Although a relatively healthy breed, basenji health issues can come up, and regular testing is necessary to maintain the health of the individual as well as the breed. There are a few diseases more prevalent, in the basenji breed, however they are fortunately becoming less common because of good breeding practices and newly developed DNA marker tests.
The required health tests specific to the breed to qualify for the CHIC program are:
- Fanconi Syndrome (OFA Evaluation through University of Missouri)
- Basenji Night Blindness / Progressive Retinal Atrophy (OFA Registry)
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP Evaluation)
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis (OFA Evaluation)
- Eye Examination (CERF or OFA Evaluation)
Additional information on all of these tests for basenji health issues and more are available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and most of these tests are performed either through X-Ray or cheek swab DNA test.