also begins during this phase, making chewing behaviors common. Puppies will have moved on entirely from their mother's milk to solid food, and their growth in size and strength will accelerate. This stage requires careful training and guidance to mold them into well-behaved adults, as early experiences greatly influence their future personalities.
3–6 Months: Juvenile Period
When they are three to six months old, Basenjis are in their juvenile phase, marked by a significant growth spurt and weight gain, typically reaching 12 to 15 pounds. They become more independent, energetic, and playful, showing more pronounced signs of their adult personality.
Training and socializing your puppy are essential during this period, as they are highly receptive to learning new skills and boundaries. Behavioral traits like stubbornness or independence may become more apparent, requiring consistent training and positive reinforcement.
Physically, they develop greater coordination and agility, making exercise important to support muscle growth. Additionally, teething continues during this phase, so they may exhibit strong chewing tendencies. It's a critical time for shaping both their physical health and behavioral foundation.
6–12 Months: Adolescent Period
At six months old, Basenjis enter adolescence, characterized by slower physical growth but continued weight gain. By 12 months, they usually reach their mature height with a weight between 18 and 22 pounds, though their muscle mass will continue developing.
This stage can be challenging for training, as adolescent Basenjis may test boundaries and assert independence. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to maintaining good behavior. Socialization is also vital to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults. Exercise remains essential to keep them healthy and prevent boredom, as their energy levels are high.
What are the Factors that Affect Basenji's Growth?
Several factors influence how quickly or slowly a Basenji grows, including:
Genetics
You may have a large Basenji, which is influenced by the parents. Although genetics are hard to predict, the sizes of both of the parents can sometimes help predict the range your puppy will fall into.
Diet
Like any other living creature, diet is a major determinant of a dog's health and brain activity. Take time to research and understand the best diets for small to medium dogs. Puppies need more calories, protein, and fat compared to adults.
A well-formulated puppy food rich in essential nutrients will support healthy bone and muscle development. Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to obesity, which puts unnecessary stress on a growing puppy's joints and bones.
Physical Activity
Basenjis are active dogs, and they thrive on physical exercise. Regular exercise helps them build muscle and maintain a healthy weight. However, it's essential to balance their activity level, as too much vigorous exercise at a young age can strain their developing joints.
Health Conditions
Certain health issues, such as malnutrition, parasites, or growth disorders, can affect your Basenji's development. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to ensure your puppy is growing at the right pace.
Spaying
Spaying or neutering your dog too early can affect a Basenjis full-size. This process involves the dog's sex hormones and may cause it to grow taller than the standard growth rate. So, if the main reason you love Basenjis is its compact size, consider this fact.
Monitoring Your Basenji's Size and Weight
Keeping track of your Basenji's weight throughout life is essential for preventing obesity or other health issues. Regular weigh-ins can help you spot trends and adjust their diet and activity level. Some signs that your Basenji may be underweight include:
- Visible ribs
- Lack of muscle tone
- Dull coat
Signs Your Basenji May Be Overweight:
- No visible waist
- Difficulty walking or reduced activity level
- Excess fat around the abdomen
If your dog is underweight or overweight, consult your veterinarian to adjust their feeding plan and exercise routine.
How do I maintain my Basenji’s health?
As mentioned above, regular checkups and visits to your vet are vital to ensuring your Basenji is happy and healthy. However, before you visit your local vet, we recommend purchasing pet insurance for your Basenji. Pet insurance can provide financial support for unexpected health issues in dogs, such as injuries or illnesses that often require expensive medical treatments.
With pet insurance, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the expenses you might incur for veterinary care related to covered conditions. You can also choose add-on wellness plans to help with the vet visit costs of preventive care, including flea/tick prevention, spaying or neutering, and more.
Protect your pet’s health and your budget by exploring pet insurance options on Pawlicy Advisor. Pawlicy Advisor is designed to save you money over your pet’s life by compiling and comparing personalized policy recommendations for free.
*Please note that our figures are estimates. For a more accurate evaluation of your pet’s health and future needs, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Raising a Basenji involves understanding the distinct phases of their growth and development. Each stage presents unique challenges and milestones from the early neonatal period through adolescence that shape your dog's physical health, behavior, and personality.
Proper nutrition, consistent training, and regular exercise are crucial throughout their first year to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, healthy adults. Also, monitor the dog's growth and stay on top of vet checkups to maintain your companion's health.
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Veterinarian
Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.
