Yes, diet will affect hair… on both people and dogs.
I see tan coming through this dogs black on his rear legs.
I don't see how the harness would rub back there as well.
I assume this is the dog in your avatar?
It looks to me that this dog DOES have melon pips, does he not?
If he has pips, he cannot be a recessive black, so I am not sure why that would be suggested.
If he were a recessive tri, he would have looked like a 'normal' tri as a youngster. As they age, the ten gets bleed through [through the black] on the legs, around the ears, and throughout the entire back.
I see no reason to suspect this dog is either a recessive tri or recessive black. I believe he is a tri that doesn't have the best of coats. I am sure the coat could change with either a new diet, climate control, or the Fur-minator.
I think you are taking what I am saying personal about your dog. Don't… I am just telling you what I see in this dog. I have been around basenjis my entire life... and showing them for 35 years. I believe I have quite the knowledge base in the breed and am giving you my opinion based on that knowledge. If you don't feel I am right, that is quite all right with me. I am a big girl and don't mind people not in agreeance with me.
I could look through all posts, but that would be more time than I really have... so do you mind sharing what is pedigree is, if you have it?