Hey okay so this is wild but I figured I wanted to reach out! So I rescued my pup and his siblings from Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria and we have always wondered his breed. We know his mom is a chihuahua mix but it wasn’t until today that I realized he might be mixed with Basenji. I came across your post because we were trying to see if Basenji’s were even in PR. Do you know what city your little guy was picked up in?
Marvin... Basenji?
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@scraplover72
He appears he could be part Basenji. His characteristics sound basenji-like. Only way to know for sure is a DNA test. Congratulations - you are lucky to have found each other. I can see why you’re obsessed with him - he’s a BEAUTIFUL dog!
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@scraplover72 Only a DNA test will tell you for sure - there are several things Marvin COULD have in his make-up. Basenji is indeed one of them, but we'd need to see photos of him standing up, side-ways on, and even then couldn't be sure.
Whatever he is, he's Marvin and you can love him !
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Thank you both!
Here’s a side view. We have the DNA test coming today and I think it will take at least a few weeks before we know. I am so curious to know, especially due to lack of barking.
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Possibly a mix. I see some Basenji-like characteristics.
Basenji's are known for a square body shape - which is why the community will ask for (a side view) picture of the dog standing. We are looking to see if the length of the legs and back for that square.-like shape. Marvin's back is so much longer than his legs = no square shape, therefore not pure Basenji.
Another thing that would help would be the dogs weight and height. Again, we are trying to determine if the dog meets Basenji standards. But, from the picture, I'm taking a wild guess that he isn't in the "typical" 20-25# range. Another thing that he inherited by "the other breed". But you never know... there could be a lot of other combinations at play here. Marvin could be part (smooth coat) Portuguese Podengo, a breed that is similar to the Basenji.
As @Kembe mentioned, the only way to know for sure is with a DNA test. If you decide to get one, please share the results.
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Thank you!
Yes he is 28 pounds, so a bit bigger. I have not measured him height-wise.
I’ll let you know when I get the DNA results
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He isn't as square as a Basenji, but I had one purebred that looked a lot like him so still quite possible, especially with the characteristics you describe.
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@scraplover72
If he had a tightly curled tail - I’d swear that photo was my purebred Kembe. -
IMO, part basenji. He's so handsome!
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@scraplover72 Oh my goodness. He is an absolute L-O-V-E.
And please don't waste your money on DNA breed testing. They, in fact, can NOT tell you anything for sure. They are simply recreational commercial exercises.
Enjoy your special boy! -
Hi beautiful boy. Congratulations on your new love. My first reaction is not Basenji.
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I have absolutely no doubts he is part basenji. Beautiful dog. Enjoy him.
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28 pounds for a male Basenji is not unusal. His markings definitely resemble a Basenji.
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@scraplover72 Definitely seeing Basenji in Marvin.
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@elbrant said in Marvin... Basenji?:
Basenji's are known for a square body shape - which is why the community will ask for (a side view) picture of the dog standing. We are looking to see if the length of the legs and back for that square.-like shape.
Not precisely. A great many true Basenjis are not square, some are long cast and others high on the leg, but what I am looking for as well is the tuck, the depth of brisket and overall body shape which defines a Basenji. Height, weight, outline - all come into it but so too does body shape.
And feet.
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He is SO beautiful!!!! Congratulations on your new family addition. He looks like some Basenji in there, but we love all Basenjis...even if they are simply Basenji wannabes!!!!! Welcome to the group!
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And the verdict is in....
ZERO basenji. I was shocked!
He’s 50% cattle dog and 36% American Staffordshire Terrier and the rest random stuff like Cathoula Leopard, Mexican street dog, French bull dog.
So interesting! I appreciate everyone’s input. I just love my sweet boy so much and I’m happy to know his background..
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@jot said in Marvin... Basenji?:
I am starting to have less and less faith in DNA testing to determine lineage. He is Marvin - that is more than enough to endear him to you and everyone else.
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@scraplover72 said in Marvin... Basenji?:
ZERO basenji
I'm shocked! And I would never have suggested Cattle dog/American Staffordshire. Wow!
Fun to have this story added to the "Adventures of Marvin"! Enjoy him! -
@scraplover72
He is one handsome boy! Doesn't really matter who his parents are if you love them and they love you!. So glad you found each other. Enjoy the ride. -
@scraplover72
I am shocked! I would have bet $$ that he was part basenji!! Regardless - he’s adorable and you’re both lucky to have found each other!️
