Is my pup part basenji?

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  • K

    0_1613594337488_FACE39B9-0235-4518-9140-47EDE3515C91.jpeg 0_1613590946503_04B6135E-E8C9-49AA-9E1C-1BA8F1FC1B3F.jpeg
    I got my Sadie girl from a shelter and they had told us that she was an Australian Shepherd/ Pointer mix. But through observing her behaviors compared to my brother’s mini Aussie, as well as my mothers Pointer, she seems to have very few characteristics of either.

    I didn’t hear any sort of bark out of her until she was at least 2 y/o and the bark she has now is more like a little scruffy noise, she self grooms constantly, gets on the counters, is very independent and only gives out cuddles on her own terms, she’s AMAZING with all types of dogs, despite years of training she wanders wayyy too far whenever I let her off leash and will only come back when she’s explored all that she’s wanted to, shreds all paper products (paper towels are gold to her), digs huge holes all over the yard, chews things whenever I don’t give her enough attention, is very observant and always aware of what’s going on, will pause on walks to let people pass because she doesn’t like people walking behind her, and she doesn’t hurt cats, frogs, lizards, ducks, squirrels or chickens but she loves to stalk them and chase them. I feel like researching Basenjis has helped me understand so much more about her than I had before, but she could just be a little quirky girl made up of a beautiful mix of dog breeds. Please let me know what y’all think!

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  • J

    @khayden Well, I gotta say... THAT is THE best description of behaviors I've seen for quite some time. If I hadn't seen the picture I'd be saying "Yeah, that definitely sounds Basenji to me." That I have seen the picture just further bolsters your case in my mind. I kinda like that she's fuzzy! I like her ears too. A tad too big, but really cute.

    DNA Breed Test this pup!!! Another perfect candidate, in my opinion!

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  • K

    @jengosmonkey thank you!!! And yes I’m saving up for a DNA test!! Thank you so much for you feedback it’s very helpful!! I’m only 20 and she’s only 5, but I love her characteristics so much that I will only be getting Basenjis for my future dogs. Safe to say that I’ve joined the club!!

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  • J

    @khayden Our first Basenji was a rescue. I tip toed into it. Always thought they were a bit odd having been raised with Shelties. He was so special. We're on our second and third now. I love all kinds of dog breeds, but like you I'm hooked on Basenjis now. They just crack me up. Insane non stop entertainment and affection all the time. :smiling_face_with_heart-eyes: :thumbs_up:

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  • A

    That sounds Basenji-like to me and even her white markings look similar. She sounds like a bundle of joy I'm glad you found her 🤗

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  • T

    Shredding paper sealed it for me!

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  • C

    I think the behaviors are compelling. Hope you can confirm suspicions. I am guessing one of the parents were full or half basenji. Gorgeous!

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  • elbrantE

    To me, the face says, "mix", but... I'm looking forward to the DNA results!

    elbrant.net

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  • K

    What a lovely community that I have stumbled upon!! Thank you all so much for your feedback y’all have no idea how much appreciate this. I will be DNA testing ASAP!!

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  • C

    Is my rescue part Basenji?

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    ZandeZ
    @carlbick Ah, so you and Connie are not in Puerto Rico - for some reason I assumed you were. It's great that such organisations exist. The health tests I was referring to are those for Fanconi and PRA which Basenjis do need their DNA checking for and which are additional to the normal health checks which would be expected from such a responsible organisation. They are equally essential in the case of Basenjis. Which raises an interesting point - should they be done on dogs which are proven to have at least a mix of Basenji in their ancestry ? Fanconi, I would think possibly but not sure about PRA (progressive retinal atrophy). In view of the similarity to a human's of the configuration of a Basenji's kidneys (the reason they were the subject years ago of so much research by Jackson Laboratories at Bar Harbor, Maine) I wonder if this 'difference' in Basenji kidneys is passed on in a mix ?
  • H

    Basenji or not ????

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    DebraDownSouthD
    I have to go read your link, but having been called to the shelter to see a chow that was an overweigh pomeranian, a rottweiler that was a lovely hound dog (Rottie rescue in FL told me keep quiet, they knew it wasn't a rottie but had a good home so just get it. I expected a LITTLE Rottweiler looking... bahahaha, no.)... vets who thought our basenjis were so many other things, not much surprises me.
  • 600Momma6

    New to the Forum/pretty sure my rescue is part Basenji-

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    M
    Hi Angie, She does look like a Brindle Basenji. Also i think Basenji's eyes look like they are wearing eyeliner. Hope you and your family are enjoying her and the many wonders of the Basenji breed.
  • L

    My Basenjis

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    P
    As mine age I try to keep a bit of weight on them because I know they may reach a stage when they just don't keep weight as the organs weaken.
  • S

    New Basenji person in North Seattle (pup is 1 week old)

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    nomrbddgsN
    Humane is a double edged sword IMO. Yes, they do help dogs, but there are problems with the agency as well. There are many breeds that would now be extinct except for breeders who had the dedication to keep the breed alive. Basenji's would never be known in the world except for dedication of someone who decided to take them from Africa. The Chinook was saved from extinction in 1981 with 11 breedable dogs! So breeders have their place, and definitely the humane has it's place. I don't discount them, there are just two sides to the story. Of course this is MO only!
  • boxman2572B

    Kaylee the Basenji

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    JasonWheelerJ
    Good lookin dog! I was lucky I got mine at the shelter two days before he would be put to sleep.