Basenji – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

If you are looking to buy or adopt a Basenji, it is important to be aware of the associated vet fees, grooming and training expenses, dog food, and supplies prices, as well as the cost of the puppy itself. You will find all this information and more in this article. We have also developed a cost calculator that will help you estimate the cost of raising a Basenji. A Basenji puppy is likely to cost between $1,250-$2,000 with the average price being $1,400. First-year expenses are around $3,005 and will be about $1,110/year (or $93/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Basenji is $17,435. These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials: supplies, training, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming, license, and microchip. Additionally, if you spay/neuter your dog, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your total cost of ownership could rise between $67,960 and $133,245 through the course of the Basenji’s lifetime, which we assume to be 14 years. The higher end of the price range applies for premium products and services that you might want to purchase, particularly if you are living in expensive areas. Below, you will find a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising a Basenji. At the end of the article, we have added a cost calculator that will generate a much more accurate estimate as to the overall, yearly, and monthly costs of raising your dog depending on your situation, habits, and needs. Quick Links What is the price of a Basenji puppy? Our team has combed through 19 ads from sources like the American Kennel Club, NextDayPets, PuppyFind and breeders websites, to find the average price of purchasing a Basenji puppy to be $1,400, with 80% of prices ranging from $1,250 to $2,000. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostBasenji$1,250 - $2,000$1,400 Adoption might be a more affordable alternative, with rehoming fees ranging from $50-$500. And you would be saving an animal. If you are actively looking for a dog, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a reputable breeder or shelter. This will make a big difference in terms of your Basenji’s health and well-being. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$1,000 - $1,2002 $1,201 - $1,400 10 $1,401 - $1,600 4 $1,601 - $1,800 0 $1,801 - $2,000 3Total 19 This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget's team. The cost of supplies for a small dog Supplies generally entail a few necessary items that you need to care for your new dog. As detailed in the table below, these products, through the course of the Basenji puppy’s first year, add up to a $345 expense on average ($150-$650 range) depending on your locality as well as the stores that are accessible to you and the brands chosen. Price ranges and average costs are based on a list of 250 best-selling items found at Walmart, PetSmart and on Amazon. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$5 - $20$15Dog Collars (x2) $5 - $40 $20Leash $5 - $20 $10ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (24" or 30") $15 - $65 $35Dog Crate (24" or 30") $20 - $80 $40Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $15 - $50 $30First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $20 $10 After the initial investment, the supplies expenses go down. For each subsequent year, you will be looking at expenses in the $55-$260 range, with an average cost of $140. Usually, you will want to buy a new bed, toys, poop bags, shampoo and a tooth-brushing essential every year. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$150 - $650$345Subsequent Years$55 - $260$140 Additionally, you may need products that are not accounted for in our list, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses, anti-chew sprays, etc. If you are on a budget, visit second-hand stores and websites as it may offer major saving opportunities. Should Basenjis be professionally trained? According to expert animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., Basenjis usually do not require private training lessons. Group lessons for basic obedience, house manners, and to address the breed tendency to jump, however, are recommended. These typically range from $150-$200 for five 1-hour weekly sessions. Training CostRangeAverage CostBasenji$150 - $200$175 If you are keen on training your Basenji yourself, picking up a training book will help you familiarize with the basics. This presents a very affordable option and can be an enjoyable process, particularly with these dogs. All about Basenjis medical costs According to Dr Leslie Brooks, licensed-veterinarian, medical expenses for a Basenji should amount to close to $595 for the first year of life (plus a potential $50 to $300 one-time fee to spay/neuter the dog) and around $490 every year after that. Of course, these figures vary according to location and highly depend on the clinics accessible to you. Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$395 - $795$595Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $300$175Adult Year Vet Cost$330 - $645$490 Vet cost for a Basenji puppy Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet during the first year of the Basenji puppy, with the first appointment coming in at 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and accounts for physical checkups, fecal examination, basic vaccines including rabies, heartworm, and flea prevention. Dr Brooks also suggests following through with heartworm and flea prevention after the initial trips to the vet, resulting in expenses ranging from $10 to $15 per month each for the puppy’s first year. Moreover, your dog may require additional vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities. Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife, taken on camping/hiking trips often or regularly plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-25).Influenza medication is recommended if the Basenji is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time. Doggy daycare or kennels can also require it ($70-$90 for two doses).Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when outside especially on farms and/or in the woods. This typically costs $60-80 for two doses. If spaying (female) or neutering (male) is considered, the owner should expect a $100 to $300 bill for a Basenji in most clinics, depending on the area. It is also possible to find low-cost options as low as $50 in some places. Note that, generally, spays tend to be slightly more expensive. Veterinary expenses for adult Basenjis Each subsequent year should entail at least one annual trip to the vet. Usually, these cost $125-$265, depending on the clinic and locality. According to Dr Brooks, DVM, it will most probably include a physical examination, vaccinations, a heartworm test, and blood work for middle aged and senior dogs (to detect any hidden medical conditions). It is also recommended to follow through with heartworm and flea prevention medications, which usually fall in between the $65-70 and $140-$150 ranges respectively for the year for a Basenji. Additionally, the optional vaccines introduced before may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet has inconsistent stool quality or is regularly exposed to other animals, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost. Some common health issues for Basenjis Below is a list provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, introducing some of the probable medical issues a Basenji and its owner could have to face. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateFanconi SyndromeMedium$1,500 - $5,000Bladder StonesMedium$300 - $1,500Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseMedium$500 - $2,500Patellar LuxationHigh$300 - $2,000EpilepsyMedium$500 - $2,500 Fanconi syndrome: the cost increases if the dog has to be hospitalized one or multiple times (high end of estimate). It includes repeated blood tests for diagnostics, monitoring progression and response to treatment, as well as medications for the remainder of their life. Bladder stones: the low end of the estimate is if medical management along with prescription diet and medications can be performed to avoid surgery (rare circumstances). For some dogs, surgery is needed 2-3 times throughout their life. Inflammatory Bowel Disease diagnostic and treatment costs can vary depending on how far owner wants to go. Extensive diagnostics would include intestinal biopsies, which could push the costs well over $2,000. Some dogs will need prescription food plus medications, while others will just need prescription food for the rest of their life. Patellar luxation: the low end is just for pain management as needed and joint supplements. The high end is if surgery is needed (if it is causing the dog a lot of pain and if it cannot get its knee back in place on its own). Epilepsy: this is a cost estimate for diagnostics and lifelong medications. The high end of the range is for dogs who need an MRI. Pet insurance price The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report marks the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage at $565 per annum, whereas accident only plans cost $190 on average. Contact pet insurance companies or brokers to get a quote. This can be particularly important and can protect dog owners from unplanned costs. Feeding a Basenji On average, adult Basenjis will grow to be around 23 lb. (usually 22 to 24 lb.). After carefully reviewing some of the best-selling dog dry food brands such as Purina, Purina One, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo we estimate the average cost at $105 for the first year, and $135 for each adult year. Note that there is an important price difference between standard and premium brands. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$75 - $130$105Adult Dog$70 - $225$135 Treats cannot be ignored when budgeting dog food. A review of more than 25 best sellers for small dogs on Walmart, PetSmart and Amazon shows that one can expect to spend around $150 every year on treats for their Basenji (if used daily). Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$40 - $240$150 Four dog food brands compared Your Basenji puppy will likely need around 90 lb. of food for the first year. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.3$27.78 (Walmart)$83.34Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.6$21.98 (Walmart)$131.88Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.3$25.83 (Walmart)$77.49Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.3$44.08 (Amazon)$132.24 Adult Basenjis typically consume around 140 lb. of food a year. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.3$22.98 (Walmart)$68.94Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.4$40.36 (Walmart)$161.44Pedigree - Adult50 lb.3$25.83 (Walmart)$77.49Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.5$44.98 (Amazon)$224.90 As dog food is cheaper in bulk and can be stored sparingly, it is recommended to make bulk purchases for the best savings. Additionally, you should discuss the kind of dog food your Basenji should be eating with your veterinarian, as they have the best understanding of your dog’s needs. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceSmall Puppy13 lb.7$44.99 (PetSmart)$314.93Small Adult14 lb.10$41.99 (PetSmart)$419.90 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Grooming budget for a Basenji Typically, Basenjis do not require a ton of grooming and maintenance. Most owners should be able to groom their dog at home according to Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer. This will save them a lot of money over the years if they have the time and patience to do so. The alternative would be to take the dog to a grooming salon. She would suggest doing that up to 6 times a year. With prices ranging from $40 to $60 for each visit, the annual cost would be between $240 and $360. Taking the dog to a professional groomer is the owner’s decision but could benefit the dog’s health and well-being even for low-maintenance breeds. