Skip to content

Help! Is my boy a Basenji?

Member Introductions
  • Short legs are a dominant trait so at least one of his parents had to have had them. Based on how heavy-boned the legs are, the body shape, and the coat texture, I would say one of his parents was possibly a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The ears are too small and erect for a Cardigan and they also tend to carry their tails down. Corgis are herding dogs, by the way. I see no Dachshund or Border Collie in this dog. Could one parent be a Basenji? Maybe, maybe not. Both Cardigans and Basenjis come in black/tan but both have white "irish" markings. The lack of white markings on this dog throws me off a bit. If there is Basenji in this dog I don't think it was a purebred one. Either that or the possible Cardigan parent was a mix.

  • He could also be a rat-terrier/jrt mix. That could account for all of the traits, short legs, basenji-look, etc.

  • @Quercus:

    He could also be a rat-terrier/jrt mix. That could account for all of the traits, short legs, basenji-look, etc.

    Yes, google "Decker Rat Terriers." They look very basenji-like, but are a bit shorter and heavier.

    It's possible there's some basenji in your boy, but no way to tell for certain. He's a cutie!

  • no idea… but just wanted to say he's cute!

  • He could possibly have Basenji in him but i would say unlikely as the other mixes would cover what I can see in the pictures. However welcome to the forum - he's a lovely boy whatever.

  • Google 'lancashire heeler' and I think you might find your dog. :O)

  • For what it's worth, if you don't mind spending a bit of money, you could have one of the mixed breed DNA tests done. I had my old shepherd mix tested and the results, although not without a bit of a surprise, all made sense. One of my vets and one of our clients also tested their dogs with similar results. The company we used is here: http://www.dnamydog.com/ They do include basenji in their breed list.
    I know there are skeptics out there (I was one until I got Sassy's result), but it's a simple cheek swab and $60 and I don't regret doing it. I only wish that the test had been around when my (presumed to be) basenji X border collie mix was still alive!

  • @sinbaje:

    Google 'lancashire heeler' and I think you might find your dog. :O)

    It certainly resembles one but those are extremely rare.

    From the AKC website:
    "The Lancashire Heeler is a rare breed, numbering only around 5,000 worldwide."

    @Kirsten:

    Yes, google "Decker Rat Terriers." They look very basenji-like, but are a bit shorter and heavier.

    Deckers do not have thick, stumpy legs and a low-slung body like this dog has. There is a short-legged, long-bodied version of Rat Terriers called Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. I could see one of those as a parent of this dog.

    *Disclaimer: This message was written B.C. (Before Coffee) and the author cannot be responsible for lack of clarity caused by cobwebs being interwoven through brain cells.

  • @YodelDogs:

    It certainly resembles one but those are extremely rare.

    From the AKC website:
    "The Lancashire Heeler is a rare breed, numbering only around 5,000 worldwide."

    Deckers do not have thick, stumpy legs and a low-slung body like this dog has. There is a short-legged, long-bodied version of Rat Terriers called Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. I could see one of those as a parent of this dog.

    *Disclaimer: This message was written B.C. (Before Coffee) and the author cannot be responsible for lack of clarity caused by cobwebs being interwoven through brain cells.

    I was envisioning some sort of terrier mix, that at some point involved a short legged JRT

  • His coloring is a lot like a tri basenji, but whatever he is, he is a really nice looking dog. I have a mix also, mostly basenji in her traits, but lots of extra skin around her neck, much thicker than a true basenji weighing 33 lbs. If her legs were shorter I'd definitely say corgi - yours probably has corgi in him.

Suggested Topics

  • 2 Votes
    12 Posts
    3k Views
    B
    What a wonderful black and white b!!! I had a lovely black and white girl for 16 years--she was very opinionated!!! Enjoy your handsome man!!
  • My Basenjis

    Member Introductions
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    2k Views
    P
    As mine age I try to keep a bit of weight on them because I know they may reach a stage when they just don't keep weight as the organs weaken.
  • Need help with basenji

    Member Introductions
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    2k Views
    S
    I agree that having a companion for your dog is helpful. My 2 b's sleep on the bed when we are are work…unless they are sunning themselves outside in the summer keeping an eye on the yard. We have a doggie door and its helpful...but I wouldn't let a single dog have access to the outside, as they might see some dog they want to play with and go over/under the fence. My 2 have never even tried to climb out. But I believe its cause they are together.
  • My Basenji?

    Member Introductions
    23
    0 Votes
    23 Posts
    6k Views
    scarlettsmommaS
    It was actually the vet tech wasn't the most brilliant thing on the planet… needless to say I found another vet the next week and they think she might have some bulldog in her... what a mix. I believe that she definitely could have some bulldog in her judging by the way she lays around the house.
  • Hello to All - New Basenji Mom needs help!

    Member Introductions
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    luzmery928L
    Although I have no words of advise I do want to commend you for trying your best to give Maddy Keller a chance to have a home. I wish you the best of luck in finding her a new home.
  • Between Basenjis

    Member Introductions
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    3k Views
    nala121498N
    I'm sorry for the loss of your dear Basenjis. Losing a pet is so difficult. I hope this site helps you through the transition. Welcome.