@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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Adopted a girl Basenji, neuter boy?
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I had posted earlier this year about whether we should neuter our male. I was surprised at the responses as most if not all said we should not neuter him.
However we just adopted a 2 year old female, our boy is now 13 months. Since we have a female in the house now do you recommend neutering him asap?
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Is the girl spayed? And if not are you prepared to separate them for at least 30 days when she comes in season? Also making sure that there are NO neighborhood dogs that could get to her? This means is you go to dog parks that would be a NoNo for at least 45 days.
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@cognition It makes no difference. It is still not good for the boy to be castrated. Now you have to be patient for about a month every year and keep them apart ! It is not good to neuter either of them - for their own sakes. Leave them entire and learn to live with it - for their sakes.
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Sorry, but I believe that dogs' health should come first. I understand the dilemma that it puts shelters and rescue agencies in, but in general I believe if you can't handle having intact dogs don't get them. Full stop.
The more research that is done the more clear it is that we hurt dogs by neutering them. Yes it is annoying to keep a bitch safe once or twice a year when it is in heat, but if you aren't willing to do that why would you get it? Nor should his health suffer because you chose to get a bitch and seem unsure of your ability to keep them separated. I really wish people asked this question before adding an intact dog to their family.
The next question is whether you are willing to keep them apart and want help with ideas on how to make it as peceful as possible. Having lived with a male dog that howled the entire time we had a bitch in heat, I can only say that it isn't Fun but it is doable. You can do this!
