Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  3. Do Basenjis shed?

Do Basenjis shed?

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • B

    I haven't gotten a Basenji yet and had never heard of them until about a week ago so I have lots of questions. The first one is do they shed or not. Most of the websites that I researched said Basenjis do not shed but on reading through the forum on here, I saw several instances where they must. If they shed, how often?
    Also, are most B's grumpy or playful and affectionate. I have 2 kids in intermediate school. They are absolute dog lovers and I need to get a pet that is going to enjoy their company as well as mine.

    :cool:

    0
  • tanzaT

    @Bogie:

    I haven't gotten a Basenji yet and had never heard of them until about a week ago so I have lots of questions. The first one is do they shed or not. Most of the websites that I researched said Basenjis do not shed but on reading through the forum on here, I saw several instances where they must. If they shed, how often?
    Also, are most B's grumpy or playful and affectionate. I have 2 kids in intermediate school. They are absolute dog lovers and I need to get a pet that is going to enjoy their company as well as mine.

    :cool:

    They do shed, however typically less then other dogs… usually once a year they will shed somewhat heavy (depending on the Basenji)....
    The best suggestion is that you find a responsible breeder close to you and go and visit. Well Bred Basenjis that are properly socialized as puppies can and are great with children. But you need to go to a responsible breeder and also one that has tested any Basenjis they are breeding for Fanconi. Please visit www.basenji.org. You can find a breeder list so that you can find one in your area. Also visit "Is a Basenji right for me"?… many of your question will be answered there and also you will find links on how to find a responsible breeder.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • BarklessdogB

    They do and it's more noticeable depending on the clothes or fabric you have. Nothing like other longer haired dogs though. You really have to look for the hair.

    Brushing / petting them seems to loosen fur. We use one of those rubber massage brushes & a light coat oil and they shed quite a bit of fur, but love the rub down.

    0
  • etzbsederE

    My B sheds all year round. It's really light and usually just a quick brush of my hand, and off comes all the little hairs.

    Michael Feldman
    Gilbert, AZ

    Chaverim Basenjis

    0
  • B

    Seems we have one blow a coat every year, that's major shedding.:eek:

    Normally though, just minor shedding in the late summer.

    0
  • MantisM

    shedding will change dramatically depending on the food….

    Caesar and Cairo….the boys

    0

Suggested Topics

  • E

    IBS in basenji

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    15
    3 Votes
    15 Posts
    2k Views
    ZandeZ
    @jengosmonkey That is a very interesting link. My girl suffered none of the possible side effects. No lethargy, listlessness, weight gain and her shape remained immaculate till the day she died. But she no longer suffered from IBS.
  • R

    Sick Basenji :(

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    5k Views
    P
    I too am sorry for not seeing this thread sooner and hopefully the poster will return. My Basenji had some teeth removed and the vet prescribed Carprofen as the follow up antibiotic. My Basenji turned out to be allergic to Carprofen which caused her liver to fail. I went through the same scenario you are describing. She gradually quit eating over the course of several days and then her water consumption started to go down. The eating had me worried since she had an excellent appetite upon return from the vet and the final purging of the anesthesia from her system. Nevertheless, her condition started to degrade. I followed her outside and watched her urinate. Her urine was a very bright yellow. I suspected then a liver issue. Once back inside she was shivering - off to the vet we went. LIver panel blood work up showed very high on specific indicators for failing liver. Vet prescribed Denamarin (containing SAM-e and silybin). SAM-e helps protect liver cells from cell death and aids in cell repair and regeneration. The Vet also started fluid injections. Fluid injections were everyday for two weeks. My Basenji showed a remarkable response to the fluid injections becoming much more her normal self even after the first day. She hated the injections and I could hear her cry when receiving them at the vet (believe me that will tear you up). But she was doing better and she (me) were going to have to tuff this out. Also a different antibiotic was prescribed to prevent liver infection during recovery. The Denamarin comes in dosages based on weight (medium for us). It is the size of a large human like solid oblong vitamin pill. Instructions want you to give it on an empty stomach and preferably not to cut it or place in something similar to a pill pocket however you can if necessary. My Basenji would not take that size (can't blame her). Cutting and disguising it did not work either. I was frantic and got the SAM-e in powder form. I couldn't slip her that either. All though some folks had success with peanut butter and liverwurst. I finally after three days had to have the vet pill her along with her fluid treatments. A week later another blood sample and her liver panel indicators were coming down. The pilling would last for a month and it took two people to get the pill down her. The important part is - she fully recovered from the liver failure. She is 13 1/2 yrs old. My experience after having 5 Basenjis is that the breed is sensitive to medications (anesthesia also). Many of the medications work just fine in most other breeds and mixes. The vet, if not that experienced with the Basenji, must be cautioned. Mine was not. Before accepting any medication have the vet go over any contraindications with you and to double check their resources for potential side effects when dealing with Basenjis. They may switch to something else if a medication has a bad track history with Basenjis. Know what to watch for should your Basenji start to react in a non-positive manner. The poster did not indicate if there were medications in play when the dog started showing degenerating conditions. I sincerely hopes this helps in some way and helps other Basenji owners
  • curlytailsC

    Basenji dental

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    37
    0 Votes
    37 Posts
    15k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    @tanza: LOL …. so hmm... great weather = higher Vet costs... makes perfect sense to me!!! LOL great weather equals more want to live there. More want to live there, drives real estate costs up. Increased real estate costs drives other expenses up. LOL, it does make some sense. But then, wth is up with NYC which has icky weather? Oh wait, massive overcrowding, never mind.
  • MalidandraM

    Basenji in Alaska

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    22
    0 Votes
    22 Posts
    8k Views
    wizardW
    I saw that you have a sewing machine – its not hard to make your own coat. I made one for my previous beasties with fleece and wool. I made it with a high colar (for the backside of the neck) and an indentation for the tail and a big belly and chest band (I used snaps at first but then switched to velcro). It worked pretty good for our single digit temps (and the occasional below zero walks to the corner). My current beastie refuses to go out the door with a coat on, however. When the outside temps are below 10F she won't stay outside any longer than necessary to go potty - the squirrels can run around all they want then! With respect to booties, mine will at least tolerate them when we go for walks but it's more for the road salt. However, the good pair I bought this year leak somehow (maybe through the stitching?) and she doesn't like them with they get wet inside. Nevertheless be sure you get the best you can find.
  • AllieA

    Unusual shedding

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    2k Views
    BasenjiDivaB
    Our lab used to shed like crazy if anything stressed her. You'd think it she was like a porcipine throwing out quills. I have noticed that Jayden (who has no reason to be stressed by anything) is currently shedding. But in his case I think it is because the weather has been so weird. I think he started putting on a winter coat when we had an unusually cold spell in November. Now it is unusually warm….I think his body thinks that Spring has sprung and it is shedding some of his winter coat. Pat
  • tewwi22T

    Lazy basenjis!

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    6k Views
    B
    @jys1011: HA HA..I was thinking the same thing…where do I get a bamboo stick?? Asia is the best place.:D :D :D But I do have some in the back yard.:D