Skip to content

Does my Stella have some Basenji in her?

Show Off Your Dog
  • I adopted my pretty girl in February of this year. The rescue had her listed as a Corgi/Lab mix, but after doing some research I think she has characteristics leaning more towards Basenji/Dachshund. What do you guys think?

    0_1466624708770_IMG_0945.JPG
    0_1466624751562_IMG_0241.JPG

  • She's beautiful! Unfortunately, it's really hard to tell what's in a mixed-breed dog based solely on appearance and even behavior. What exactly is leading you to suspect basenji? I can see she has some of the physical traits, but so do lots of other landrace dogs, like Canaan dogs and Carolina dogs. Not saying basenji isn't in there, mind you.

    That said, if you want something a bit more definitive, you can try one of the Wisdom Panel DNA analysis kits. Some are sold in pet stores, while others are available online or through your vet. I think the simplest version gives you the likely ancestry of your dog based on her DNA, while the more expensive versions also test for various hereditary illnesses.

  • said in Does my Stella have some Basenji in her?:

    Corgi/Lab mix

    I think more Corgi/Shepard mix

  • How does she vocalize? Normal barking, or something more "Basenji like"? Other habits could also be indicators of Basenji blood. Simplest solution is the DNA test. Might prove interesting!

  • She has the wrinkled brow, upright erect ears, white markings on feet, chest, and tip of curled tail. Her preferred way of communicating is a song-like low howl, although she can bark. She hates getting wet and her prey drive is HIIIGH. She is very reserved and cautious, although that might be due to her stray status before I adopted her. Others have commented that she looks like she has some Corgi or Shiba Inu in her, and while I do see it, I see more of the Basenji temperament in her.

    I've asked her vet about the DNA testing, but I've been told that it is very unreliable, so I thought I'd ask other Basenji owners what they thought!

  • From appearances it's hard to tell. I would have guessed Corgi before Basenji based on that, but the mannerisms often tell more than the physical appearance. I don't know how reliable DNA testing is at this point, but it might provide some interesting insight. I'd be inclined to try it if it's not too expensive.

  • @xjole There are many, many dogs/breeds that have those characteristics.... she is very cute, but I don't see Basenji

  • @xjole said in Does my Stella have some Basenji in her?:

    She has the wrinkled brow, upright erect ears, white markings on feet, chest, and tip of curled tail. Her preferred way of communicating is a song-like low howl, although she can bark. She hates getting wet and her prey drive is HIIIGH. She is very reserved and cautious, although that might be due to her stray status before I adopted her. Others have commented that she looks like she has some Corgi or Shiba Inu in her, and while I do see it, I see more of the Basenji temperament in her.

    I've asked her vet about the DNA testing, but I've been told that it is very unreliable, so I thought I'd ask other Basenji owners what they thought!

    The Wisdom Panel DNA tests have been getting better every year, so it's not as much of a gamble as it used to be. That said, the test does best with a purebred, then with a two-breed dog (like a "labradoodle" or whatever), and worst with a total mutt. If your girl is indeed a mix of two purebred dogs, it might be worth a shot. Check your pet store or Amazon for the test; the one that vets give is the most expensive anyway and is only worth it if you want to know about hereditary health issues, too.

Suggested Topics

  • Could moose be a basenji?

    Show Off Your Dog
    7
    5 Votes
    7 Posts
    2k Views
    N
    Oh, I love Moose's face! He is just beautiful. He looks Basenji-ish to me, but whatever he is, you two are going to have SO much fun and love together!!!!!
  • 1 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    T
    Hi everyone, Thanks for all of your replies! Rex just had his first vet visit (first with me at least), and he was given a clean bill of health. The vet that I saw also agrees with a lot of you that he looks like a Min Pin more than a Basenji, but he is likely still mixed with something because he's a bit too big to be a pure Min Pin. I've looked at a few DNA Dog Breed tests online, and they seem to range in price and in quality. It seems like some of the cheaper (~$50) tests are fake, but they go all the way up to almost $250 for the higher quality ones. Do any of you have experience with these DNA tests / have a brand you found reputable? I'll be sure to post the results of any of the tests with this forum! Thanks again, and Rex is doing really great in his new home!! [image: 1559586518913-img_3707-resized.jpg] [image: 1559586546977-img_3720-resized.jpg] [image: 1559586568474-img_3708-resized.jpg]
  • Basenji?

    Show Off Your Dog
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    4k Views
    P
    I agree with the others that although he seems to have Basenji in him - his head is def. not Basenji. As for the leg I'd have it amputated if it troubles him - He'll cope with 3 legs I'm sure, but certainly consult a specialist first. Please keep us updated.
  • Is my dog a Basenji?

    Show Off Your Dog
    23
    0 Votes
    23 Posts
    10k Views
    Shaye's MomS
    The question about the doggy smell is a good one - basenjis do not smell like dogs. If you stick your face right into their fur the comparison is like sticking your face into a nice clean healthy cat - warm and not really a discernable smell. Except their feet. Their feet smell like Fritos sort of.
  • Not a basenji, but…

    Show Off Your Dog
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    B
    After striking out with my first 2 B's I figured I'd give my other love a try! She is wonderful so far, potty training is kicking our butt..as with any puppy. We have only had her a week yesterday so I'm sure this is gonna be fun! She is giving us (my gf and I, our 3 cats and Sid) a run for our money! Sid is very jealous though, which is what we wanted. We need him to desire attention instead of just laying around all day long. Wish us luckkkk with the ol' man.
  • Lucy the basenji

    Show Off Your Dog
    33
    0 Votes
    33 Posts
    15k Views
    LucythebasenjiL
    lol yea most basenji's are actually yodelers i was just messing with the harmonica one time and she came up to me and sat down next to me and started to sing. The spoon was funny it happened once and it was her way of telling us that she hasnt been fed. When she grabbed the spoon im asking my mom maybe shes hungry? and my mom says oh right she hasnt been fed yet, she didnt want to give back the spoon though