Male or Female?

[nemmernossage]

Hello I am new to this forum and i'm a Brit!

About 6 months ago we decided we would like to get a dog. We looked into it and decided that a male basenji puppy would be perfect for us. We got in touch with a breeder and they said that the puupies were planned to be born around now.
But since october when we last saw them, and said that we would like a puppy, we've got a cat. She probably won't be too much trouble though. The only problem is that of the 6 puppies born (on "nd January) only 2 of them are male. The breeders have been in touch with us and asked if we'd have a female but we don't know! We were quite set on having a male puppy and now it seems a bit unlikely. Neither my partner or I have actually had a dog before so we thought a male dog would be easier to look after.

Do you think we should see if they'll let us have a boy, wait until next year or take a girl?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks, Emma and Maartin.

[jys1011]

Emma & Maartin

I can only tell you of my own experience. I never wanted a female b/c I too thought they were more work. I now have a male AND female basenji. All dogs are different but my Topaz is SOOOOO much easier than my high energy little boy. She's sweet & cuddly & lets me do anything I want to her. She loves to be held & sitting on my lap. Sometimes I think she's a cat. We've bonded immensely!!!

I can't imagine NOT having Topaz. I love her to death. We did have her spayed to make sure she doesn't have any health issues & we didn't want her to deal with her going into heat & all. This has worked out really well.

I honestly dont' think they're much different to raise.

Hope my 2 cents worth helps with your decision!

[lvoss]

The saying around here is "Girls have an agenda, and boys haven't got a clue." I have 1 boy and 2 girls and this seems to be pretty much true. My girls are sweet but they are more driven than the boy. That means if my girls tree a squirrel, I have to pick them up to make them leave the tree where my boy can be convinced there are other better things to go look at. My boy is the one who has learned to do things like open drawers, cabinets, and the refrigerator but it is the girls who then make a mess of everything in those things. For me I love both sexes and feel it is the personality of the puppy that makes it the right fit for a household more than its sex.

[jenwilson]

Everyone is different, but when I went to adopt a dog, which turned out to be a basenji/whippet mix, my number one priority was to get a girl dog. I have just always prefered them. I also didn't want a puppy (got mine at the shelter), because puppies are like babies, EVERYBODY wants them. I got a "teenager" so to speak - she was about 1 1/2 years old when I got her last December.

[Vanessa]

Hi Emma and Maartin,
Welcome to the fourms!
In my quest for a puppy I was told by numerious people that a male basenji is a bit easier than a female but in the end I believe that It doesn't really matter. Basenjis as a whole will keep you on your toes. :)
I am set on getting a male this year only because I perfer one. I have never owned a male dog and would like to give it a try.
Male or female..in the end, you are going to get a lovable, entertaining pup!
I wish you the best of luck in your decision and keep us updated.

[Quercus]

Yeah...I don't think it makes all that much difference, particularly if the dog is to be spayed or neutered; I know that isn't as common in Europe as it is in the US. But if I had to choose between an unaltered male or female, I would probably choose a female. I really don't care for the testosterony attitude that so many male dogs have. Each sex has different challenges, but I think either one can make a fabulous companion. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[nemmernossage]

We decided against getting a puppy at the moment as money is a little tighter than we expected.

We hope to get a puppy next year though, and hopefully a male one.

[Mantis]

I have had both male and female and both are fixed. If you are planning on socalizing them at the park, the girls display snarfyness through growl talking to other dogs....the boys typically will get alone with everyone and play a lot.

My boy was fixed at 7months and predominantly squats to pee and now that he is around 5years old has just started to lift his leg occasionally to cover another dog's scent.

My boy dog never humped until there was a male bird dog at the park that was frozen watching a squirell. Caesar wanted to play and was trying to be noticed.....

My girl basenji humps my boy basenji when he is scratching on the glass door to come in from outside. She knows he isnt supposed to do that and humps him to try to get him to stop. It is pretty funny and that is the only time my female has ever humped.

Females are the lovers and snugglers and stay close. Boys tend to box and play and are carefree and energetic. At least that is how my two were. I also have found that when other dogs come into my house my boy is great but my female was always territorial.

[basi]

We decided against getting a puppy at the moment as money is a little tighter than we expected.

We hope to get a puppy next year though, and hopefully a male one.
I have just moved from yorkshire to Germany!
I know the breeder that you are talking about as she is a good friend of mine and she bred both the grandparents of my male basenji. As for dog or bitch well I like them both but prefer the dogs as they are a bit more on their toes for the show ring. If you have your mind made up on a dog then I would go for a dog.

