Skip to content

Wanna be basenji owner

Member Introductions
  • Hey Everyone, just want to drop in here and get some info on Basenji's. Will be a first time dog owner and heard they are good with individuals with allergies.

  • Hi, welcome to the forum!

    Make sure you visit with Basenjis first to see if you do react. Some people with allergies still have reactions to Basenjis so it's best to spend some time around before you decide to get one. Good luck :)

  • Make sure you go check out the dogs first to make sure you don't have allergies to them. They are not hypoallergenic.

  • I have three and love them. They are very smart so make sure that you train them and work with them every day.

    I agree with the others. You should visit with the dog first and spend a good 30 minutes or so with them to get a good idea of how you will be.

    Good luck to you and be prepared to get stopped with every walk by someone asking you about your Basenji.

  • I wouldn't say excellent for allergies..it really depends because they still have fur not hair…and while they are meticulous about cleaning themselves they still shed and have dander...I don't have allergies but Oakleys fur still bothers me..I grew up with breeds that had hair and didnt shed...when Oakley blows his coat I especially have to vacuum everyday otherwise I get itchy..I'd spend a couple visits with basenjis before deciding if they affect you

  • Shedding, dander and saliva are probably allergy causes with animals so definitely go visit some and get right in there and get rubbed and licked and maybe even have a go at brushing one and see how you go and fingers crossed you don't have a problem.

    Jolanda and Kaiser

  • It may depend on the individual dog. I have 3 basenjis. One of my dogs makes me itch and break out in red dots on my skin when I hold him. Frequent baths help this. (He does go to therapy swims once a week, so that helps a lot, otherwise, a bath once every two weeks or so is needed) I am not allergic to dogs, just this particual individual makes me itch. He has a very harsh coat, but you probably would not be able to tell this with a puppy.

  • You can help allergic reaction with most breeds by simply grooming regularly and wiping down with even something like baby wipes. But no dog is hypoallergenic.If your allergies are mild you can do what many of us do, just take antihistamines. :) If severe, sadly you should not count on a basenji to no set them off. Some nonshedding dogs do better, but they also have dander and saliva, so they also are NOT hypoallergenic.

Suggested Topics

  • New basenji owner!!

    Member Introductions
    13
    4 Votes
    13 Posts
    3k Views
    S
    @mvdperez Thank you! She truly has been such a great addition to our family :)
  • Hopeful Basenji Owner!

    Member Introductions
    59
    2 Votes
    59 Posts
    17k Views
    M
    @vizzy First off, do not put the dogs name.... Some folks put the phone # of your vet. Stafford-Ames Morse [removed email address]
  • Basenji Owner in Florida

    Member Introductions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    Chealsie508C
    I own one of those little ratbags..lmao But I wouldn't give him up for the world..nearing three years and I'm still waiting for the "let up" Lol
  • New Basenji Owner

    Member Introductions
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    4k Views
    Buddys PalB
    Yes, welcome to the forum. Hope you find good information and make friends as we all have! Yep, they are just like potato chips!!! Can't wait for pictures of the lure course!
  • Soon to be Basenji Owner

    Member Introductions
    26
    0 Votes
    26 Posts
    13k Views
    R
    Hi everyone, I just found this forum. I have had my 2 basenji's for 3 years coming this dec 29th. They are brother/sister. We are located here in peoria, az. They are a handful especially the male who gets into everything that is not nailed down. We did all the research and new what we were getting into, that why we have 2. A tired basenji is a good banenji. We take them to the "bark park" every weekend. Its their time to meet and greet everyone. Good luck one your pup..take lots of pictures. We have taken ours to Petsmart for the professional pictures every year. It takes about 1 hour until they get the right shot. My male is very active and moves alot. Right now the little girl has valley fever we are trying to get her tiger count down, but next year I want to add to our family, (if the male alowes it). lol:)
  • New Basenji Owner

    Member Introductions
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    4k Views
    T
    I was struck by the fact that your Bernese lived to be 20 years old! Wow! I know they have had concerns with cancer in the breed, and very few of them live that long. How wonderful for you that you got to have her for that long. Terry