@basenjicurious
It’s great that you’re doing your homework on the basenji. I think the reason you read all these “horror stories” is because they are not your typical dog. They are a beautiful and highly intelligent breed with a very strong prey drive. My Kembe is my first basenji but I was familiar with the breed because my brothers were basenji owners. I got her when she was 1years old - she was returned to the breeder by the previous owners. Kembe has never been destructive, she has free reign of our house, and I can leave her at home alone. It’s extremely important to exercise them regularly - especially exercise and stimulate their minds, and establish a routine (I can set my watch to my dog). They are definitely trainable - it scares me to see how smart she is and also well behaved. Basenjis are extremely lovable and hilariously funny. If I have a treat that my dog especially likes - she will do her whole “repertoire of tricks” without me even asking her. She dances to let me know it’s time to eat and will sit right next to me and hit me with her paw when she wants to go for her walk.
I think our basenji chose us - when we went to the breeders home to look at her - She jumped up next to my husband on the couch and curled up! I was sold on her! I really hope you find a basenji that right for you!
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Who has the largest basenji?
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LOL– Ava looks like a jock. She's 20.5 lbs at 8 months, but she's muscular and very strong and beats up on the boys. She's like Pigpen -- she doesn't care how dirty she gets and will wrestle around in the mud if you let her. She stomps through puddles and thinks it's great fun to splash muck on anybody around.
By contrast, Spencer was tall and lean and as graceful as a gazelle. He was neutered young and his growth plates took longer to close, so his legs were long and coltish. He was fastidious and dainty and HATED to get dirty. No way he would step in a puddle and get his feet wet!
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Both boys we have owned have been the same way, very clean. They clean their paws before they come in. The girl never cares.
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LOL– the boys are neatniks and the girls are messy. I thought it would be just the opposite!
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Just so no one feels bad - Beo weighs in at 37 lbs… and that's without a speck of fat on him; I don't want to know what he'd be if he were overweight. He was expected to turn out on the big side, like a lot of the half africans. Interesting thing is that he topped out at about 8 months.. here's him next to a female basenji.
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Wow what a great looking brindle boy.
He really is big!
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Congo is 28lbs when he is at his fittest weight and sometimes gets to 30Lbs. If he gets below 28lbs, the vet says he is too skinny. Congo is definitely one of the bigger basenjis I have seen. He is about 18 inches tall.
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Mine is right at 20lbs and I feel he is a little runt. He is already 10 months so I doubt he will be getting any bigger
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awww, but the good thing about that size is that you could take him on a plane with you if need be.
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@barklessdog my basenji is 9 months and is 8 pounds
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@eeeefarm If it is a breeding trend, we are getting far too far away from the standard.
