Is Mango a Besenji?

[GN_Besenji]

Hi All!

I'd love some help in determining whether Mango is part Besenji. I had never even heard of the breed, but my vet is convinced Mango is a Besenji mix. I was shocked! I have been treating her like a chihuahua this whole time. She loves to chase things and stands on hind legs often. She barks sometimes and makes weird squeaky noises. She is a 16-week old, 5.62 pound rescue originally found in Stockton, California. Any help would be so appreciated! Thanks very much in advance.

[JENGOSMonkey]

@GN_Besenji No. Mango is not a Basenji. It is a fruit! I like it best in Civeche myself. Just kidding. She's definitely a cute one!

Ya know, anything we say is pure conjecture. The only real way to know for sure is to have her DNA tested for breed. We get people stopping by every now and again to ask the same. Guessing is always fun, but it's even more fun when people with a mix pup pop back in with the DNA test results and share them with us.

You can Google "Dog Breed DNA Test" and a whole pack of services will pop up. Usually you order the kit, use the swab to get a saliva sample, seal it, send it back to the company and wait. I'm speculating, but I seem to recall they cost someplace between $50 and $100...

Anyway, she's still cute. I will say this. Her coloring and markings look like Basenji. Eyes and forehead definitely do, to me. Ears not so much. Tail in the bottom picture... hmmmm... could be. I think she's a perfect candidate to have DNA tested, but you have to promise to come back and let us know!!!

[GN_Besenji]

I ordered an Embark DNA test last night, and it just shipped! I just had to ask because I am so curious, and it could take months to receive the DNA analysis. I will be sure to share an update once I get back the results.

[JENGOSMonkey]

@gn_besenji Oh that's awesome! I can't wait to hear the results. So back to conjecture. The more I look at the first picture... I'm putting money that she is part Basenji. The eyes and forehead wrinkles look really Basenji to me. Tell us more about her behaviors and vocalizations...

[eeeefarm]

Wrinkles and colour pattern and partly curled tail add to the picture. Will be interesting to find out for sure!

[GN_Besenji]

@jengosmonkey well she definitely barks when she hears people outside. She also whines and squeaks. Playing with her has been interesting because she seems interested in far more exercise than was recommended for a chihuahua. Sometimes it feels like I am training a future assassin...

[Daureen]

Those eyes! They tell stories just like my little guy. No idea what you have, but you have a winner!

[Zande]

I don't see any Basenji, I just see a cute, loveable rogue!

[elbrant]

maybe a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno ?

[tanza]

@elbrant - Would not think so? (Portuguese Podengo Pequeno). Seems to be a Chihuahua mix to me.

[elbrant]

@tanza said in Is Mango a Besenji?:

Seems to be a Chihuahua mix to me.

Chihuahua mix was my initial thought, but the sturdy, albeit short, legs made me think this might me the pint size version of a Podengo. Just a stab in the dark. We all accept that it takes a DNA test to be certain.

[Zande]

No way is that a Podengo ! (IMNSHO !)

[NancySS]

Mango is SO adorable!!!! Please let us know what her mix turns out to be! We like "honorary Basenjis" too!!!! She looks like one who will her family lots of love and play and fun and some mischief thrown in!!!!

[elbrant]

@zande said in Is Mango a Besenji?:

No way is that a Podengo ! (IMNSHO !)

You can't see this little one ending up looking like the pups in this photo? I think it's probable.... but we know a DNA test will tell for sure.