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Does my dog look basenji?

Basenji Talk

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  • 0 Votes
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    R
    First, thank you for the honest evaluation of your situation. Basenjis are dogs that consider who they live wit, to be part of their pack - family. They only chew or destroy things when they are bored, or mad at you. (Yes, I know people will disagree, but I have had basenjis for 25 years and have witnessed this activity. This included one dog jumping on the table, with me sitting 3 feet away, and peeing in a circle, as if saying, "There, take that!ā€) A young basenji, under say, 8 years, will do this when left alone for so long. (Yes, I know people will disagree, but I have had basenjis for 25 years and have witnessed this activity. This included one dog jumping on the table, with me sitting 3 feet away, and peeing in a circle, as if saying, "There, take that!) You write that you live with 3 roommates. You do not mention if this will change, so I will assume it will not. Personally, I think it is very unkind (to them AND the dog) of you to bring a basenji into this living arrangement. Unless ALL the roommates understand, and agree, to sharing their lives with a dog that will require so much of their time. The tiniest thing left on the floor could be destroyed, and could even harm the dog. Bathroom doors left open? A basenji might not be able to find anything as much fun, grab the toilet paper, and run. Fun, fun, fun!!! For the dog. You are researching enough to show that you are checking really well to see if a basenji will fit into your life. In my opinion, not just yet. Maybe later when your life has settled a bit. Oh, just remembered you mentioning you studying, the dog doing its thing. It might happen, but if the dog thinks your attention should be on him/her, you may not like that something. Best of luck in your studies, and with where ever your life leads you!
  • 0 Votes
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    J
    Thanks everyone for your help!
  • Looking into Basenjis

    Basenji Talk
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    wizardW
    I forgot to mention that they can also be extreme houdinis. My female has learned how to manipulate the latch on her crate so I have to use a lock and she taught herself how to open the screen door. My friend had a male that could climb an 8 foot fence and escape. Be sure to check about such things when you talk with breeders or BRAT.
  • Looking into a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
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    DebraDownSouthD
    @jdido09: I am looking into getting a Basenji and am really excited. I am a college student and am interested in getting a dog to train as a service dog (Canine Good Citizen). I want to get my dog involved in the Pet friend program at the local Children's Hospital, I know more people with therapy dogs of all breeds that came from rescue than from breederā€¦ maybe because many of the people I know doing therapy are also involved in rescue, but please consider that a GOOD rescue keeps a dog a couple of months before placing. A GOOD rescue can help you evaluate and find a dog with the temperament. That said, sorry... I don't think a dog, particularly a Basenji, is probably a good choice for you right now. Why rush? Finish college, find out for SURE if you are maybe going to grad school or maybe ending up with some super job that demands many hours work or travel. I know you are excited... but think of being fair to the dog. How about fostering basenjis for a while. A win/win. You get to truly know the breed AND it gives you time to finish school and determine what your "grownup" life style is going to be. Rescues are full of dogs from people who were young and in college and THOUGHT they knew because it is hard to imagine the changes coming your way soon.
  • Any Basenji Therapy dogs?

    Basenji Talk
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    E
    I used to always take Senji with me to the nursing home where my grandmother stayed for 1 1/2 years before she passed away. They allowed people to bring pets in to visit. Senji knew exactly where grandma's room was, even though it was down at the end of the hall. He also liked to jump into bed with grandma's roommate, who was a middle-aged stroke patient. He never got snarky or nippy at any of the other residents. It's like he knew they were old and disabled. The only time he's act up would be when he'd encounter the resident cat. :D
  • Basenjis & other dogs

    Basenji Talk
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    Y
    In my personal opinion, basenjis don't get along with most dogs generally unless they are brought up to do so. They are a small package with a big attitude. My dog liked some dogs, others she would have outright wars with, especially if it had anything to do with her territory. My girl had a peeing competition with the scottie terrier across the way from us, every time we let her out, the first thing on her agenda was race off and to reclassify her boundaries! And when the scottie was let out she did the same.