They are not a typical domesticated dog, and it is unfair to expect them to act like that – what you might “expect of a lethargic house dog”.
Basenjis are habit-forming, once you have owned and loved this intelligent, mischievous, active, independent, loving breed, you may not ever want to be without at least one.
They are a big dog in a small package. They are fast and strong.
They are unusual. There are more of them around than you think. Most owners love them too much to let them run loose, and since they do not bark, they can go unnoticed.
“They do not bark, they talk” they can and do make a lot of noise. They scream, howl, cry, and yodel. They use their voices in a distinctive yodel or Baroo to communicate their feelings with you!
They are intelligent. Basenjis are hounds and were bred to be independent hunters. Very intelligent, they get bored very easily. You better be smarter or at least sneakier than he is – if you want to stay one step ahead of him.
If you want a dog that is servile and obeys your every command the Basenji is not for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a proud, faithful, teasing, playful, talking dog that can outsmart you nine times out of ten, you will never consider any other breed.
Basenjis are affectionate, loving dogs, who will build a strong bond with you and your family. They will, in most cases, be friendly with strangers and follow children anywhere. If you want a one-person dog, you do not want a Basenji.
A Basenji is not a suitable dog to leave on its own all day alone while everyone is away working or at school. Basenjis need to be part of the family – with equal time both indoors and outdoors. Being a short coated breed, they feel the cold in the winter – and it must be able to sleep indoors with his family.
Basenjis are not guard dogs. However, they are very alert, and will give warning if strangers are around. Though they do not bark, you know by their actions when something is wrong. If you are looking for a guard or a great protection dog, you do not want a Basenji. Some of them Can be aloof with strangers.
They need a plenty of daily exercise such as a long walk on leash or an opportunity to run in a safe, traffic-free area. Dog sports that will provide physical and mental stimulation include agility, lure coursing, obedience, rally and tracking. Without plenty of activity to keep him busy, he will think up his own (potentially destructive) fun. It’s often said that a good Basenji is a tired Basenji.
Basenjis are also escape artists. Even a fenced yard will not contain a Basenji who is determined to be elsewhere. Unsupervised time alone in a yard could mean the loss of your treasured companion as he takes off to explore the world.
Basenji people say their breed is good at teaching you to pick up stuff around your house. Anything left out where the dog can find it is fair game to be chewed or eaten. You’ll soon learn to protect your belongings by putting them out of reach of these inquisitive dogs.
A Basenji shouldn’t be trusted around cats or other small animals as their instinct to chase may take over. Unless he’s been raised with them and you’re sure he recognizes them as family members. They are dogs bred to hunt.
The Basenji female only cycles once a year compared to twice a year for other domesticated dogs. Their metabolism also works closer to that of wild dogs than of domesticated dogs.
Basenji generally don’t like water or rain. Don’t expect any swimming for them in a river or sea. Some of them might walk in shallow water to cool down on hot days. On rainy days they rather sleep under a blanket. “It is a holidays for his owner”.
Basenjis love snow. They run and play with snow enthusiastically. But be aware, due to their short hair, they need clothes in cold weather.
NEVER UNCURL A BASENJI’S TAIL because they have sensitive bones inside the tail.
NEVER TOUCH SLEEPING BASENJI – first wake him up with your voice than you can touch him. Some, but not all, Basenjis will wake up in a defensive position if you suddenly get out of a deep sleep. It is an instinct that has remained from the jungle, which had the aim to protect it from the potential predators who threatened them there. Because of this, they are, somehow, still cautious while sleeping.
When you buy a Basenji, you are making a 10-15-year commitment to him. If you are not ready for this commitment, please do not buy a Basenji.
