Contemplative new owner

[tanza]

And as already stated, please go to a responsible breeder…..

[JazzysMom]

True, they do not smell like dogs. At their worst mine may smell like the dirt they're covered in, but never a "dog odor."

But like Senji said, shedding and odor should not be deciding factors. These dogs can drive you C-R-A-Z-Y like no other breed can do, so you do want to do your research and if at all possible get to know a few. They are very unique dogs. For most who own them, their charming ways and amusing antics by far outweigh their vices, but honestly you need to know what you're getting in to. I think it takes a special kind of crazy to be a Basenji-lover.

[Vegas]

Like senji said, don't let that be the deciding factor. They are a very high-maintainance breed, and if you think you're getting a miniature lab that doesn't smell you are in for a suprise.

Think "spider monkey on crack", and you are honestly closer to what you may end up with.

[nala121498]

@Vegas:

Think "spider monkey on crack", and you are honestly closer to what you may end up with.

LMAO – That is so funny...(and sadly, accurate:o ).

[tanza]

@Vegas:

Like senji said, don't let that be the deciding factor. They are a very high-maintainance breed, and if you think you're getting a miniature lab that doesn't smell you are in for a suprise.

Think "spider monkey on crack", and you are honestly closer to what you may end up with.

I love that…. "spider monkey on crack"... that is too funny... and can be too true....

[MaxBooBooBear]

Yes–that should be the new official description of the basenji personality:)

[luvsmy2bs]

Spider monkey on crack is such an accurate way to describe them!!!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,,,,unless you can wear them out,,,,,,,,,,,,,,then you think "ahhhhhhhh,,,,,so cute,,,,,,,,,they are angels,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,then BLAMO,,,,,spider monkey on crack doing the B-500 again,,,,up and over ,,,,,,,,down and under everything you have in the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bogie]

you all are funny but you're scaring me. I really thought I wanted a Basenji. I like a dog with a lot of personality. Now please tell me they are not all just destructive little demons. Ornery is o.k. and funny little clowns are great but a dog that is going to chew on books and shoes and destroy the house isn't cute anymore.

[sharronhurlbut]

If you want to get a reality check, go to the BRAT web site and read the reality stories.
Not all b's do these things, but some do some of them…and you should be aware of what your getting.
As a general rule, older b's are easier than younger b's...
Re smells, when my b's happen to roll in something "nasty" I use a baby wipe on them and it takes care of smells. I haven't "bathed" them in years.
Mostly, they have a smell from their feet, and to me it smells like warm corn chips..so I have no issues with it...but that is when they are under the covers, in bed and too hot!

[tanza]

@Bogie:

you all are funny but you're scaring me. I really thought I wanted a Basenji. I like a dog with a lot of personality. Now please tell me they are not all just destructive little demons. Ornery is o.k. and funny little clowns are great but a dog that is going to chew on books and shoes and destroy the house isn't cute anymore.

Well, honestly, any dog can and will do that…. and still my suggest that you visit personally with someone that has Basenjis is the first step.... There are alway horror stories... with any dog... and some more then others...

My personal opinion is that a Basenji is no worse the other breeds, but remember you need to have the time to 1. Train them 2. Make sure they have lots to do 3. You tired them out... as a good Basenji is a tired Basenjis

[sharronhurlbut]

IMO, this breed is a very smart, funny one.
They really do love to be part of the family and they will make you laugh.
But as Pat said, you need to do your homework and see if this wonderful, quirky breed will fit your home.
If you work 12 hrs a day, and want a dog to veg on the couch with you, it won't happen with a basenji…
But if your active and take the dog with you, you will find a companion who will bring you love and joy.
Its all in the way you live.

[Vanessa]

Basenji's don't have that "doggie smell" but my chance sure has a stinky back end. We call it his "stink stamper" Everywhere he puts his back end…he leaves a mark I've even thought of tying one of those pine trees to his tail

[vstripe]

[QUOTEyou all are funny but you're scaring me. I really thought I wanted a Basenji. I like a dog with a lot of personality. Now please tell me they are not all just destructive little demons]
Well they are not all like that (but I think MANY are). For example mine is a couch potato does not have any interest in chewing things or being crazy. Sometimes I forget I even have a dog! I really could not live with a naughty basenji its not my style. My boyfriends dad has a basenji that chews and it is so not cute, we call him "hell on wheels". That being said at the same time he can be very sporty, loves going for hikes and to the lake/beach/park and long walks. I would say if you are the type of person who likes doing active things with your dog you may be a match. I would say the best advice as others on here have said is meet with some B's and see what they are like. I know many people that do not care for the "cat like personality" and would rather have a dog that fawns and follows you around barking and playing fetch. I myself am hooked on this breed but I also like some sighthounds too and shiba Inu's maybe because they remind me of B's;)
To answer your first question I have never met a basenji that smells bad. That is one of the main reasons why I wanted one.< Its a great perk.

[nomrbddgs]

Every B is different. A quick rundown-My oldest male will veg on the couch for days, weeks, months-and not do anything and then may get into something. (the last time he pulled all the garbage out of the kitchen cupboard from a baby locked door that opens maybe an inch and a half) My oldest girl Sugar really likes to cuddle with you on the couch and really doesn't get into anything inside. Outside I have to watch her because if there is a squirrel, rabbit, bird she will go after it. She will climb the chain link fence or the tree. She has killed birds (that I've had to take out of her mouth-yuck!). The youngest girl (who is still a puppy-only 9 months barely) is into everything at the moment and has to be watched constantly. She's always on the go and VERY full of energy.

