Hello everyone-
I really want to get my second B. I've had Diego for a year and he is about 2 1/2 or 3. I think he would love a playmate and I would really like another one too. If not this year for sure next year. So I need to know, what is better to get already having a male- a female or another male, or does it not matter and just depend on the specific dogs. I would like your opinion. Thanks!!!
Always recommended that you get the opposite sex….. I think 99% of the time it does matter... and that opposite sexes get along much better then same sex... obviously this is not always true.. but it is the law of averages...
also- can you tell if your male dog is an alpha male if he is the only dog? and do you think he will change (attitude/personality) by adding another dog? (this is my first dog so i'm fairly new to all this!)
Always recommended that you get the opposite sex….. I think 99% of the time it does matter... and that opposite sexes get along much better then same sex... obviously this is not always true.. but it is the law of averages...
Ditto! Ditto!
also- can you tell if your male dog is an alpha male if he is the only dog? and do you think he will change (attitude/personality) by adding another dog? (this is my first dog so i'm fairly new to all this!)
It doesn't really matter if your male dog is alpha or not…what matters is if the SECOND (or third or fourth) dog you get wants to be alpha...then you have problems 
IME it is rare for a resident dog to accept a new dog of the same sex coming in and trying to gain social status higher than that resident dog.
It is always easier to bring in a puppy of the opposite sex...that doesn't guarantee that it will work, but the chances are certainly better.
thank you both for your help! i will eventually get another B so this is very useful information!
I would concur with what these ladies said. Ideally, one of each sex works best.
I adopted a rescue female for my boy as a playmate. They were both close to the same age and did great. They were close to a year and a half when I did this.
I have also (she passed) added a puppy (boy) to my male's life and he is now 6. They are great together as well. The older one takes care of the younger one. Their play levels are different, but the relationship is great as well.
It is truely and exciting experience to get to know the opposite sex of this breed. They are a little different in their behaviors. The girls are a little more growly to talk with other dogs. Boys together tend to box more and do well together with all other dogs.
Keep us posted on what you decide!! Your basenji will be so happy with a buddy female or male…..
It is usually safer to get an opposite sex playmate, but 2 males that like each other is really great too. I have 3, 2 males and a female, my older male is alpha, but both he and Nicky (girrrrl) liked Eddie when we got him, he just slid smoothly into the household. We recently found a home for a male basenji-JRT mix (99% basenji) with a 12 year old intact male basenji, and they are doing great against all odds. With basenjis, rules are made to be broken!
Anne in Tampa
It is usually safer to get an opposite sex playmate, but 2 males that like each other is really great too. I have 3, 2 males and a female, my older male is alpha, but both he and Nicky (girrrrl) liked Eddie when we got him, he just slid smoothly into the household. We recently found a home for a male basenji-JRT mix (99% basenji) with a 12 year old intact male basenji, and they are doing great against all odds. With basenjis, rules are made to be broken!
Anne in Tampa
That is true… but the law of averages say male/female.....
I've noticed that the females tend to be bossier, such as harassing the others around.
I've noticed that the females tend to be bossier, such as harassing the others around.
Could be why Jazz is known around here as Queen Bitch, or Champion Bitch.
Very well put. 
I'm almost scared to get a female 'cuz i love my laid back boys
Could be why Jazz is known around here as Queen Bitch, or Champion Bitch.
Of course she was there first…:rolleyes:
there is nothing wrong with having A girl with your boys. It really is a realm of different behaviors. A little more snuggly with looks of doting love in their eyes. A bit more control on home turf (whether at the park or at home). The females like to break up the boy boxing, but play too. They seem to be more growly vocal than the boys as well.
I have loved all of the female basenjis I have met.
The only thing I wouldnt recommend is having multiple females together unless you have a lot of patience or they are mom and daughter or litter mates.
Just my 2 cents.
Really? The females are more snuggly? I was thinking the males were far the more loving dog. Well, when my puppies get older than I guess we'll have to decide if we want a new girl or boy. I think that I would definitely have to stop at three Basenji's for quite a while though for my hands will be quite full.
Really? The females are more snuggly? I was thinking the males were far the more loving dog. Well, when my puppies get older than I guess we'll have to decide if we want a new girl or boy. I think that I would definitely have to stop at three Basenji's for quite a while though for my hands will be quite full.
If your boys are not neutered, think twice about bring in a girl unless spayed… the month that they are in season can be the longest month of your life!
If your boys are not neutered, think twice about bring in a girl unless spayed… the month that they are in season can be the longest month of your life!
I can't even imagine that!:eek:
I love my two boys to death and they both love to sit on top of me on the couch and be petted and loved on….but a girl....well it is just different.
Can anyone else explain this better? It is just different.
I'm also thinking of getting my #2 but it does seem males are more available at least as rescue is concerned. I don't want to take a chance at bringing another male B if it's going to be an issue, so I'm concerned about this as well. Thanks for all the great advise.