Jenny
Gooses Basenjis

[Vegas]

I really don't care for the testosterony attitude that so many male dogs have.:rolleyes: :D


In my opinion, there really are remarkable differences between males, and females. However, the ease, or difficulty in raising the dog is all going to be based on your training experience with basenjis, and the personality of the pup.

[Mantis]

Yeah, I agree....

Caesar was a crazy hyper puppy but never humped. Cairo who is 9 weeks is humping his playmate Caesar (6yrs old) all of the time and even is marking while peeing which seems odd for such a young pup. Caesar never did those things.

I was worried about the male dog, humping and sniffing crotches drama. I fixed Caesar at the first sign of his you know what, and he was 7 months old. He has never humped sexually or smelled crotches which I attribute to the fixing. He always has squat peed until recently at age 5 started to sometimes lift his leg ( I am guessing) to pee on other areas that have been marked by another dog.

I find it so interesting that my boy puppy is humping. Weird. Caesar was the dominant pup in his litter (no humping as a pup) and Cairo wasnt. Oh well, no biggie. It is play humping and I stop it whenever I see it.

I have found the behavior happens when one wants the other to play and the other doesnt want to participate with the boys.

Beta (my female) would hump and growl at Caesar when he was scratching on the sliding glass door. This is the only time she ever humped, and it was becuase she knew he was not to scratch on the door or had seen me tell him "no" and was trying to dominate him into stopping the behavior. Silly girl.

[annandael]

I have found that my girl is what my breeder (who did not breed this female) calls a Saint Basenji. I got a once in a lifetime special pup! I have recently gotten Lance who is just trouble. He managed to teach my girl how to scale fences...which funny, he doesn't do anymore since he got lost and it really scared him. However, Kiya finds it a good tool to get herself inside if it's cold or she's angry with me and wants me to give her attention. She climbs the fence and waits out front for me to let her in. NAUGHTY girl!

Kiya likes to play and run around the house and chew like any Basenji...but she'd rather spend time with me. If I sleep 10hrs, she sleeps in bed with me 10hrs. If I lie on the couch, she's there with me. If I want to go out...she wishes she could go.

I really wish America was more dog friendly...like Germany. *cry*

[Mantis]

wow, that is a special girl!!

[nomrbddgs]

[QUOTE=annandael]However, Kiya finds it a good tool to get herself inside if it's cold or she's angry with me and wants me to give her attention. She climbs the fence and waits out front for me to let her in. NAUGHTY girl!QUOTE]

I wish my B's would wait for me! Mine would just run to the chicken pen (Shadow knows where they are and he would lead Sugar) and then they'd have a raw diet feast!!

[etzbseder]

I am probably getting a male and was wondering if I don't fix him, will he still try to hump everything or whill he grow out of it/ learn how useless it is for him to do? I have owned to other male dogs in the past. Only one was fixed and neither of them tried to do anything, so I'm not sure what to attribute it to.

[Quercus]

I am probably getting a male and was wondering if I don't fix him, will he still try to hump everything or whill he grow out of it/ learn how useless it is for him to do? I have owned to other male dogs in the past. Only one was fixed and neither of them tried to do anything, so I'm not sure what to attribute it to.

He might, and he might try to lift his leg in the house. Unless your breeder requests that you keep a male intact, there is no reason not to neuter the dog. IMO, it is healthier and safer for everyone involved. No chance of testicular cancer, less likelihood of him trying to escape to go find females in heat. Less likely to be growly, and pushy, and more likely to get along with other dogs.

Not to mention, if you are dealing with a responsible breeder, if she asks you to keep the dog intact so it can be shown, fine...but otherwise a responsible breeder will require that the dog be neutered between six months and one year.

We just had our seven year old male neutered because he finally finished his Canadian CH last year, and we didn't want to go thru another heat season with him being tortured by all the girls coming into heat.

[tanza]

Dogs do not just hump for "sexual" reasons, they also hump for dominance... even my bitches "hump".... and unless you are going to show your dog or there is a reason your breeder wants him in-tact... as Andrea said there is know reason not to neuter.... And as Andrea said, responsible breeders will require a spay/neuter in the contract... however if your breeder is overseas... then they do have much different outlooks on spay/neuter...
Interesting thing about Basenjis..... even when there are no in-tact bitches in the house, they know that "october" is breeding season.... my OJ was a pain in the butt every October until we had him neutered... ggg... he would whine the entire month....

