Hello! From White Rock BC!

[weitzel]

Hi everyone, I am officially a "junior" pack member hooray!

Basically, I've been wanting to get a dog of my own for about 7 years now (shortly after having to put down my old dog, Charlie) and in the past few years I've had my eye on the Basenji. I met one only once and he/she was just beautiful. I did some more research and have come to realize how well suited that particular breed would be for myself (and fiance) and our lives.
This year is going to be it! (I hope) I REALLY hope to adopt one this year sometime. I am ready to give my future basenji the best life possible. They will be the 3rd member to our small family and will come with us everywhere, if do-able

I have no preference in male or female (although have only had boy dogs in the past, so I'm used to sayig Good Boy) and I don't have a preference in colour although the red and white you can see wrinkly forehead better haha
I was hoping to find/rescue/adopt 5years or younger? But not necessarily a puppy as I don't think it would be completely fair right now.

If anyone has any ideas, suggestions or advice about anything related, it would be much appreciated! Thanks

[MrBaRooampBitty]

I have to tell you that the 2 dogs we have at present are both Rescue's. Bitty is almost 7 at this time and we got her from a couple who had never had a dog before and were Basenji ignorant, they were totally unable to figure out how to get along with her. When we got her she was not only hand shy but would respond very violently if she were covered with a towel or blanket and then touched in any way. The only thing we can figure is that he would cover her in some way to keep her from biting and then hit her. We have had her for 5 years now and she has become a total cuddle bug, sleeps under the covers with me and may on ocasion maybe growel slightly if disturbed, but no biting. She is conctantly running between Karin and I wanting to snuggle. Mr Baroo has been with us for a little over a year. He is a BRAT resuce, at first sight he looks like a muscle bound B,, heavier in the shoulders and hips, but with atightly curled tail, white tip and all, 4 well muscled legs and never goes anywhere at a walk, he eithwer runs flat out or in a beautifull bouncy canter. When BRAT notified us and asked if we would foster him we took one long look at him, realized he was actually a youngster, maybe less than a year. He is a sweetheart, always happy, an rooooing all the time. Behavioraly he is as much Basenji as you can get, but Karin and I have been debating for almost a year as to what he could be mixed with, Karen swears it has to be Bit Bull. I have been teasing her lately that she pulled a fast switch on me and brought me an African Bull Terrier, lol. No matter , as long as what ever dog you bring home you love them unconditionally, spoil them rotten and never, never punish them for being a dog. And always remember that even if he or she is just a minor part B, they are one step ahead of you.

[lisastewart]

Rescue is one option. There are also many finished champions that breeders are willing to place after they have shown them. Do your research and make sure the dog you are getting has a verified Direct test for Fanconi done on it. Are you willing to travel to get your dog, or do you want it shipped/transported to you? There are a number of people on this board in the pacific northwest and Canada who should be able to point you in the right direction.

[Kipawa]

WOW! Hello from just 'down the road from you' in Ladner! We own Kipawa, a 16 month old red and white male (neutered) basenji that we got from a GREAT breeder in Washington state. We got him at 3.5 months. It was our decision to have a companion dog rather than a show dog (though I have been told he would have made a great show dog). He's been the joy of our lives. I'd be more than willing to have you meet Kipawa to see if this breed might be the right one for you. Kipawa is like all basenjis - high energy, intelligent, chewing, playful and food loving . Kipawa is also our official bed warmer. Over the last 2 months he has done dog therapy work in a few hospitals (Peace Arch, Vancouver General, GF Strong) in addition to long term care facilities. We were blessed to get a dog that is extremely well socialized, kind and very adaptable.

We often go for walks in White Rock. I have taken him to Blackie Spit off-leash park in White Rock, but we aren't going there any more as there are owners who are not the best at controlling their dogs. Instead, we find the dikes in Delta a great place to walk. Well, I walk and Kipawa runs!

I totally agree that any basenji you get should be Fanconi tested. If you buy from a reputable breeder, you will know about the Fanconi status of often many generations of the dog you will be getting. It is such peace of mind.

Please private message me via this website and if you are interested we could meet for a coffee and a walk. Kipawa loves children, so if you have any, you can feel free to bring them along.

[weitzel]

I'm sure your dogs are thankful to have such great owners and members of the family like you Thank you for the reply!
It's ridiculous how much love I have to give! (for a dog that is, the love for my boyfriend is different haha ) I can't wait to have one as a big part of my life and I WILL love them unconditionally! They will have good manners

I am willing to travel to meet a potential Basenji but it depends how far. I would preferably like to do that, but if there's an owner or breeder that's okay with shipping if it's a short trip then I would be open to that?

Yes! I've heard about Fanconi testing and I will be on top of that! I've also made a schedule for regular grooming. Bath once a month with leave in conditioner, clip nails. Test urine with the strip, sugar… I forget what they are called! Brush teeth once a week. Brushing, I think once a week also? Am I missing anything? (this is what I've read so not sure how entirely accurate it may be)
I live 5min walk from Semiahmoo trail so it's somewhat forest that's left over and goes on a loooonng ways
And I know it's "rainy" Vancouver as I've heard they arent a fan, but I hope one can adapt!

