Skip to content

Thinking about getting a Basenji

Basenji Talk
  • Hello,

    I want to get a dog and am thinking about getting a Basenji, but am a bit unsure, whether this is the right breed for me. This is my situation: I live in rural Australia on a big piece of land, where we grow fruit and vegetables which we sell in a little shop at the front of the property. My husband is not into dogs a lot, but he once knew a basenji and really liked its personality and appearance. I have never met one, but from what I have read about them, they seem somewhat suitable personality-wise to what we would like. My concerns are that we have freerange chickens, so the hunting instinct would have to be toned down a bit. Maybe if the dog is used to the chickens from a very early age on? Also we will start a family soon, so the dog will have to get used to a baby at some point, when it is not a puppy anymore. And my third concern is that we have random people come into the shop, which the dog really shouldnt be hostile towards, otherwise that would be pretty bad for business… And I guess the fact, that we have gates at the front of the property that are always open, could also be a problem.

    And yes, now that I am writing this I do think that a Basenji may not be the best choice, but I'd still like to hear your opinion if those concerns are valid or if they could be overcome somehow.

    Thank you!
    Hanna

Suggested Topics

  • 4 Votes
    29 Posts
    4k Views
    RugosaR
    My Rosa wrote the "How To Be a Basenji DIVA" manuscript - as many rules there were, it was so worthy of a 'script' at the end! She, and all her offspring, had spring and fall heats, but I only bred her once in the spring. That produced one puppy, my Captain. She always ruled over her pups, except when Captain came along - she did what HE said when he was about 2 weeks old!
  • Do you think part basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    20
    1 Votes
    20 Posts
    8k Views
    J
    ![0_1575782385540_20190922_102623.jpg](Uploading 100%)
  • Thinking of getting a Basenji in NY

    Basenji Talk
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • Thinking of getting a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    C
    I have a general question. Does anybody elses Basenji not like to be picked up. Ours sometimes loves it, and sometimes not. Also sometimes she runs up to dogs as quiet as can be and plays, and than other times she makes a squeeling noise, and people are afraid she is picking a fight with their dog. But I think shes just talking. She squeels at our new Whippet puppy, and loves to play with her and is as gentle as can be, considering the Whippet puppy is really rough on my poor Basenji baby girl. does anyone know what the squeeling means. The baroo I get she does that all the time. The squeeling is confusing.
  • Considering getting a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    lvossL
    Yes, early socialization and positive experiences is the best way to go. I think the most important thing about puppy kindergarten is that it is positive based and focuses on socialization with both people and dogs. Some basenji don't necessarily do well with the small dogs and other love them. Sophie was always the best with the new pups of any size in her puppy class, she just had phenomenal dog language and would make herself as small as possible and go at their speed. What you want to be careful about is people who have already formed a preconceived notion of basenji behavior. My mom's first puppy class instructor always expected her boy to be aggressive even though he never showed any aggression and was always very appropriate in his interactions. I crate puppies next to the bed while housebreaking and it works fine. I have always used a large stuffed toy in the crate and this year used SnugglePuppies, they were wonderful. The pup snuggled right up to warmth and fell asleep, provided we did a good job of tiring him out for the night. I got my first basenji while I was in Grad school and lived in an apartment. It is doable as long as you are willing to make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Thinking about a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    59
    0 Votes
    59 Posts
    20k Views
    MacPackM
    Although my DH gets yearly "puppy lust", my personal rule is "I don't take any basenji under 2". By 2, their brains have developed and their attention span is longer than a nanaosecond (where you are concerned). They still have plenty of youthful energy but are not uncontrollable maniacs bent on destruction. That said, I confess I get puppy-lust myself, they are just so cute and funny and adorable. That is how they live to adulthood! Anne in Tampa