Basenjis?? Anybody know anything about them?

Question

I have always liked the Basenji and was wondering if anybody has had one.....do they have special requirements? Do they make good pets? Anything I should know about them if I'm considering buying one... I've looked around and found a breeder that I think is ok....I'm not sure how to tell if they're "responsible"....how do I tell?

Answer 1

The Basenji is a small hunting dog from Africa. Unlike other dogs, the Basenji cannot bark however they're also not completly mute. Basenji are naturally very intelligent dogs. They are also very independent, but affectionate with people they know. They do tend to be aloof with strangers though. These dogs love to play and make a good pet, as long as they are handled regularly from an early age. They respond very well to training and have a strong desire to please. Some Basenji will test an owner just to see what they can get away with. As they are hunting dogs you have to be careful when introducing them to other pets. Some say that you should never trust a Basenji with non-canine pets. I'm not sure if this is true, but perhaps with some it may be. Basenji would do best with older children and adults. I have found that most Basenji dislike water and wet weather. I'm not really sure why though. :)

They like to chew, so giving them lots of toys of their own would be a good idea. The breed also likes to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences. Basenji are very clever at getting their own way. Be careful of the Basenji charm. It can always move even the most sturdy of owners. Some people compare the Basenji to a cat. They have tiny feet and tend to clean themselves like a cat does.

The Basenji can be described as "speedy, frisky, and tireless". Their strong desire to play can lead to behavior problems if left alone. Most Basenji problems usually involve a mismatch between owner and pet. "The owners mistake the adjective "quiet' to mean inactive instead of noiseless; thus, they become harassed by an active, though relatively silent, dog." This breed is prone to Fanconi's syndrome (kidney problems). Also, they are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, intestinal, and eye problems. The Basenji need vigorous daily exercise. They have a tendency to become fat and lazy unless the owner is consistent about it.

As for the breeder you can start with research. Look them up online. Talk with earlier buyers. Be prepared to ask lots of questions and make sure that you can see both parents. Take a look at some of these sites. They list questions that a responsible breeder will ask you. They also list questions that you should ask a breeder before buying. Sometimes it's hard to tell a responsible breeder from a puppymill, but through persistence and research you should be able to tell. Good Luck!!!

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=302
http://yandisa.com.hosting.domaindirect.com/breederquestions.html
http://www.badgerkennelclub.com/club/bfaq.htm

Answer 2

I have a friend that owns a Basenji. They don't bark but they do make a raspy sound like a dog with laryngitis. Personality-wise, here's a good site describing their basic breed:
http://www.geocities.com/regalfoxbasenjis/fun_facts_info/personality.html
As far as the breeder goes, you'd want to know the health of both parents, their bloodlines, get a health guarantee and have a Vet check the pup as well if you decide to go with this breed. Also, they should not be selling pups under eight weeks old.
Some "breeders" give shots themselves and if they don't know what they are doing, they give them when the pups are too young.
Here's a website on the breed:
http://www.kisakennel.com/Basenji%20FAQ.htm

Answer 3

I dont have a Basenji, but ever since I was little I would spend hours studying dog breed books I got for christmas. Now, I'm 14 and nothings changed. lol.

-Basenjis are very finicky and kind-of cat like dogs. They dont bark. They make a yodeling sound. They love people, but are sometimes aloof with strangers. If raised with kids they are excellent with them. Basenjis are very smart and "clean" animals. They hate being dirty!!!!!

-You can tell a breeder is a responsible one if they truely care about the puppies....not money. So, if they are questioning you on your lifestyle and other stuff to make sure the puppy will be happy....they are good breeders!!!!!!!!!!





Well, good luck!!!!!!
= )

Answer 4

Hi, I have a basenji that I love to pieces, but he is a challenge!
I am sending you to the BRAT website, but first I will tell you what my life is like.
We have 2 barriers between him and any door in the house, he can climb anything... including the fridge and windowsills. I have not opened a window since I adopted him, lol! He would be out in a second. The shades on the window were in his way (he likes to look out) so he removed them. The tops of my chairs and sofa no longer have intact fabric on them because he runs across the tops of everything.
If I leave him, he screams like a banshee. He yodels and broos and carries on when I get home and I love that, lol!Thank God I live on 5 acres and no one complains. We have a 7 foot fence with a concrete moat dug around the entire thing so he can't dig out. There is mesh wire around the base of it as well (on the exterior). He can climb trees, so we had to remove anything he could use to climb out of the fence. He kills any small animal that lets him get close enough, and then I have to trade or fight him for said kill. We also have a double door gate system (on the fence) in case he gets out of one gate, and we are even considering adding an electric wire system around the perimeter as well.
This week alone he tasted drywall, pencils, a towel, a plastic cup and whatever else he could get his mouth on. If you are a messy person, a basenji is not for you. He is sitting draped around my shoulders like a stole as I write this.
He goes for a 2-5 mile walks at least twice a day. Anything else is unacceptable. He chases bikes, cars, scooters, rodents, birds, skateboarders...well anything that moves, so he is NEVER off lead. Ever. He is sweet to all people (which is amazing for a basenji) and hates all large dogs.
He does not wake up grouchy, but many do. He sleeps under the covers and sometimes on my head (you know that dream where you can't breathe?) lol!
But he is the sweetest most dear and intelligent boy. They are so cat like and clean. He only sheds once a year, so I like that as well.. He is a clown and a wonderful hiking companion (on lead only) (except I have to carry him across water... won't go in it for anything... they hate water).
Here is the Brat website, this is getting way too long!
http://www.basenjirescue.org/

Answer 5

They are considered the "barkless dogs", but do make a yodelling sound, so are not mute.
Originally from Africa and used to hunt lions with the tribesmen.
They tend to wander if given the chance, so a high safe fence is a must.
They are relatively rare yet as pets, but available.
Costs about $1000-$1500 in Canada here.
Hope this helps.

Answer 6

They are very high-strung and need to be walked twice a day without fail. They hate snow and ice and will want to be picked up if their feet get too cold--and they hate being dirty. They love attention! Not sure about the breeder, but since it's not a common dog, might be OK.

Answer 7

they are often describe as more of a child then a dog, and when they want to play, they will put a paw over they're ear, pushing it down, much like a cat.
I'm not sure, but I thought I heard somewhere they like to dig, but don't quote me on that.

Answer 8

Well, I don't know much about them but I can show you. Try them:

http://search.akc.com/1881-Basenji.html

http://www.barkbytes.com/direct/basnji.htm

Answer 9

My neighbor has one. It's very hyper. And not very bright.