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Saskatchewan Basenji Owner?

Basenji Talk
  • Hello,

    We are currently in the process of looking to adopt a basenji. We have done all the research on the breed and learned about their traits and querks. We have come to the decision that a basenji is the right dog for us. However I suffer from allergies and want to make sure that I don't have an allergic reaction to our new family member.

    I have done alot of research and have read many artictles which say that basenji's are hypoallergetic. This is great, however no dog is truly allergy free. We have gone as far as visiting a breeder to meet their dogs and had a minor reaction. However I do not know if this was due to the fury little guy or the cigarette smoke in the residence (which I am also allergic to).

    Long story short, we are looking for a Saskatchewan Basenji owner that would be willing to let us meet their basenji to determine if allergies will be an issue.

    Please respond if you are a basenji owner in Saskatchewan or near by.

    Thanks!

  • NUMBER 1 - Basenjis are NOT hypoallergetic, period!… Basenjis have dander and they shed... so therefore they can not be hypoallergetic.

    One thing that you can try is to take a old t-shirt or hand towel with you when you visit with Basenjis.... make sure that the Basenjis lay/rub/play with the item. Take it home with you.... and sleep with that item... pretty good way to see what kind of reaction you might get. And if you do get on from this item... chances are you will have problems with the dog itself

  • Yup - Tanza is correct. I have allergies to two of mine and don't have allergies to the other two - and 3 of my 4 are related. Oh and they definitely shed! Pat's recommendation of taking a t-shirt or towel with you and then sleeping with it is a great idea.

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    Hi yul, Welcome to Basenji Forums! There is no dog breed that is truly non-allergenic (not allergy causing) because all dogs produce dander (shed skin cells), saliva, and urine. You can be allergic to the dog dander, dog saliva, or both. Urine is less of a problem since dogs usually potty outside. Pet hair itself is not an allergen, but it can collect dander, dust, and pollen. To answer the question about shedding, Basenjis do shed, but its not as much as some other breeds and they keep themselves very clean with their own grooming methods. Their coats are so short, though, with you'll hardly notice if they shed. Basenjis are known to supposedly produce less dander than other breeds, and many people who are mildly allergic to dogs can tolerate some of these "low dander" dog breeds with proper environmental controls. Be careful though, as there are no guarantees. People's pet allergies vary greatly. Severe pet allergy sufferers may not tolerate any dogs at all, even with the best environmental controls.