My dog Olive turns a lot of heads and sparks plenty of curiosity, so I figured I’d answer the questions I get asked most and share what it’s really like living with a Basenji.

Olive has a unique look that always catches people’s attention. With her big ears, curly tail, and permanently furrowed little brow, she often looks deeply concerned about the state of the world. She’s adorable, a little dramatic, and definitely not a breed you see every day.

When we’re out walking, people usually do one of two things: they either say, “OMG, is that a Basenji??” or they ask, “What kind of dog is she?”

If you’ve ever been curious about Basenjis—or just want to know what it’s like living with one—here are the questions I get asked most, and what I’ve learned from having Olive in my life.

“Oh my gosh! What kind of dog is that?”

This is by far the question I get the most. I tell them she’s a Basenji, and nine times out of ten, I get a confused “A what?!” They’re not a super common breed, and most people have never seen one in person, so it always sparks curiosity.

*Meet Olive, your neighborhood Basenji!*

Basenjis are a small, ancient dog breed from Central Africa. They were originally used for hunting thanks to their sharp vision, quick reflexes, and clever nature. They’re often called the “barkless dog” because they don’t bark like most other breeds (more on that next!).

And no, she’s not a Shiba Inu (we get that one a lot!). They do have a similar look with the curly tail and upright ears, but they’re totally different breeds from totally different parts of the world.

“Wait… she doesn’t bark?”

Nope. Basenjis are known as the “barkless dog,” and Olive has never actually barked in her life. They definitely make noise, but it doesn’t sound anything like a typical bark. Their larynx is shaped a bit differently, which is what gives them their own unique vocal range.

Are they quiet? Not always. Olive yodels when she’s excited (it’s called a baroo) and has a whole repertoire of grumbles, squeaks, whines, and theatrical little sounds. People have compared her to a piglet, a canary, and even Stitch from Lilo & Stitch.

When she’s upset, she can definitely get loud—especially when one of her favorite humans leaves. She lets out piercing squeaks and heartbreaking little screams that turn heads on the street. It’s enough to break your heart... and your neighbor’s peace and quiet. So no, she doesn’t bark. But silent? Definitely not.

“Is she hypoallergenic?”

Yes, she is! But remember, hypoallergenic doesn’t mean allergen-free. It simply means she produces fewer allergens than most dogs. Basenjis can be a good match for people with mild dog allergies, but it’s always a good idea to spend time with one before assuming you’ll have no reaction at all.

*Remnants of her tail shedding on the couch*

That said, she does shed, just not all the time. Olive usually sheds when the seasons change, and it only lasts a couple of days. A good brushing during those times helps a lot. The rest of the year, her coat stays sleek, smooth, and pretty low-maintenance.

“Is she a good apartment dog?”

Yes, Olive is a fantastic apartment dog. She’s small, quiet (well... barkless), and doesn’t need a lot of space to be happy. She gets little bursts of energy and will do her signature zoomies around the apartment, but once that’s out of her system, she’s perfectly content to nap in a sun patch or curl up in a cozy corner for hours.

*Snuggling in for the night under her comfy blankets*

She adjusts to my routine really well. If I’m up for a long walk or a jog, she’s totally down. But if we’re having a slower day, she’s not bouncing off the walls or demanding constant stimulation. As long as she gets some attention, a window to monitor the neighborhood, and a comfy spot to lounge, she’s good to go.

“Is she good with people?”

Very much so. Olive loves people, especially when they’re sitting still long enough for her to curl up next to them. She’s gentle, affectionate, and great with kids. Whether it’s family, friends, or someone new, she usually finds the coziest spot nearby and makes herself right at home.

*High-fiving a new friend she met at the brewery.*

When she was a puppy, I made a point to have strangers give her treats, and I really think that helped her build trust and develop a strong desire for human attention. She definitely has a soft spot for her inner circle, but she’s also quick to make new fans.

“Does she get along with other dogs?”

Sometimes. Olive has a few dog friends she’s known since she was a puppy, and she gets along really well with them. But when it comes to unfamiliar dogs, she’s not quick to let them in. She knows who her people and her pups are, and she tends to stick with them.

*Olive with her uncles - Einie and Scout.*

We usually skip crowded or chaotic places like dog parks, since Olive prefers calm environments and familiar company. Every dog is different, so if you have or get a Basenji, yours might be more of a social butterfly. Olive just has a tight circle, and she likes to keep it that way.

“Does she hate getting wet?”

I usually get this one from people who see us standing frozen on the sidewalk in a light drizzle. And yep, she absolutely hates getting wet. Even the tiniest mist sends her into full protest mode. She’ll stop in her tracks, look at me like I’ve ruined her life, and leap straight into the air to avoid the smallest puddle.

*Olive is fine in the tub, as long as the water is off!*

She’s incredibly clean. She grooms herself constantly, avoids mud at all costs, and leaps over the tiniest dribble of water like it’s lava. Baths are not her thing. She flails her limbs like she’s trying to swim and cries the entire time. She only gets one if she somehow manages to get muddy (which is rare) or to rinse off pollen from her fur in the spring.

“She seems so well-behaved—was she easy to train?”

She’s smart, no doubt about it. But easy? Not exactly. Olive is super independent and seriously stubborn. She absolutely knows what I’m asking her to do, but whether she listens really just depends on if she’s in the mood.

*Olive as a puppy, with her sharp little claws and huge ears!*

She’s come a long way. She responds to “heel,” and if I put a treat right under her nose, she’ll wait until I say it’s okay. She knows the rules—she just doesn’t always agree with them.

On walks, if we’re being structured, she’s focused. But if it’s casual? Sniffing is 100% on her terms. She needs to fully investigate every spot before moving on.

“What’s her favorite toy?”

She doesn’t really have a favorite, but if I had to pick, I’d say tennis balls. Olive has a small collection of toys, some from when she was a puppy, and most are still in great shape. She’s a pretty gentle chewer, though a few tennis balls have definitely seen better days.

She’s never been super toy-motivated, and fetch isn’t exactly her thing. She does love what I call “throwing the ball.” I roll it to her, and she rolls it back with her paw. It’s so cute!

“Is she cuddly?”

Oh yeah. She’s so cuddly. Honestly, probably the cuddliest dog I’ve ever met. Basenjis are known for being independent, but Olive is all about the snuggles. If you’re sitting still, she’s finding a way to curl up next to you—whether it’s for a nap, a TV binge, or just to be close. She’s happiest when she’s right up against her people.

When we’re out and about, she’ll often plop down right on my feet just to stay close. She’s clingy in the sweetest way. That need to be near her people definitely ties into her separation anxiety (we’re working on it), but for Olive, closeness isn’t optional—it’s where she feels safest and happiest.

When I got Olive, it was my first time raising a dog from a puppy. I had no idea what I was getting into. There were a lot of ups and downs: potty training, leash training, socializing...

But every bit of it was worth it. Olive is quirky, clingy, a little dramatic. She’s the sweetest, most special companion I could ask for. I wouldn’t trade her for the world.

You can follow more of her daily life on Instagram @holdtheolive, and if you ever have questions about Basenjis, feel free to send me a message!