I must agree that naive, first-time wanne-be owners need to do deep, extensive research. Basenjis are supremely unique and definitely not a good choice for a "beginner."
I adopted an 18-month old 3/4 Basenji (other 1/4 is Min Pin, yet another quirky little breed, with some "bad" similarities to B's). I was somewhat familiar with B's, but not even a little bit of "enough!!" Gosh, Izzy-Bella was a piperoo!! A little 18 pound bundle of energy, destruction, and escapism. BUT, I have always loved bad boys (9 years working in a high school), so a little bad girl was a sort of delight. But, again, it takes many years before these dogs mellow out and mature and maximize their amazing intelligence. Izzy is SO SO smart: her early unbridled destructiveness has pretty much ended, and now, at ten years old, she amazes us every day with her intelligence, innate understanding, observational skills, language acumen, and comedic skills. And at ten years old, she acts like a three year old! I hope this means she will live forever.
Once you have bonded with a Basenji, you are probably done and gone. But
first-timers REALLY need to do their research and homework.
Someone referred to entrusting their dog
to a family member. I would entrust my B to nobody except a bona fide Vet hospital/kennel, with big-time fences and enclosures, B's are exceptional diggers-under-fences and escape artists. And a Number One cause of
death for them is traffic. Their prey instinct sends them careening into
traffic. Dumber than deer.
But, bottom line: do your due diligence Basenji research, and understand early on that these dogs are singularly unique: indescribably destructive; escape artists; independent thinkers and behaviorists; smarter than you can even begin to imagine (I swear my Izzy understands everything I say and reads my mind!); and prepare to have lots of tissues on hand as auxiliary food, because apparently, Basenjis require wood pulp
projects to prosper!! I don't get it.
Scotland - talk on the Basenji
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Provisional at the moment, but we are looking at Sun 11th April (day after scottish hound) at Strathmiglo Public Hall, just off the M90 south of perth. Speakers; Irene Horner for Basenji, Nick Bryce-smith for saluki. Possibly KC breed assessments for saluki.
Will let you all know asap when things are more definate -
We will be interested Scott, as long as we can get a Puppy sitter
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Will be able to make that:D Will ask my mum if she can come along too.
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I should be able to make it.
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Bit far for me!!
But hope you all have a lovely day
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We should be there Scott.
Theresa
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Confirmation. the Basenji & Saluki Breed Seminar will be taking place at Strathmiglo Public Hall (postcode KY14 7PX) - this is 25 miles north of Edinburgh and 15 miles south of Perth - on Sunday 11th April (the day after the Hound Association of Scotland). Speakers with be Mrs Irene Horner (Bokoto) Basenjis, and Mrs Denise Garrett (Caryna) Salukis.
Start is 10 am with finish at 4pm. Cost per person will be ?20, which will include lunch and refreshments.
to find out more or book your place you should contact John Tompkins by email at johntompkins@sivendra.fsnet.co.uk or telephone 013977 01704.
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That will be great Scott. Looking forward to it.
Theresa
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Think it will be too far for us, but it sounds a great day.
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Hello,
Is this talk/seminar only for Basenji owners/showers/breeders? Do you have to be a member or something to be able to attend?
Thanks.
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Hello,
Is this talk/seminar only for Basenji owners/showers/breeders? Do you have to be a member or something to be able to attend?
Thanks.
No not at all it is for anyone that is interested in the breed:D
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No not at all it is for anyone that is interested in the breed:D
Okay, great. I might come along then if I'm free. The more I know about the breed now the better in the long term.
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I only remembered about this last night, thought it was in May actually at first - sorry. :o By then I thought it would be too late anyway!
Hope it went well.
