Skip to content

Looking for basenji owners in MD

Basenji Talk
  • Hello,
    I dont own a basenji, but we are thinking about one.
    I have few questions,
    the reason for my questions is - my husband is allergic to most of the dogs.
    I heard that Basenji is one of the dogs that might not cause strong alergic reaction, but we don't want to bring one home and find out that we cannot keep it.

    1. is it true that this dog almost doesn't shed?
    2. is there anybody here who owns one and located in Mongomery county MAryland, or close by?
      Are there any gathering or clubs for people who onws basenji in this area?
      We are trying to find a way for my husband to touch one and see what his reaction is.
      I greately appreciate any help.
  • There's a Basenji club in Maryland:
    http://www.mabasenji.org/

    I've been told that to truly test for allergies, you should skip your daily medication and visit a home with more than one.

  • Every dog sheds…it's a part of nature. Some don't shed as much. Yes, even poodles shed. :)

  • Hi yul, Welcome to Basenji Forums!

    There is no dog breed that is truly non-allergenic (not allergy causing) because all dogs produce dander (shed skin cells), saliva, and urine. You can be allergic to the dog dander, dog saliva, or both. Urine is less of a problem since dogs usually potty outside.

    Pet hair itself is not an allergen, but it can collect dander, dust, and pollen.

    To answer the question about shedding, Basenjis do shed, but its not as much as some other breeds and they keep themselves very clean with their own grooming methods. Their coats are so short, though, with you'll hardly notice if they shed.

    Basenjis are known to supposedly produce less dander than other breeds, and many people who are mildly allergic to dogs can tolerate some of these "low dander" dog breeds with proper environmental controls.

    Be careful though, as there are no guarantees. People's pet allergies vary greatly. Severe pet allergy sufferers may not tolerate any dogs at all, even with the best environmental controls.

Suggested Topics

  • Does my dog look basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    17
    1 Votes
    17 Posts
    2k Views
    MrsCastroM
    @scewbydoo One of our vet techs volunteers with the shelter where she was born. Her mom was labeled as Jack Russell. Her goofy nature makes me think Boxer mix, but who knows. The shelters down in S. TX aren't the most accurate at breed identification. I once had a shelter in San Antonio send me a picture of a brindle Basenji they wanted me to pull...it was a calico cat. Regardless of breed, Roxy is home.
  • Looking into a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    @jdido09: I am looking into getting a Basenji and am really excited. I am a college student and am interested in getting a dog to train as a service dog (Canine Good Citizen). I want to get my dog involved in the Pet friend program at the local Children's Hospital, I know more people with therapy dogs of all breeds that came from rescue than from breeder… maybe because many of the people I know doing therapy are also involved in rescue, but please consider that a GOOD rescue keeps a dog a couple of months before placing. A GOOD rescue can help you evaluate and find a dog with the temperament. That said, sorry... I don't think a dog, particularly a Basenji, is probably a good choice for you right now. Why rush? Finish college, find out for SURE if you are maybe going to grad school or maybe ending up with some super job that demands many hours work or travel. I know you are excited... but think of being fair to the dog. How about fostering basenjis for a while. A win/win. You get to truly know the breed AND it gives you time to finish school and determine what your "grownup" life style is going to be. Rescues are full of dogs from people who were young and in college and THOUGHT they knew because it is hard to imagine the changes coming your way soon.
  • The Essence of a Basenji Owner

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    MacPackM
    Yes, they are "naturals" for basenji ownership. Admiration of your basenji's cleverness is a wonderful point of view!
  • Something all basenji owners know

    Basenji Talk
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    5k Views
    BuanaB
    Our boys don't touch human food at home, when I put my dinner at the couch next to Buana or chaufuko they won't look up… :D Also when we aren't in the room they won't steal food from the table (thank god because they should be really fat already thanks to the cats and Ryan) When it's on the floor, they will steal it :D
  • Central Florida Basenji Owners

    Basenji Talk
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    iluvmaliI
    Tampa's about an 1 1/2 drive for me… but I would like info, maybe I could come up once a month.
  • The Basenji Owners Manual

    Basenji Talk
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    8k Views
    thunderbird8588T
    Have sent for my book, can hardly wait, all we need now is the Basenji :)