Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Member Introductions
  3. Is my pup part basenji?

Is my pup part basenji?

Member Introductions
  • K

    0_1613594337488_FACE39B9-0235-4518-9140-47EDE3515C91.jpeg 0_1613590946503_04B6135E-E8C9-49AA-9E1C-1BA8F1FC1B3F.jpeg
    I got my Sadie girl from a shelter and they had told us that she was an Australian Shepherd/ Pointer mix. But through observing her behaviors compared to my brother’s mini Aussie, as well as my mothers Pointer, she seems to have very few characteristics of either.

    I didn’t hear any sort of bark out of her until she was at least 2 y/o and the bark she has now is more like a little scruffy noise, she self grooms constantly, gets on the counters, is very independent and only gives out cuddles on her own terms, she’s AMAZING with all types of dogs, despite years of training she wanders wayyy too far whenever I let her off leash and will only come back when she’s explored all that she’s wanted to, shreds all paper products (paper towels are gold to her), digs huge holes all over the yard, chews things whenever I don’t give her enough attention, is very observant and always aware of what’s going on, will pause on walks to let people pass because she doesn’t like people walking behind her, and she doesn’t hurt cats, frogs, lizards, ducks, squirrels or chickens but she loves to stalk them and chase them. I feel like researching Basenjis has helped me understand so much more about her than I had before, but she could just be a little quirky girl made up of a beautiful mix of dog breeds. Please let me know what y’all think!

    3
  • J

    @khayden Well, I gotta say... THAT is THE best description of behaviors I've seen for quite some time. If I hadn't seen the picture I'd be saying "Yeah, that definitely sounds Basenji to me." That I have seen the picture just further bolsters your case in my mind. I kinda like that she's fuzzy! I like her ears too. A tad too big, but really cute.

    DNA Breed Test this pup!!! Another perfect candidate, in my opinion!

    1
  • K

    @jengosmonkey thank you!!! And yes I’m saving up for a DNA test!! Thank you so much for you feedback it’s very helpful!! I’m only 20 and she’s only 5, but I love her characteristics so much that I will only be getting Basenjis for my future dogs. Safe to say that I’ve joined the club!!

    2
  • J

    @khayden Our first Basenji was a rescue. I tip toed into it. Always thought they were a bit odd having been raised with Shelties. He was so special. We're on our second and third now. I love all kinds of dog breeds, but like you I'm hooked on Basenjis now. They just crack me up. Insane non stop entertainment and affection all the time. :smiling_face_with_heart-eyes: :thumbs_up:

    4
  • A

    That sounds Basenji-like to me and even her white markings look similar. She sounds like a bundle of joy I'm glad you found her 🤗

    2
  • T

    Shredding paper sealed it for me!

    2
  • C

    I think the behaviors are compelling. Hope you can confirm suspicions. I am guessing one of the parents were full or half basenji. Gorgeous!

    2
  • elbrantE

    To me, the face says, "mix", but... I'm looking forward to the DNA results!

    elbrant.net

    3
  • K

    What a lovely community that I have stumbled upon!! Thank you all so much for your feedback y’all have no idea how much appreciate this. I will be DNA testing ASAP!!

    3

Suggested Topics

  • C

    Is my rescue part Basenji?

    Moved Member Introductions
    13
    1 Votes
    13 Posts
    5k Views
    ZandeZ
    @carlbick Ah, so you and Connie are not in Puerto Rico - for some reason I assumed you were. It's great that such organisations exist. The health tests I was referring to are those for Fanconi and PRA which Basenjis do need their DNA checking for and which are additional to the normal health checks which would be expected from such a responsible organisation. They are equally essential in the case of Basenjis. Which raises an interesting point - should they be done on dogs which are proven to have at least a mix of Basenji in their ancestry ? Fanconi, I would think possibly but not sure about PRA (progressive retinal atrophy). In view of the similarity to a human's of the configuration of a Basenji's kidneys (the reason they were the subject years ago of so much research by Jackson Laboratories at Bar Harbor, Maine) I wonder if this 'difference' in Basenji kidneys is passed on in a mix ?
  • Bella74B

    Basenji mix?

    Member Introductions
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    6k Views
    M
    Hi there. I would do some DNA testing on him. However, if you go to the Colorado Basenji Rescue website, there is a mix at the bottom of the page. There appears to be some similarities. You could also email Peggy of CBR with your photos and ask her. She has been working with Basenji and Basenji mixes for a long, long time.
  • H

    Basenji or not ????

    Member Introductions
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    5k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    I have to go read your link, but having been called to the shelter to see a chow that was an overweigh pomeranian, a rottweiler that was a lovely hound dog (Rottie rescue in FL told me keep quiet, they knew it wasn't a rottie but had a good home so just get it. I expected a LITTLE Rottweiler looking... bahahaha, no.)... vets who thought our basenjis were so many other things, not much surprises me.
  • KanangaK

    New Basenji

    Member Introductions
    43
    0 Votes
    43 Posts
    18k Views
    KanangaK
    He's a hungry dog today. Gave him 1/2 cup in the morning and just a few minutes ago. He had no problem eating. I'm much more happy that he's eating now. He likes his bone as well. Not too much into the Kong yet. I just wish he didn't cry in his crate when I put him in there. Feel bad for him but I know it just takes adjusting. He is perfectly fine when I return home after he's been in there awhile. It's just the initial time. To be honest though, this transition went far better than I expected. I was prepared for the worst. This little guy has done very well.
  • B

    Basenji on the Brain !

    Member Introductions
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    5k Views
    QuercusQ
    @cmd: Our 12yr old Ramsey is from one of Linda's Basenji's and a very sweet guy. Have you tried Hacker's Basenji's? Ann is an active and very responsible breeder and she's near Danville. I can't say enough good things about her. We've had 2 of her dogs and both have had great temperaments. She's friends with a lot of other breeders in the area as well. If she doesn't have any available you could also try Select Basenji's near Dayton. I think she was co-breeding last year. We have a Select and she's a great little dog – a ball of energy though! I too was looking for a Basenji last year at this time. We lost our 14 yr old also year to date and felt a puppy would help everyone move on. Sort of became a mission. Puppies can be hard to come by this late, but we did find several. Nope, Tracy's breeding didn't take this year…but I think she is planning one for spring :)
  • B

    Bahamas Basenji

    Member Introductions
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    tanzaT
    Remember however for a full thyroid panel usually isn't done at places that do bloodwork… and also what a Vet would call "low normal" for most dogs, for a Basenji it is Too Low...