Fran! That's neat you're so close! I will send you a message right now

[tanza]

Hi and Welcome….
Typically Basenjis do not need a bath that often and I don't think I have ever used conditioner. I only give mine a bath before shows or if they "roll" in something really dirty... Check out this thread when my Tri Girl took a swim and then the others rolled her in the dirt!!! http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?9464-C-Mud&highlight=

Once a week brushing is great except for when they "blow coat" (usually once a year) and then you might find doing it more often. If your Basenji tests Clear or Carrier, no need to strip test unless you want to. Brushing teeth should be a daily thing or at the very least every other day. Nails should be done once a week or every two weeks and look into using a dremel/grinder rather then clipping them. You can search the forums for information about dremels.

[weitzel]

Yes, I remember on "at the end of my leash" Brad was saying it's not necessary to wash your dogs too often because you don't want to strip them from their natural oils. I was reading someone's book, or blog online with all of their suggestions and that's what they were saying with once a month grooming etc etc, Everyone does it differently I guess to whatever suits them and their basenji.

But this is good! This is the info I want! I heard that grinder for their nails ends up making them worse in the long run?? Either way, personal experience FROM experienced basenji owners is better then whatever I may find on the internet. Thank You

[tanza]

@weitzel:

Yes, I remember on "at the end of my leash" Brad was saying it's not necessary to wash your dogs too often because you don't want to strip them from their natural oils. I was reading someone's book, or blog online with all of their suggestions and that's what they were saying with once a month grooming etc etc, Everyone does it differently I guess to whatever suits them and their basenji.

But this is good! This is the info I want! I heard that grinder for their nails ends up making them worse in the long run?? Either way, personal experience FROM experienced basenji owners is better then whatever I may find on the internet. Thank You

Making them worse? How? That is what all show people use and most pet owners. Much better then clippers which is so easy to hit the quick and make them bleed. Much better for nails of any breed

Some people that have really bad allergies find they do need to give baths more often, but as a general rule not…. And unless we are going to a show and sometimes not even then, I don't remember just giving a bath for a bath.....

[weitzel]

I don't know how, I was just saying thats what I've heard before. Hence, why I'm looking for additional information from experienced owners. Thanks for the help!

[nomrbddgs]

First, I haven't said welcome to the forums!!

I'm with Pat on the bathing. Mine hardly ever get a bath. The younger ones do simply because they play and when they play, especially with the boxer. they get spit all over each other and then they end up stinking. So they get a bath more often. My old boy (who really isn't that old) gets a bath maybe once or twice a year. My older girl is the same.

As for the dremel. I use it on my dogs, but I also use the clippers. So it ends up being personal preference. I'm adept at both because I groom as well and using a dremel on some dogs just takes to long. But it is nice to use if you can because you don't end up with all the sharp edges that a clipper leaves. If you are consistently trimming their nails once a week or every two weeks, then a dremel is better.
brushing their teeth is important as well and every dog has different levels of plaque build-up. My younger male has pearly whites, my older boy has not too bad teeth (they are nice and clean), but my one girl I am constantly trying to clean them. I use a cleaning product with no alcohol base and she gets denta stix as well as brushing.

As for watching all the shows about taking care of your pets, (I am aware of who Brad is and I like him better than someone else who is really, really popular-he seems to me more real-if that makes any sense) remember, these people are taking care of domesticated animals that, ultimately, want to please their owner. I don't find Basenji's care if they please you or not. It's all about what's in it for them. But, everyone has a different opinon.

Good luck in your search!

[eeeefarm]

Welcome to the forum! Basenjis are not "high maintenance" dogs, at least not in the grooming department. Mine have seldom needed bathing. My own personal approach to nails is that if they don't wear them down on the road I clip them and finish them with a file, no rough edges. Bones are good for keeping teeth clean, but I use a scaler from time to time to remove excess tartar. It's a good idea to get a pup used to everything you think you might ever need to do. There shouldn't be any "don't go there" areas on his/her body. Ears and anal glands are other things you may need to attend to from time to time.

I hope you have been reading posts on this forum extensively. Basenjis are charming, but they can be big trouble and you need to be prepared for whatever comes your way. They do seem to require a fair amount of dedication and an owner who doesn't give up easily when things don't go as planned.

