Skip to content

Is my dog a basenji? Different tail?

Basenji Talk
  • 0_1493235871430_IMG_1759.JPG

    So when I rescued him from a shelter they told me she was a terrier mix but then a vet told me she's a basenji. However, the tail looks different from most basenjis I've seen. What do you say?

  • I'd like to see more pictures, preferably standing up, side view. How big is she? What kind of vocalizations does she make?

  • Shes small about 20 lbs. she is pretty quiet unless someone comes to the door or is outside of our fence then she barks a lot.

  • Maybe a Basenji cross. She has some similarities but certainly not a purebred. A DNA test would be interesting.

  • @cnunley7 Very cute..... possible that she is a Basenji mix

  • @cnunley7 Does she have a normal dog bark, or the singular "Boof"..... Boof...... Boof. She does look like she had basenji in her.

  • We have a black and white purebred that looks similar and he has a curly tail and very pointy ears. Never heard him bark. Only "howled" a few times when our son was teasing him and he was too small to jump off the ottoman. Other than that, when someone comes he takes off as do most basenjis unless they know and can see who the person is. They are naturally very suspicious of other people. However, he is super sweet and just love him to pieces!!!

    Your's looks the closest I have seen that is not a purebred though. Very cute doggie!!!

  • @bwbasenji23 said in Is my dog a basenji? Different tail?:

    Other than that, when someone comes he takes off as do most basenjis unless they know and can see who the person is.

    None of my basenjis take off when strangers arrive. They love people, even new ones. Basenjis that are well socialized should not take off over strangers.

    You said your dog is young.. 8 1/2 mos. Get him out a lot more, get people to come over JUST to see him. Go to the park with a buddy, have them give strangers treats (small ones! You don't want to make him sick!) and have them pass by and toss to him until he starts really getting happy about people coming near. In a few weeks, he'll be greeting company happily. :) Since you trained him so fast to use a bell, I have no doubt you'll be able to have him comfortable with strangers in no time.

  • We are a family of 6 but if someone comes in the house he will take off then come back in to check them out. He does really like people. He plays quite a bit with other dogs and with the size family he's probably over socialized with the number of people my kids bring back and forth. LOL.. He seems to gravitate towards big dogs too which is pretty funny. I think he thinks he's bigger than he is. He really really loves to run so when we take him to the school field down the street he runs his heart out with the other dogs.

Suggested Topics

  • Is my dog a Basenji mix?

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    1k Views
    ZandeZ
    @eeeefarm said in Is my dog a Basenji mix?: Genetics is such an interesting subject! And the most understandable book on the subject is Mary Lou Kenworthy's ! Recommended to everyone if it is still available.
  • 0 Votes
    16 Posts
    14k Views
    R
    First, thank you for the honest evaluation of your situation. Basenjis are dogs that consider who they live wit, to be part of their pack - family. They only chew or destroy things when they are bored, or mad at you. (Yes, I know people will disagree, but I have had basenjis for 25 years and have witnessed this activity. This included one dog jumping on the table, with me sitting 3 feet away, and peeing in a circle, as if saying, "There, take that!”) A young basenji, under say, 8 years, will do this when left alone for so long. (Yes, I know people will disagree, but I have had basenjis for 25 years and have witnessed this activity. This included one dog jumping on the table, with me sitting 3 feet away, and peeing in a circle, as if saying, "There, take that!) You write that you live with 3 roommates. You do not mention if this will change, so I will assume it will not. Personally, I think it is very unkind (to them AND the dog) of you to bring a basenji into this living arrangement. Unless ALL the roommates understand, and agree, to sharing their lives with a dog that will require so much of their time. The tiniest thing left on the floor could be destroyed, and could even harm the dog. Bathroom doors left open? A basenji might not be able to find anything as much fun, grab the toilet paper, and run. Fun, fun, fun!!! For the dog. You are researching enough to show that you are checking really well to see if a basenji will fit into your life. In my opinion, not just yet. Maybe later when your life has settled a bit. Oh, just remembered you mentioning you studying, the dog doing its thing. It might happen, but if the dog thinks your attention should be on him/her, you may not like that something. Best of luck in your studies, and with where ever your life leads you!
  • Basenji + ? other dog breeds ?

    Basenji Talk
    2
    1 Votes
    2 Posts
    2k Views
    G
    My mix is just a little shorter, and there's a similar thread going on here right now. As I say in that one, only DNA can tell you. https://basenjiforums.com/topic/14838/i-know-you-are-tired-of-being-asked/5 -Joanne
  • A Basenji Tail :)

    Basenji Talk
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    3k Views
    Forever AmberF
    @khanis: Very bizarre… I heard a story like this years ago but had forgotten all about it. Story was VERY similar. Thanks for the jog down memory lane. Wish you could remember. The story behind the story for me. I must have been in 4th or 5th grade (so would have been 1971 or 72) and had to write a story along the lines of Paul Bunyan, a tall tale. My mother was helping me and told me this story as an example and being the rotten kid I was I wrote it down and turned it in :rolleyes:. Since its almost 40 years later it's not exactly as told given the years and memory loss I filled in what I couldnt remember. I do recall my teacher telling me that my story was not a tall tale not sure what grade I got on it more than likely it was what I deserved:(
  • Basenji nightmare at dog training

    Basenji Talk
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    BaMicaB
    I have been taking Mica to a "rally-1" obedience training at the novice level. This involves doing sit, down, 360/270/turns, left turn, right turn, walk slow, walk normal or fast, weave inbetween cones, and she likes it as a challenge to do things alot of it is at the "heeling" side and than there is front and around the back to the side, too - But I think she will be going to an agility class someday - she likes to balance on and walk for 10-12 feet on logs in the water by the swamp, and also across the dried river beds in the woods, and run through the culvert at the dog park. She has also jumped through a hoop at the dog park. It seems to challenge her. She likes to be kept active. BaMicas mom
  • Basenjis & other dogs

    Basenji Talk
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    Y
    In my personal opinion, basenjis don't get along with most dogs generally unless they are brought up to do so. They are a small package with a big attitude. My dog liked some dogs, others she would have outright wars with, especially if it had anything to do with her territory. My girl had a peeing competition with the scottie terrier across the way from us, every time we let her out, the first thing on her agenda was race off and to reclassify her boundaries! And when the scottie was let out she did the same.