New here and to this breed. I just read something about this dog that it doesn't bark? How true? I want to own one.
They don't bark like a 'normal' dog. But they are very vocal. They can make all sorts of sounds and they can scream oh and they definately howl. This is NOT the only reason to own one of these dogs. They are very high energy and I would consider high maintenance. They are stubborn and can be difficult to train. Do your research and try to meet someone who has this breed. They are not the dog for everyone but for those who they are meant for they are perfect in all ways. I saw in another post that you want them to get along with a bigger dog? Basenji's are a BIG dog in a little package. If you have a male dog then I would go for a female B. If it is the opposite then go for a male B. Good luck on your pursiut of the B.
hello Gary - welcome to the Basenji Forum. Glad you found it. 
PLEASE read lots of information about the basenji breed before you EVER think of getting one. Many people buy them because they are cute and don't bark. Then they realized how much exercise they need - long walks and running time at least twice a day. Also, if you work and no one else is in the home, it can be a challenge because basenjis love to be with their owners. I believe you have good intentions, but many basenjis wind up in rescue facilities because the owners did not realize that they can be a high maintenance dog.
Many of us who own basenjis spent a year/years researching the dog and looking for good breeders before getting their basenji(s). Many of the people on this forum are dedicated breeders who will give you wonderful information. I agree with Krunzer. Do you know anyone who has a basenji? Are there any dog shows you can get to where you could meet the dogs, their owners and various breeders? I really believe this is something that EVERYONE who wants a basenji should do.
Please stick around with us. Ask lots of questions - there are no dumb questions. Everyone here will answer and give their experiences so that if you do get a basenji, you will know exactly what your next 15 years will be like (they are a long lived dog when kept healthy).
Welcome! People get basenjis because they don't bake, have no odor and shed very little. Good things. Then they find out they have a maniac who can scream like a human being murdered when they are unhappy, howl like a wolf, and destroy a sofa in under 10 minutes. They need lot of exercise and socialization and an owner who does not dominate but is a leader. And they really prefer to have another basenji or 2 in their personal pack.
Are they all like that? No, but some are, and most are challenging for the first year or so, like any dog. The problem with basenjis is they are so darn smart, they can trick us to get their way over and over…and most of us are proud of them for it! They can be very stubborn, so it's kind of like having a 25 pound , fearless cat around the house!
If that doesn't change your mind, keep reading about them. You just might be one of the lucky folks who see the humor in being outsmarted by your dog and will be an excellent basenji-slave.
Welcome! People get basenjis because they don't bake, have no odor and shed very little. Good things. Then they find out they have a maniac who can scream like a human being murdered when they are unhappy, howl like a wolf, and destroy a sofa in under 10 minutes. They need lot of exercise and socialization and an owner who does not dominate but is a leader. And they really prefer to have another basenji or 2 in their personal pack.
Are they all like that? No, but some are, and most are challenging for the first year or so, like any dog. The problem with basenjis is they are so darn smart, they can trick us to get their way over and over…and most of us are proud of them for it! They can be very stubborn, so it's kind of like having a 25 pound , fearless cat around the house!
If that doesn't change your mind, keep reading about them. You just might be one of the lucky folks who see the humor in being outsmarted by your dog and will be an excellent basenji-slave.
So it's the Bakeless dog of the Congo. I'd be overweight if Buddy could bake. Forget it, he never cleans up his messes anyway.
Dan, JaBok my Basenji really hates to be hugged.
I hope you do a lot of research before taking on a Basenji. You'll get lots of information here.
