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  • TWICE today! Grrrrr!

    Basenji Talk 8 Jul 2011, 03:23
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    @tanza: Note the other thread on temperament. It was a known fact many years ago that Basenjis would bite first, ask questions later. I hear this from time to time and smile. My first Basenji that I had in 1966 had the best temperament of any of them. She was absolutely fine with anyone and everyone, loved children, was aloof but not snarky with adults, and I could take her anywhere. My Mom took her on a Humane Society tag day, lots of strangers patting her and when one picked her up she yodeled! If I disturbed her when she was sleeping, she would grumble, and if I picked her up when she was comfortable she would snarl…...sounded like a fire engine.....but she would never nip or bite. I have never known a Basenji that wouldn't snark if you disturb them when they are comfortable, but most of mine were all noise, no action. Like most breeds, there are good and bad. I think one reason people get the impression they are nasty is that most Basenjis will stand on their dignity and don't suffer personal disrespect gladly. You generally can't take liberties with one that doesn't know you.
  • It is all in the look …

    Basenji Talk 7 Jan 2011, 11:14
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    I think it is a built in survival trait; however, I would like to take it one step further & say that they LEARN over time that this look keeps them out of trouble. Mine have perfected "the look" and use it on unsuspecting guests for attention. Callie, in particular, has the most woebegone expression, and she uses it on those she can tell are suckers. A friend recently stayed with me for the weekend. All weekend, she was saying "Oh poor Callie! Look at her face." I kept insisting to her that Callie was playing her for a sucker, and she was feeding into it. She was convinced Callie was sad or upset. While we were watching a movie, Callie fell asleep on top of my friend on the couch. Movie over, I headed off to bed & she said she was also going to be going to bed soon. The next morning I found my friend on the couch with BOTH basenjis on top of her. Once Callie settled in, she felt like it would be mean to wake her up, so she slept on the couch all night so as not to disturb Callie. I think it is instinctual/survival, but I think they learn to work it to their advantage for sure!
  • Saw a basenji mix today…

    Basenji Talk 4 May 2010, 01:43
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  • Look at the cute puppies!

    Basenji Talk 23 Dec 2008, 11:41
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    Very cute! :)
  • Zahra is 2 today!

    Basenji Talk 14 Feb 2008, 03:02
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    Happy Baroooooday Zahara :D :D
  • I saw a Basenji again!

    Basenji Talk 14 Jul 2007, 00:39
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    This is all too funny!:) When we got Metinga (our 1st B) 5yrs ago, we used to get stopped quite a lot with ppl asking "what kind of dog is she, she's very pretty". One day I had a man at the dog park ask me "is she a Dingo", I said no close relative though. Now a days I have found more ppl recognize the breed here in Calgary. They still ask but more now say "what beautiful Basenjis". As far as other Bs go, I have met a few more ppl w/Bs here in Calgary. Helix and Metinga had there first try at lure coursing a month ago. We met a lady that had 2 female Bs and they live 5min away from us,….who'd a thought!:eek: Apparently there are others that attend practice but were not out that day. One Sunday I went to our annual Dog Jog for the Humane Society and this couple came running up to me and said "we saw your 2 Bs and just had to come meet you!" They have a 3yr old, red/white male (who is a lot smaller than Helix). There has actually been quite a few Bs that we have seen and met out at the dog park we go to. One couple we met bought a 4mth old, red/white female from Petland Pet Store. I was both surprised and horrified all at the same time. They told me a local breeder was selling them to Petland!:mad: Another couple that we see out there has a little black/white female about 6-7mths old. A few years back before we got Helix, we met a lady out there that had an older female, red/white. Her B- Rosie, has since died. Had also seen a big male brindle, but have never seen him since. All in all though, the number of Bs in Calgary is still quite low- about 6-12 or so. Rhonda- Helix and Metang's mom:)