[weitzel]

Brad and good ol' Cesar Millan! haha
These are really good tips, thanks everyone. I wonder if there's a owner training program!
One concern I do have is having a dog that doesn't trust me or like to be touched in somewhere specific. The last dog I had… well my family had him not me. I think I was 7 when we got him as a puppy. He ended up having quite a bit of health issues and my dad was diagnosed with MS so looking back, my parents had no right getting a dog which I still carry some anger about actually all these years later even though there was nothing I can do. ANYWAYS! Point being, it was difficult to pick him up to have a bath even, he didn't like that ever... would always growl or nip. Especially if you were a lil cautious. And my dad was very angry with his slowly deteoriating disease and took it out on the family including the dog. That did not help. He could of had a better life (I'll save that for another thread!) I don't want to go rhrough anything like that again, and I'm dedicated to give whichever dog I end up with the best life possible, won't settle for anything else.
I still have time to meet some Basenjis and continue my research about them and from owners to find out more about preparation. I really appreciate everyones feedback

[weitzel]

Also, I am looking for a companion… not a show dog, or expected to be a show dog

[Kipawa]

Regarding having a dog that does not mind being touched - that is one of the reasons why you may want a dog from a reputable breeder. They spend time handling the puppies, grooming nails, dropping pots and pans in the house, having them meet babies, children, older people, wheelchairs, etc. etc., so that when you get your dog, you can feel comfortable knowing that they have experienced a number of different events/situations BEFORE you get them.

I can do ANYTHING with Kipawa. Touch him anywhere, clean his ears, bathe him if he rolls in slough water or gets muddy all over, carry him on his back like a baby, kiss him on the face with complete trust he won't do anything to me…. I have yet to find something he doesn't like or is apprehensive about. This kind of training and socialization is so important when they are young, and it makes for a wonderful dog. Everyone who comes into our house is an immediate friend, and of course potential for a snack, though we control his food intake very carefully. But after all, he is a basenji - very food driven, and he needs to make sure anyone entering the house isn't there just to give him a snack!

Don't get me wrong - I DO support rescue, but as Kipawa was our first basenji (and because we wanted a puppy) I wanted to go through a breeder. Yes, puppies take work, but as my husband and I have retired early (we're in our youthful early 50's and still listen to CFOX!) we knew that we had the time.

Toe nails - we used a dremel (grinder) from day 1. Kipawa's breeders had him used to the dremel when we got him.
Bathing - only if extremely dirty. Basenjis will self clean themselves, much like a cat. If Kipawa gets a little dirty, I use a low sudsing puppy/sensitive skin shampoo. I pour a little on a towel, suds up the towel, rinse most of the suds out, and then wipe him.

Coat condition - good kibble, additional veggies, light brushing with a soft curry comb and Omega oil on his food keep his coat in great condition. I find the omega oil (human grade) prevents any flaking of his coat.

Teeth - we brush once a week and use a product called PlaqueOff (a kelp powder added to his food) in each of his two feedings a day. His teeth are in awesome condition and his breath smells good.

Training - Kipawa has had puppy socialization and puppy obedience classes. In these classes, he was used to make apprehensive dogs feel more at ease. His father, named Sober, has this quality. Sober is said to have a 'soberizing effect over new litters'. Kipawa is following in his dad's footsteps.

And finally.... I apologize to everyone on this forum for bragging about my Kipawa so much! But he is truly as good as I say, and he has enriched our lives so much. I get to do my 'mothering role' with him, as I have never had children. Freud would find me a very interesting case study!

[Patty]

Welcome to the forum from the UK. I hope you find your Basenji soon and a great idea to take on a rescue. It's really nice that you have a member who lives near and who is willing to let you visit. Visiting a family with a Basenji Is the best way to find out about the breed inmy opinion.

For myself I'm totally against bathing unless absolutely necessary - just that its a good idea to have them used to bathing in case a necessity happens!! Mine get bathed occasionally.

[Henna420]

Hi. As someone mentioned, lot of breeders place their show dogs after few years. We flew in one from PEI last summer. He is a wonderful, well behaved and socialized basenji. It literally took him a day to get used to us. We love him. So, that is another option. We have two, male and female, do take them to white rock beach often.

[weitzel]

So I guess the upside to finding a good breeder and a puppy is you have better guaranteed expectations of the puppy and doing your own training as they grow up. Whereas, with a rescue sometimes their history is unknown and they may have some issues, which hopefully can be sorted out. Retired show dog would probably be the best bet all around! But maybe that limits myself more to dogs available? I still consider a rescue

[renaultf1]

Have you tried contacting Terrarust Basenjis in BC (Terray is a BCOA member and they have a website I believe). They may have adults/young adults looking for a home. Or if you are looking for a puppy, I don't know if they bred any pups this year, but you could inquire.

[krunzer]

@renaultf1:

Have you tried contacting Terrarust Basenjis in BC (Terray is a BCOA member and they have a website I believe). They may have adults/young adults looking for a home. Or if you are looking for a puppy, I don't know if they bred any pups this year, but you could inquire.

Terray did not have a littler of pups this year for Basenji's, she did have a couple litters of Labs though. Simone is back in BC also and I know she had a couple of litters but I believe they are all spoken for. You can contact her as well . www.beaubri.com

[weitzel]

yes Thank you! I contacted Simone last week and went there to meet a couple male basenjies… Hoping to pursue with one of them Thanks everyone