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.
Basenji owners in Austin Tx
-
Hello everyone! Just wondering if anyone near the Austin tx area or San Antonio/new braunfuls area owns a basenji or knows of any basenji groups that meet up periodically! Our baby is only 4months at the moment but it would be so much fun to take her to a basenji meeting when she gets older and have her play with some basenjis like her! Thanks for any info!!
-
@pearlypoo Hi there! We don't have a basenji but are interested in getting one. Since I"m very allergic to dogs I'm eager to spend some time up close and personal with a basenji to see how my allergies behave. If you are ever up for a meet-up in the Austin area, I'd love to meet your pup! Sorry I can't offer any basenji playdates . . . but who knows . . . maybe I will be able to before too long!
-
@susanna - Great idea to spend time with a Basenji due to your allergies, however meeting at a place were there are other breeds of dogs may not really let you see how your allergies react. If you do that, I recommend that something that the basenji has slept on for a few days (like a hand towel) be brought in a plastic bag. You take that home and sleep with it under your pillow... will give you a better idea of a reaction. Note that Basenjis do shed and do have dander but less then many other dogs so sometimes good for people with some allergies.
-
Hi, I am former Basenji owner who is looking to become one again. I am having a hard time locating a breeder or someone with a litter close enough to me "I live in same general area as you do" can you tell me where you got yours.
Thanks!
-
@Golf_Guy - Go to www.basenji.org and there is a link Find a Puppy that will take you to links to search by state. These are members of the Basenji Club of America (parent Basenji Club) and are breeders that health test... do not just use a web based site that can't produce or point you to www.offa.org that publishes health testing to the public. Here is a link of a well tested Basenjis. You need registration number or name and you should check it out for yourself. http://www.offa.org/display.html?appnum=1415062#animal
-
Dear Basenji Owners of Austin,
My family and I recently relocated from Austin, TX to Los Angeles, CA. We downsized and therefore did not bring our two Basenji's with us (male and female). We have friend watching them for us right now but they cannot keep them much longer. Dragon (the male) and Corazon (female) are amazing pets and companions but we simply cannot care for them in our new home in Los Angeles. Ideally we would like to give them both to one caring and loving owner but if that is not an option then we are open to separating them. We are under a bit of a time crunch so if anyone out there is interested or knows of someone who might be please contact me directly at lpatinoatx@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
The Patino Family
-
@lpatinoatx - I answered your question on the thread you started
-
@lpatinoatx I hope you find a loving home for your two babies. I would offer to take one but we just cant have two of them at this time :(!!
-
@susanna Hey there Susanna! It is great that you are interested in a basenji! they are crazy but sweet family pets! I am sorry that it took me so long to get back with you as I am just now seeing this! Maybe we could arrange something some time if you were still open to the idea!
-
@pearlypoo thanks for the well wishes. It's been a very difficult decision but we want the best for them.
