I'm no expert, but I think it's good to find a dog that shares some of your own characteristics. If you're high-energy, active, smart, tenacious, determined, witty and adventurous, then you might love having a Basenji, since the dog will be a lot like you. The trick is, you have to show your Basenji that you're more of these things than s(h)e is. And sometimes, you just have to laugh. (Being able to transcend the material is useful, too.) 
Good luck in your search!
One thing that every Basenji owner MUST have is a sense of humor…. if you don't, this is not the breed for you!
One thing that every Basenji owner MUST have is a sense of humor…. if you don't, this is not the breed for you!
Perhaps this is why I have only met cool basenji people?
A good sense of humor is necessary. And also good if you are not attached to material things (shoes, sofas, clothes, carpets, purses)
I will say this, I wasn't known for my sense of humor before getting Oakley (1yr old male). I have always been a very serious child and adult who likes order and organization. Oakley has truly taught me the softer side of life, he has taught me to laugh, not only at him and whatever serious destruction he has caused but to laugh at myself. A chewed arm on the couch or trash strewn about my kitchen floor is nothing to get so angry about but to take a deep breath, sigh, relax and clean up the mess laughing all the while at the basenji sitting next tO me with his head tilted sideways saying "what!? , you didn't like the redecorating I did?"
Oakley has given me a gift, he really has; and for that I will always be grateful
I'm hooked for life on basenjis
I will say this, I wasn't known for my sense of humor before getting Oakley (1yr old male). I have always been a very serious child and adult who likes order and organization. Oakley has truly taught me the softer side of life, he has taught me to laugh, not only at him and whatever serious destruction he has caused but to laugh at myself. A chewed arm on the couch or trash strewn about my kitchen floor is nothing to get so angry about but to take a deep breath, sigh, relax and clean up the mess laughing all the while at the basenji sitting next tO me with his head tilted sideways saying "what!? , you didn't like the redecorating I did?"
Oakley has given me a gift, he really has; and for that I will always be grateful
I'm hooked for life on basenjis
LOL…. A great response!!!
It's the truest statement I can make, everyone who knew me and knew about the breed told me it wasn't the dog for me, and I even I had my doubts. Oakley came into my life at a very difficult life transition and I owe him immensely; it is so true that you never get the dog you want but the dog you need. As I began to fall for him, I changed myself to make me into the basenji owner you have to be to live with them. I agree they are not for the faint of heart but even stiffs like me can be made believers if the right dog fills your heart. I wish you both luck in your research, I commend you for your strong convictions this is the dog for you. It works out if you truly want it to but make no mistake that with a basenji it is never a paved road but rather a bumpy road with a lot of one way streets ( if you catch my drift)
Spent a very enjoyable afternoon with David and Mindy. All of the Basenjis were, of course, on their best behavior! They did get to see the extremely pregnant Amina, and had a chance to see Dude playing for all he was worth with Luna.
Terry
Spent a very enjoyable afternoon with David and Mindy. All of the Basenjis were, of course, on their best behavior! They did get to see the extremely pregnant Amina, and had a chance to see Dude playing for all he was worth with Luna.
Terry
How Fun!!!!
Where to start?!?
Well, thanks again for the replies…it is great to see that the Basenji community is so passionate about their dogs!
Mindy and I had an awesome afternoon with Bob & Terry! (I emailed you this morning) They not only have an amazing family of beautiful Basenjis, but they are very warm & welcoming people, so thank you!
The visit could NOT have gone any better! My main concern was Mindy's allergies, and I was pumped to see that she had ZERO reaction to all the dogs.
My second concern going in was the breeders operation as a whole (the people, surroundings, cages, etc) and like I said, we could not have asked for better people, or a better facility! Bob & Terry were very inviting, and have an awesome home for their beautiful Basenjis! We were planning on spending maybe an hour meeting them & getting to know the dogs...and before we knew it, 4 hours had gone by! Haha, needless to say, we had a great time! (hope we didn't stay too long)
My third concern was the Basenji breed itself (temperament, size, etc). We have never been around Basenjis, but of course have heard from all of you (and countless internet postings) that they are definitely "different" than other breeds (to say the least)! Once again, could NOT be happier with how our time with the Basenjis went! They were definitely full of energy & excitement, but were also very loving, playful, and cuddly!
So we are definitely moving forward with adding a Basenji puppy to our family! Will update when we finally have her/him in our arms!
David & Mindy
Good on you guys for taking this important step to determine if a basenji is right for you.
Good for you. Meeting them is so important. We always had people come to our home to meet the basenjis to get a good feel for the breed. My husband does home visits for Brat and its very important that people have an opportunity to meet a basenji. Tempest and Dancer were the walmart greeters at the Cleveland show this weekend. Our grooming area was an a busy intersection and they were more popular than at a benched show. Tempest must have been held by dozens of people this weekend, she was worn out by the end of the day. but loved every minute of it, and went BOS then BOB for the weekend.
Congrats, David and Mindy, on the wonderful new addition to your family! You will never be bored with a Basenji in the house. You will laugh a lot, shake your head often, wonder how that toilet paper got all over your house… and become much neater!
Your in for a lot of fun with a new puppy. Lots of missed sleep as well.
