How tall is a Basenji?

An adult Basenji stands about 17 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Basenji considered a medium dog?

Yes — at 17" / 24 lb, the Basenji falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #146 tallest.

How does a Basenji compare to a person?

At 17" tall, a Basenji stands about 27% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Basenji Size Compared to a Person

A Basenji stands 17″ at the shoulder and weighs about 24 lb — that puts it at 27% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #146 by shoulder height and falls into the medium-breed size class (Medium breeds, 16–22").

Basenji next to a person at scale — 17-inch shoulder height, 24 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Basenji at 17″ / 24 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Basenji compares

	Basenji	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	17″	64″	-47″
Weight	24 lb	135 lb	-111 lb

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About the Basenji

The Basenji is one of the most ancient and unique dog breeds in the world, originating in Central Africa where it has been used as a hunting dog for thousands of years. Often called the "Barkless Dog," the Basenji does not produce a typical bark due to its unusually shaped larynx — instead, it makes a distinctive yodeling sound known as a "baroo." Depictions of Basenji-like dogs appear in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings dating back over 4,000 years, making this breed a living link to the ancient world.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Medium size class with shoulder height closest to the Basenji.

American Water Spaniel — 17″ / 38 lb (same height)
Boykin Spaniel — 17″ / 35 lb (same height)
Puli — 17″ / 30 lb (same height)
Pyrenean Shepherd — 17″ / 23 lb (same height)
Bedlington Terrier — 16″ / 20 lb (−1″ vs Basenji)
Boston Spaniel — 16″ / 25 lb (−1″ vs Basenji)
Field Spaniel — 18″ / 43 lb (+1″ vs Basenji)
Icelandic Sheepdog — 18″ / 30 lb (+1″ vs Basenji)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Basenji?: An adult Basenji stands about 17 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Basenji considered a medium dog?: Yes — at 17" / 24 lb, the Basenji falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #146 tallest.
How does a Basenji compare to a person?: At 17" tall, a Basenji stands about 27% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Basenji

Basenji dog names & full breed page · All medium-size breeds · Visual atlas (Medium section) · Size comparison home