Skip to content

Advice on Basenjis

Basenji Talk
  • Hey all,

    My wife and I have decided we'd like to get a puppy and have filled in every form of breed quiz available and have watched enough youtube dog videos to last a lifetime in order to try and find the right breed. Basenjis look like an amazing breed, but I wanted to get some advice from existing owners before comitting.

    My wife and I live in a 2 bed apartment in the heart of London, no garden. We do have a big park right next to us, like literally a 1 minute walk.

    I own a small design studio of about 10 people and I would take the dog with me to work each day (20 min single journey). At the office we would have plent of people to give him attention, but people would need to be able to get on with their jobs without the little guy being too needy... Otherwise I would have to leave him at home, which I dont really want to do. At lunch we could walk him as well as there is a park right next to the studio as well.

    My main concerns are, is it possible to have a basenji as an office dog and that he can entertain himself for the full day in a 1600 sq ft office, without being to distracting / mental.

    Also will the Basenji cope in our gardenless apartment?

    Thanks guys,
    All advice is gladly accepted!

    Marvin

  • Hello!
    Basenjis are not needy dogs. Some would call them cold. They like their pack (family) and are cordial to others. Of course there are exceptions to every rule. We had Basenjis in a 1 bedroom Condo in the heart of the city. 3 good walks a day and they were fine.
    I think if you crate train your dog and take some time during office hours for a walk and play time you should have no problems. Special toys and chewies that are only used at the office would be a good idea.

  • I think a Basenji would be much happier at the office with you than home alone. That said, a puppy of any breed will be a bit needy and possibly disruptive until they learn the rules and adjust to settling down at "work". A mature Basenji would likely enjoy the arrangement, but you need to have a strategy to get through the puppy stage. You also have to take precautions to ensure your pup doesn't get out the door at the office, so people would have to be clued in and careful. Some Basenjis are escape artists!

  • An apartment would not be a problem if you give your B plenty of exercise and nose time. Also, the office would be great, but do realise that dogs need a lot of sleep, not only puppies. Our 2 sisters (7 and 6) sleep all night and most of the day. So your B would need a quiet space in the office to retreat and sleep. Agree with eeeefarm: puppy time is extra intensive, but so much fun. Try to be with your B as much as possible. Enjoy!

Suggested Topics

  • 0 Votes
    17 Posts
    3k Views
    I
    When my daughter was pregnant she would stop by once a week and Izzy would always sniff her all over , most of all her stomach and around that area, her husband was afraid of Izzy being around the baby when he came , because Izzy is not a real friendly basenji especially to my son in law. Izzy has never had any aggression toward my grandson, my grandson is 7 now and Izzy is always there to protect him, when the grandson goes down the stairs Izzy is just one step in front of him like he is protecting him from falling. I don't know about other basenjis but Izzy loves kids, but not a lot of adults.
  • Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    3k Views
    P
    @ktiefen1 You would be correct!! Potty Training eventually came easy because ours is so treat motivated....lol. Basic obedience is a challenge for us......ahe is definitely her own girl....and please dont disturb her sleep. You could lose a limb. ::)))))
  • Advice for potential first-time basenji owners

    Basenji Talk
    67
    0 Votes
    67 Posts
    57k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    @Cafu LOL on cutting leash.. I am certain they have retractable scissors in their gums. I have had mine cut leashes and cut straps to clothing that were so smooth, nothing else but scissors explains it (okay or razor blades). Which is why I put these on the collars... snap/ o ring, chain, o ring, leash [image: 1508253202524-leash.jpg]
  • Need advice on transporting my Basenjis

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    M
    I think a good cartel saying DONT OPEN is nice, Laika was left on the airport by me one night, so the people there get out of her cage.. i think they got a bad time catching her because first they said to me the next morning laika was missing, then they say that they got her. pff I left her because when Maca arrives i was there waiting for a delay flight almost from 5 pm to 2 am and i was told they were open to 10 pm, So i arrive at the airport at 9 just to find the office closed, and the poor Laika inside! so i return next day for her.. She is very nervous and give me some bites when i put out of the cage.. and thats all. Well i deserved for sure.. lol
  • Basenji Song-Moon Over Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Oh Barklessdog, you are a brave person. I must now stand with you in insane-solidarity and admit I bought it too. It is awful but when you get the line "we couldn't say goodbye so we took him home" part, you know you got to help support the woman. lol
  • Basenjis are -

    Basenji Talk
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    QuercusQ
    ooohhh…so true!!! Good observation!