My first and smallest


  • Hi- we just moved in with our first Basenji, a good looking black and white boy. We started in dogs with Great Danes 35 years ago, we have down sized our house, our income and our workout so it was time to get a dog that was a size I could live.

    We live in northern Vermont and the trees willl start to change color in about 2 weeks (really).

    I would love to get some input on how to handle these little guys in sub zero weather, we get a lot of it, any tips on feeding schedules and exercise would be appreciated, he has already staked out his position by the wood stove.

    GB1951


  • Welcome :)

    You have come to the right place for basenji knowledge.


  • @gb1951:

    I would love to get some input on how to handle these little guys in sub zero weather, we get a lot of it, any tips on feeding schedules and exercise would be appreciated, he has already staked out his position by the wood stove.

    You might want to invest in some footwear! It gets very cold where I live and some days my guy can't really stay out long enough to do his business without boots! These are "muttluks", which I find work very well….


  • Where did you get those boots… very stylin' and it gets cold here too.... but hard to imagine it now. been over 100 for about 3 weeks now...


  • @jonny:

    Where did you get those boots… very stylin' and it gets cold here too.... but hard to imagine it now. been over 100 for about 3 weeks now...

    They are a Canadian product, but available in the States as well….

    http://www.muttluks.com/home.php

    I find them easy to use and they generally stay on, unlike some boots I have tried. The closure is Velcro, so it's easy to get a good fit. The reflective tape makes it easy to spot your dog in the dark, too! ;-)


  • Welcome - we are very lucky not to have your extreme temperatures.


  • Those muttlucks look wonderful! There are lots of good websites that will show jackets and fleeces for your B. I wouldn't think feeding needs to change when it gets really cold unless he spends lots of time outdoors - some basenjis actually love the snow, so they say, although mine would not. Once the plows come through and you have running or walking room, his exercise doesn't have to suffer either. I lived in Vermont for a few years and our dogs (not basenjis then) managed just fine, both the longhaired ones and the sleek great dane. Basenjis have a lot less body weight, though, so a good warm fleece or fleece lined jacket would be in order. It gets real obvious when they're cold - they stop moving, shiver a lot, and try to get picked up! Of course mine does that at 55 degrees.

Suggested Topics

  • First time Basenji

    Member Introductions
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • Looking for my first basenji

    Member Introductions
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    A
    @agilebasenji: Would you share with us what drew you to the basenji? Excellent question!
  • My first Basenji!!

    Member Introductions
    33
    0 Votes
    33 Posts
    9k Views
    thunderbird8588T
    Cairo is growing well, he's lovely. I know what you mean about the black eyeliner job, Malaika has it too.
  • Getting our first basenji soon!

    Member Introductions
    19
    0 Votes
    19 Posts
    4k Views
    ElysiumE
    @nkjvcjs: We have a can with a push button that makes the top spring up. We took off the spring so that you have to push the button with one hand and lift the lid with the other. That has worked so far. -Nicole That sounds like a good idea :D We too have the pedal-thing and Zuri always open it with her nose :rolleyes: I keep the doors shut… Welcome to the forum! Your preparations sound great!!! ;) And I'm also looking forward to the pics.
  • My First Posting

    Member Introductions
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    2k Views
    wizardW
    Welcome to our pack - you'll find basenjis have their own unique quirks so feel free to ask questions, post frustrations, and share good times. We've all "been there, done that".
  • First Time Owner Of A Basenji

    Member Introductions
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    8k Views
    jys1011J
    Welcome!! I would also add that Basenjis are high energy dogs…umm so good luck having them "calm" down :) But if you exercise them often they will come home to sleep! Which is great down time for you. They will also do these wild sprints around your house/yard/wherver there's space!! We call it the "Basenji 500" because it's JUST as fast as the Daytona 500 or the Indy 500 :)