[etzbseder]

The breeder I'm dealing with dosn't have a spay/netuer contract, but since I'm planning on showing when i'm done with college (2 years) i would prefer to keep him in-tact. I was just wondering if the humping is a big issue. He will be the only animal other than fish, and i would prefer him not try to hum people's legs.

[tanza]

That is great that you are planning on showing, and while Basenjis typically do not hump as general principles, nor do they mark the house... it can happen.. and if you are in an area that has lots of dogs... all you need is one bitch around in season and your boy will know it.....

[Mantis]

my basenji boy pup is 5months old. he humped my other basenji boy and boyfriend from 8-11 weeks for play.

he stopped humping at 11 weeks.

now he is 5months and will hump everything at the dog park. i believe it is dominance humping now and he is not gender specific, but he is looking for something.

if you plan on having a social male (IE going to dog parks etc) I would suggest fixing him

caesar is my 5yr old male basenji. I fixed him at 7 months and he has a great temperment for an indoor dog.

i find that there is a craziness with not fixing a male basenji that i personally dont prefer. the ease of personal once fixed is really what saved my sanity with them.....

good luck!!

[Quercus]

my basenji boy pup is 5months old. he humped my other basenji boy and boyfriend from 8-11 weeks for play.

he stopped humping at 11 weeks.

now he is 5months and will hump everything at the dog park. i believe it is dominance humping now and he is not gender specific, but he is looking for something.

if you plan on having a social male (IE going to dog parks etc) I would suggest fixing him

caesar is my 5yr old male basenji. I fixed him at 7 months and he has a great temperment for an indoor dog.

i find that there is a craziness with not fixing a male basenji that i personally dont prefer. the ease of personal once fixed is really what saved my sanity with them.....

good luck!!

I completely agree. IMO, fixed dogs just make better pets....

[Mantis]

caesar was my first male dog. i had seen too many males pee on everything to mark, sniff crotches and hump other dogs during play. i guessed the fixing would directly relate to the behavior. caesar was also out of control at that age anyway, and i hoped the fixing would settle him down, which it did. so did obedience training.

i fixed caesar to avoid those behaviors which worked. he would squat pee until he was about 4-5 years. he now will mark territory when bored in the yard and sniffing around. when he normal pees he still squats with no reserve pee for later :D . he has over the years humped for play- larger dogs who are bird watching and frozen on the hunt. he wanted to play and didnt know why they didnt, and would hump them to annoy them into play.it is unacceptable behavior and stopped immediately.

caesar never humped for dominance as a puppy or as an adult. Cairo does. Caesar never humped as a puppy either. It may be differences in persona or the fact that I have 2 males.

when your boy basenji hits 6-7months, you should know if you need to fix him or not.

[myran]

My boy is 9 months and the sweetest basenji there is no humping apart from a few bitches in the dogpark that were in the first week of their heat.Doesn´t lift his leg yet and has never growled to anyone doesn´t cause havoc in the house sleeps in my bed only time I crate him is when I leave the house or in the car.People always comment what a calm and relaxed dog he is, he will not be neutered as he´s a show dog .

[porsh]

Im probly getting a female, and going to name her Porsha, I just have to get on the waiting list.

[AlaNowak]

Hi:)
I`ve got male and I love him... He is my first basenji and thanks to him I love this breed :D I`m going to buy female next year but... I`m scared... I don`t know why... I saw very agressive bitches and maybe it is reason?

[Craigh]

My male (fixed) was always the alpha dog. He never passed up an opportunity to show his dominance of our female (also fixed). Never had any marking issues with him as he was always a squat pee'er. I guess our female was unusual, but she was the most laid-back dog I'd ever seen. Always very submissive around other dogs.

[myran]

They say males are softer but i´ve met some wonderful bitches one of them being Myrans mum.When you choose a pup look at the mum if she´s sweet and friendly and the pup´s are well socialized then why not a little girl.Also ask around with other basenji owners whether the kennel you´re planning to get your dog from has had issues with bad mentality.
There´s quite a few kennels having real good litters this year in sweden one of them being Kennel Wazin who mated Myran´s dad Meisterhaus Tail of Intrigue with Myrans aunt Wazin Red Bonita the pup´s are ready for sale end of january both parents have a fantastic mentality and both are champions.

