Basenji — cost & care
Independent, Smart, Poised. Small hound dog.
A Basenji costs roughly $23,400 over its lifetime (13–14 years), or about $1,550/year: ~$430 food, ~$380 insurance, ~$450 routine vet, ~$40 grooming. Purchase price runs $500–$2,000.
📍 Costs in USD (United States) — see this breed in another country.
1.9cups of food / day (~14.3 lb/mo)
2.9cups of water / day
13.5 yraverage lifespan (13–14)
Customize your estimate — tick only what you actually pay for
Your estimate: / year · lifetime
Compare pet insurance
Get Basenji insurance quotes — average plan ~$380/yr. See quotesRecommended food
A Basenji eats ~14.3 lb/month. Shop small-breed foodFull cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Purchase (one-off) | $500–$2,000 |
| Food / year | $430 (1.9 cups/day) |
| Pet insurance / year | $380 (est.) |
| Routine vet / year | $450 |
| Grooming / year | $40 |
| Supplies & misc / year | $250 |
| Total annual | $1,550 |
| Lifetime total | $23,400 |
Breed stats
| Size | Small |
| Avg weight | 23 lb |
| Height | 41–43 in |
| Lifespan | 13–14 yrs |
| Group | Hound |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Temperament & care
| Energy | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 2/5 |
| Good with families | 2/5 |
| Apartment-friendly | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 |
| Grooming need | 1/5 |
Common health conditions
Breed-specific hereditary conditions vary — ask a vet about recommended health screening for this breed.
How we calculate: food cost = breed weight → vet RER/MER calorie formula → cups/day → US food-price average. Insurance = NAPHIA US average adjusted by breed health-risk tier and size. Estimates — verify with your vet and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Basenji cost per year?
About $1,550 a year — roughly $430 food, $380 insurance, $450 vet and $40 grooming.
What is the lifetime cost of a Basenji?
Around $23,400 across its 13–14-year lifespan, including purchase and first-year setup.
How much does a Basenji eat?
About 1.9 cups of food a day (~14.3 lb per month).
How much water should a Basenji drink?
About 2.9 cups of water a day — verify with your vet for your animal.
Is the Basenji hypoallergenic?
No — the Basenji sheds and is not considered hypoallergenic.