So many times people post pictures and ask what folks on the forum think about their dogs. Often, the most convincing in appearance turn out disappointingly to not have any Basenji blood. When you think about it, there are not likely all that many crossbreds out there. Most people with an intact Basenji bitch are not looking to cover her with anything but a purebred male, and in North America generally females are spayed because most breeders require it for pet puppies. Bitches that are showing are even less likely to be bred to something outside the breed.
Have I got a Basenji?
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Wanted to get some expert opinion on my mutt Parker ...our husky/shepherd nosed her out of a bush in our local park 3 years ago. She was very sick, diagnosed with Parvo. We got her the help she needed and she ended up surviving and thriving...we just celebrated our 3 year adoptaversary on August 2nd! Since she was a foundling, we have no idea what she could possibly be, but general consensus is basenji mix. We had never heard of it, but it kept popping up. A little research indicates that basenji's are smaller, barkless dogs. Parker is about 46 pounds and she barks a lot. So why does basenji keep coming up? Her cute little curly tail! When I describe her I use the three "C"'s - confident, curious, clever. She loves to chase small animals, squirrels and rabbits being particular favorites. She also does this weird four-legged jump.. when hunting she will literally pounce on the animal with all four legs and jump around like that until she pins it (field mice, usually). Anyway, I don't know how much of that is basenji, if any, and how much is just Parker so I'm throwing it out to the experts..Pics attached for reference...
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Looks more Shiba/shepherd to me. But guesses based on looks are just that. I embarked one of my dogs and the results were interesting, I'd recommend them.
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First, she is adorable. Beautiful, even! The curly tail, to me, looks straight off of a shiba inu -- similar in size, also
aan ancient breed with curly tails, but are much bushier compared to the tightly rolled tail and short hair coat of basenjis. The traits you mentioned seem more like a shiba to me, too, with the pouncing esp., but there are many more experienced breeders/owners on here that may have a different take. Regardless, it's pretty obvious Parker is a really amazing, special dog. Thanks for sharing her!primitive -
My Basenji mix bounds like yours, likes to chase squirrels, and shares "the three C's" too. I'd say she is part Basenji, absolutely.
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I don't see basenji. However, try the Embark panel or Wisdom if you want some idea of the main dog breeds.
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In my opinion, not a Basenji although she looks really beautiful. I have never seen the jumping up and down with her prey that you describe. My Basenjis grab their prey by the neck, a single shake and the prey is dead. Obviously, if you really need to have a better idea the genetic testing would be the road to follow but personally I'd avoid the expense and just love and enjoy her. She's a credit to you looks so happy and healthy.
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I am pretty sure you can't just look at a mix and declare what it is. Scientific studies have debunked that over and over. Best to do a DNA test, in my opinion. I have a mix who was advertised as a Basenji Mix, and her DNA results confirmed it. If you just looked at her and made a judgement, it would be mixed: her color was all askew, her tail was half-curled, she was smaller and featured more slender face and feet than a pure-bred B.
But, apparently, the 1/4 Min Pin (the ONLY other DNA in her sample) contributed some significant traits. Behavior and personality wise, Basenji rules the day. Again, I recommend a DNA test, and they improve by the day.
What is this other B identity thing that is mentioned in this thread? Is it also a DNA test, or something else?
Oh, and hey, your baby is way cute!