[lvoss]

I agree that it is important to meet the dogs of the breeder(s) that you are considering getting a puppy from. I have 3 females and 1 male. My male is less "intense" about things as an example if he sees a squirrel while we are on a walk he will happily chase it into a tree but if I then tell him it is time to go, he will leave it. My girls will tree a squirrel and then look for ways to climb the tree and I have had to carry them away from the tree.

My girls are also very cuddly, more so than my male who loves to snuggle but not in the same way as my girls. I love both sexes and think that a well bred, well socialized pup of either sex should be a joy.

[dmcarty]

Actually I always temperment test my puppies (when I have them). I rate them based on this test an A, B or C or D. B or C do better with inexperienced folks - are more willing to comply - D (if I get any are a risk to be fear biters and need some work to improve confidence and manners) A are alphas and I never place an alpha in a home with small children (the child will be lower in the heirarchy than the dog is - not good) I typically do find my show dogs in the Alpha pile though because they are very confident and Look at me.

I find that this is better than is a boy or girl better. And I will also say that sometimes dogs end up not what you would think so it's easy to say - oh that's not right but when they are older - you see that indeed the tests were right.

[myran]

I would neuter the dog that has fear biting issues and never breed from one or it´s relatives we have to get those kinda dog´s eradicated from the breed.And by getting them out of the reeding programme we will do the basenji a favour.
My male is the sweetest but still loves to prance in the ring and he´s so patient with kids and babies .The most winning basenji at the moment is also a sweety and so was his successful father so yes we can have both it just takes determination.

[MacPack]

Girrrls are Great, but Boys are Better.
At least that's what my 2 boys say. My girl, at 10, has become very sweet and cuddly, the boys have always been cuddlers. All the personality types come in either sex, you just need to find the personality you want, whichever sex it is, you will love it.
Anne in Tampa

[tanza]

Oh but the saying is "Boys are Best"... gggg

And yes it is the temperament of the pup that best fits your home, life style, family, etc.... and that is one of the best reasons to go to a responsible breeder... they are the ones that will try and fit the "family" with the pup... they will not let potentials just come in a "pick" this one or that one..

[dmcarty]

I should clarify when I talk about a D being in danger of being a fear biter - it is a dog with not much confidence if it is not placed in a perfect situation where they are experienced basenji people and can work with him or her - they could be a fear biter. These are the dogs that need a 'job' to build confidence - regular obedience and rally have been effective in these situations - less effective lure coursing.

[myran]

Girl or a boy I guess both have their advantages i´m getting a girl next week she´s Myrans half sister and cousin.´We´ll call her Efia =born on a friday i´m co-owning her with a breeder in finland.If you wan´t to see her she´s in the members puppy gallery under her name Efia.She has the most wonderful wrinkles our tiny girl.So boy´s are the best but girls are even more gorgeous naaah they´re both adorable in their own way;)

[Maya]

I only have experience of a girl Basenji and she is 100% perfect and a sweetheart... so far!

But, the way i look at it, if you had your heart set on a boy wait for a boy :D The dog will (hopefully) be with you for many years to come so get the one you really want :)

Good luck for next years breeding!

[snorky998]

Girrrls are Great, but Boys are Better.
At least that's what my 2 boys say. My girl, at 10, has become very sweet and cuddly, the boys have always been cuddlers. All the personality types come in either sex, you just need to find the personality you want, whichever sex it is, you will love it.
Anne in Tampa

I agree 100%. My boy was easier earlier than my girl. I love my little lady too but I think the growing up years with her have a lot of selective memory now that she's older and a cuddle-bug. It took so more more time and effort with her, that it's a greater sense of accomplishment.

[NicholasDenis]

I always wanted a male B, but we ended up getting a female and I must say we are nothing but happy with our girl Lilo. She shows so much love to us, especially me. When ever I sit she sits right beside me, and she always has to have body contact. Weather she's laying on me or just sitting against me.

I say get the girl, you won't regret it, I know we certainly don't.

[moetmum]

I had two boys, (Caspar and Moet) when we lost Caspar Moet was so distraught, I decided to buy another B to keep him company, as I had issues with the two boys fighting I bought a girl, Fiji, I always preferred the boys but after having Fiji (and now her daughter also) I can say that Fiji changed my mind, she is just so brilliant.

I certainly wouldn't rule out a bitch.

[shilpaworld01]

according to my opinion, everyone is different