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostBasenji$0 - $360$180 Professional dog grooming usually includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling, nail trimming, teeth brushing and eye and ear cleaning. Prices will vary depending on multiple factors, such as dog size, coat condition, health and age, dog behavior and the services requested. If you do not want to take your dog to a groomer, DIY grooming kits can be found online or in store for $75 on average and ship with all the tools and equipment you will need to handle your Basenji’s grooming at home! Additional costs to consider Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License Licenses range from $10-$20 across the U.S.A, provided your dog is spayed or neutered. If not, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your Basenji, as it can be illegal, depending on state and territory legislation, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier. Microchip Microchips create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S. states and will range from $25-$50. Dog walking Basenjis are energetic dogs and need regular exercise. Dog walkers like Tamaria Reddick would recommend hiring a professional to take the dog out at least once a day if owners do not have the time to dedicate themselves. Thankfully, finding a good dog walker is easy with apps like Rover and Wag. Expect to be charged $15-$25 for 30-minute group walks and $20-$50 for 1-hour ones. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive. Traveling In the case of extended travel plans, dog boarding services are generally available and accessible, provided you plan. They cost between $25-$85 a day, depending on location and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to get much better deals and rates when doing so. If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as these prices can add up very quickly. Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your dog. Yearly and monthly cost for a Basenji The cost of a Basenji puppy during the first year On average, using the metrics explained above, we have estimated that the cost of raising a Basenji puppy for the first year falls in the $2,095 to $4,445 range, with an average cost of $3,005. Most of these expenses will have to be accounted for before welcoming the dog or early during the year. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$1,250 - $2,000$1,400Supplies$150 - $650$345Training$150 - $200$175Medical$395 - $795$595Food & Treats$115 - $370$255Grooming$0 - $360$180License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$2,095 - $4,445$3,005 Some owners will also want to consider the other costs introduced below. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $300$175Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 If you choose to spay/neuter your Basenji, buy insurance, board your dog for a week and hire a dog walker every weekday for 42 weeks, your expenses go up quite significantly, rising in the $5,820 to $11,370 range. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$2,495 - $5,525$3,745With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,820 - $11,370$8,225 Yearly and monthly cost for an adult Basenji After the first year, the costs of raising a dog do go down. The yearly cost for maintaining an adult Basenji falling within the $505-$1,750 mark ($42-$146 monthly). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$55 - $260$140Medical$330 - $645$490Food & Treats$110 - $465$285Grooming$0 - $360$180License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$505 - $1,750$1,110Estimated Monthly Cost$42 - $146$93 Once again, if you choose to hire a dog walker 50 weeks during the year and board your dog for another week, your costs are likely to grow significantly. If you add insurance, the cost for each subsequent year ends up being in the $4,780-$9,375 range. Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$855 - $2,530$1,675With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$4,780 - $9,375$6,955 Total cost of ownership of a Basenji On average, Basenjis live close to 14 years (usually 13 to 14 years). This puts total expenses, using the figures outlined above, between $8,660 and $27,195, with an average cost of $17,435 through the course of the dog’s lifetime making it potentially one of the least expensive breeds to own. Total Cost of Ownership (14 years)RangeAverage CostBasenji$8,660 - $27,195$17,435 With optional expenses mentioned earlier the average total cost of ownership could rise as high as $98,640 over 14 years. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (14 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$13,610 - $38,415$25,520With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$67,960 - $133,245$98,640 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Basenji cost calculator The cost of a Basenji – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Basenji puppy? On average a Basenji puppy will cost $1,400 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $1,250 and $2,000. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. 2 – How much are dog supplies? A new owner can expect an initial investment between $150 and $650 in supplies when welcoming a small dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $55 and $260. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does a Basenji need training and how much will it cost? Having a Basenji professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, house manners, and jumping. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Basenji? Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a Basenji puppy during the first year and around $330 to $645 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300). 5 - How much food does a Basenji eat and how much will it cost? A Basenji puppy will eat around 90 lb. and an adult close to 140 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $75 and $315 for a puppy and $70 to $420 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Basenji be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? Grooming a Basenji is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $60 depending on the dog and services needed. 7 – Are there any other expenses to expect? In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog's well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Basenji, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Basenji. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision. References and Resources Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed VeterinarianAlexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.