[dash]

Dash is the sweetest, most cuddley dog I have ever had. He rarely chews on much except his toys anymore. I have never noticed doggy odor and I have really not noticed much, if any, shedding. That being said….I have "doggy proofed" my home to only allow my dogs to go where I can see them. He used to be able to go out in our fenced yard unattended but now walks around the fence bottom pushing it out to see where he can make his escape. He is crated in the basement when we are not home. This is his second crate. His first, he ate his way out of in a matter of hours. Now we have a metal ex-pen for our dogs to be together and I have noticed he is bending the bars in places to escape.

These dogs are no joke. I beg you to read the BRAT website for the stories as someone said. I laughed my butt off but they are so, so true.

Basenji owners must be a little off our rocker because their is no dog we would rather share our lives with. Good luck to you and I am glad you are looking prior to picking one up.

[nomrbddgs]

@dash:

He used to be able to go out in our fenced yard unattended but now walks around the fence bottom pushing it out to see where he can make his escape. QUOTE]

If you can, get a thin piece of bar or thick wire, bend it into a U shape, (you'll have to cut it and bend it yourself) make it long enough to pound through the bottom of the fence and into the ground a good 4-5 inches. I've had to do this with all my fence. If there's a will there's a way.

On a side note-none of my have an odour unless they roll in something. I usually have to bath them because they get dirty from playing, rolling around, and when it's raining they get muddy. Shadow shed his neuter coat but usually very little hair from these dogs.

[youngandtired]

Yea, I am hooked, we love our Basenji. She has been a handful, we have furniture with chew marks, chewed up cell phone, lots of stuff has been chewed up, but it was probably our fault for not taking the time to make sure she had plenty of exercise. We are better for it now, she gets lots of outside time, walks and just general running around which she loves. We chase her everyday which she had rather do than eat, she loves the chase. I love this breed, no smell and loves her family as much as we love her. She loves attention, so make sure you are ready for this, if you don't give her attention she will find a way to get it, via chewed up things, surfing is the pits. Sahara still loves to surf my counters, still can't put things on my tables in the living room. Oh well, I will do that later, she is worth every pain she gives us. My hubby loves her as well, she will go out in his shop with him and spend the day if necessary but comes in her doggie door now and then to see if Mom is still home. They are very loving, and I call them lap dogs just like a cat. We have electric fence in our yard or she would run in the street after cars, birds or squirrels. They love to chase, my cat stays in the neighbors yard most of the time, on the other side of the electric fence, and sometimes she lays on the line of the fence, which drives Sahara crazy, just make sure you are ready for the Basenji ride, b/c they can be a handful. Good Luck, I am one that loves the ride.!!!!! haha

[Basenji_Boy]

As one that's jumped off the deep end with these things, I would say this.

It will require some adjustment on your part to keep these dogs. If you're not willing to do that, I wouldn't get one.

If you do consider one, please contact a responsible breeder.

[Barklessdog]

Great read- I never recommend someone to get a basenji- I don't many people that have the dedication

Also they are not odorless they can smell like fritos corn chips, but they never stink up a house.

http://basenji.20m.com/ReasonsNottoGet.htm

2. They can be destructive. Basenjis get bored very easily. If you do not give them something to do, they will FIND something to do. It usually involves ruining something you value, but irresistible to them. They will eat almost anything: paper, Kleenex, toilet tissue, q-tips, plastic, wood, carpet, kids toys, etc. They must be crated when not supervised, for their own safety, as well as that of your belongings. It is true, they are worse as puppies, and most will get better with age. However, some don't, and the time it takes to 'get better' and the degree of 'getting better' varies a lot. Some turn into perfect angels, some are always troublemakers.

3. They are hard to train. For thousands of years, the basenji has had to be an independent thinker to survive. Therefore, they do not see the need to obey humans. Positive training methods must be used and even then, they usually only obey if it doesn't interfere with what they want. I have found that you must trick the basenji into thinking that what you want, is what he wants.

6. They are a high energy breed. A basenji may appear calm and aloof. But if he does not get enough exercise, he begins to release his energy in ways we humans do not approve of, mainly destroying things. If you do not have a fenced yard, plan on taking lots of walks. Every day. Ask me about lure coursing. It is a great sport, and uses up that basenji energy in a positive way, allowing the dog to do what it was bred to do, hunt and run. Basenjis can be happy in the city, in apartments, or condos, but only with owners who understand they will have to devote a lot of time and energy keeping their basenji happy

7. They need human companionship. They can not just be left out in the yard, fed, watered, but not part of the family. They must be included in your life, as they consider themselves one of the family. They require a lot of time and attention, acting like 2 year old children much of the time. If you work long hours, think long and hard if you will be able to furnish the companionship a basenji needs.

9. They have an almost uncontrollable 'chase' instinct. Little critters beware! However, if raised with cats, they can live in peace. I do not however recommend them in homes with hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, birds, and especially rabbits unless they can be isolated.

10. They are stubborn. If you are a control freak and demand complete obedience, do not get this breed. They will not back down, and you can end up with a confused, aggressive animal.

[lvoss]

I agree with everyone who has said that all dogs are capable of destruction and the real key to a happy household is training, exercise, and mental stimulation for your dog. I will also add that I think getting a dog from a responsible breeder really helps for 2 very important reasons. The first is that a responsible breeder will do a lot with their puppies to socialize them so when you bring your puppy home they have had a good head start and the second is that a responsible breeder talks with the puppy buyers to understand their expectations and requirements so they can match the puppy with the home. For an active household a more active dog can work out great because they get lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble but in a fairly low key household that same dog might be a horrible match because it does not get enough activity to keep it occupied.