wantbasenjipage1

So You Think You Want a Basenji ?

           If, perchance, you are going to be acquiring your first dog, or your first dog as a responsible adult, PLEASE, PLEASE read the following web discussion first, even if you have to go to your local library for access. http://www.springstreet.com/apartments/mme/pets/syw_rightdog.jhtml
Although a little long, it is full of things to think about and entertaining as well. Even experienced dog owners won�t be wasting their time and most assuredly get a chuckle if they want to take a moment to scan it   If you are still with the "gotta get a dog" program after reading the above reference, then let�s determine if a Basenji is the dog you "gotta get." OK?

        First, Basenjis are very different from the average dog. To get some sense of what I am referring to, I include here some "quotable quotes" from Basenji owners, both historic and current.
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"At times, no dog can be naughtier than a Basenji, but no dog has brought apology to a finer art."~ Veronica Tudor-Williams.

"I have always thought that Basenjis were the Borg with a collective intelligence. That is why they are so creative." ~ Jennifer

"Many dog owners are proud that their dogs are bright and can be trained, but the dog is always the trainee. On the other hand, we basenji people seem to find humor and joy in being outsmarted by the B's." ~ Ann MacMillan

"Are basenjis intelligent? Yes, but not in the way you might first think. If basenjis were high school students, they would not be the brainiacs who score high enough on their SATs to go to Harvard on a full scholarship. No, basenjis would be the hoodlums with the smarts to bypass security, break into the principal's office, steal a copy of the test, and sell it for cigarette money." ~ Robin Simmons

"I know I have a puplet that went to a person who has had dogs forever, done rescue forever, mainly with Chows and Rotts ---- and she is SHOCKED at how different from other breeds the Basenji is. It's been fascinating hearing her talk about stuff her Basenji does - and me saying "Well yeah?" and her saying things like "LIZ- we have to TRAIN BC's and Rotts and Chows to make eye contact and maintain it ". ~ Liz Littrell

Still interested? Then get ready for some real research.

        If you have not found the Basenji Club of America web site, www.basenji.org, I would first direct you there. It has a world of information concerning Basenjis, their history, idiosyncrasies, health problems, etc. While you will find a great deal of important information on this site, including a breeder referral list, please understand that The Basenji Club of America, Inc., or its representatives, does not recommend, guarantee, endorse, nor rate breeders, their kennels, or their stock. Individual dogs are not examined by BCOA. Buyers should be certain to check all matters relating to registration, health, quality, and stud agreements with the breeders, sellers, or stud owners before making any decision.

        http://www.voyuz.net/basenji-faq.html is an excellent source of answers to common questions. It was compiled by a number of Basenji owners and breeders and is quite comprehensive. Even though much of the material presented in these various references may seem repetitious, it is imperative that a prospective owner see this unique animal from as many viewpoints as possible.

General observations

       Basenjis and kids normally do well, but they frequently do not tolerate mishandling well. The children must respect the dog�s space and not force issues when the dog is clearly wishing to be left alone. They are also rather notorious for "waking badly," which is a nice way of saying when grabbed or touched in a sound sleep they tend to come up fighting. Sort of leaping before they look, but many Basenji folk, myself included, believe it is an instinctive reaction common to any animal from a jungle setting. Once they realize it�s only a human, and one they know at that, all is well. Most Basenji owners learn to call the dogs name and make sure they are awake before picking them up. Mind you, not all of them are this way, but enough that the children would do well to learn how to wake them.

Many people ask which sex is best. That becomes a very personal issue. Each person you talk to has their preferences. Boys tend to be "goofier," and the bitches a bit quieter.   Many owners believe that the boys are also more attentive to humans, the females more independent. However, males will also challenge your authority more often than not as they are growing up, bitches rarely do this. Bitches tend to live up to their name when in season, but with a pet that will be spayed or neutered the hormones do not become a great issue. But of
of course none of this is a hard and fast rule. If you don't have a preconceived notion, the best advice is to take the pup or dog that is most appealing (Or that picks you!) at the moment of choosing.

Basenjis are relatively hypoallergenic, clean and nearly odorless. They normally shed just a bit year-round. Don't pick up your Basenji while wearing your best black bib and tucker just before an important engagement; that is unless you want a few small hairs lingering to open a conversation about the most exasperating, cunning, delightful and charming creature in your life! Folks with severe allergies should make plans for an extended visit (several hours) to a real live Basenji, or better yet, Basenjis, before determining if they are a suitable choice for their particular situation.
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