I'm seriously Considering a Basenji … BUT:
I'm concerned about some traits that I've read. I'd like Basenji owners to comment on them:
- Dislikes being alone so much that it will trash the house unless crated.
- NEVER allow off the leash if there's risk of dog sensing some critter nearby.
- An escape artist. A) Can/will climb chain link fence.
Will bolt out open/ajar door.
- Doesn't play well with other dogs. Not likely to be popular at a dog park.
- Training is not easy at all. Actually, basenji has a lot of in common with a cat - nature and behavior
- ???
No matter what breed you decide on, it sounds like you are going into this the right way: research, asking questions, realistic expectations, etc.
I will say this: my ex got me into basenjis. I wanted a lab or a weimeraner or a golden retriever. The more research we did, the less I wanted one of these "willfull, stubborn, destructive, escape artist" dogs. We went to see puppies & who can resist a puppy of any breed?
I resented the beast for the first 6 months until I discovered the dog park. What a great way to release some energy and have some fun! We bonded over that, and by the time he was 7 months old, I was talking about adding another basenji to the family. Now I'm a "breed snob" and wouldn't consider anything else.
Every dog is an individual. I have 2 girls that are within 2 weeks of age. Most people can't tell them apart & everywhere we go, strangers call them twins. But to me, they are like night & day. They both respond to different commands & different situations differently. One of them I can trust in safe (no cars around) situations off leash, the other I can't. Neither one of them has awesome recall; one just doesn't like to be too far away from me. The other could care less where I'm at if there are animals to chase.
It sounds like you are more than willing to put in the time and energy necessary to train a dog, and if you can find the proper motivation, basenjis can learn absolutely anything at all. But like others said, there is a "What's in it for me?" attitude that makes their response to commands unreliable. I find that the more time I invest in training, the better my basenjis respond to commands. If I'm taking them to classes & working on training every day, they are very responsive and eager to please when I have treats.
To address your specific concerns:
Please let us know what you decide.
With your indications 1-5, I would say a Basenji is not for you. Especially the part about off leash, unless in a secure area, your Basenji is apt to bolt and if there is traffic, they could care less… or care less if you call them... they might flick an ear to your voice, but the game is more important.
We became basenji owners this January when we acquired a wonderful, male puppy. He is the joy of our lives. He is happy and he is crazy. He is stubborn and he is willing. He is clumsy and he is graceful. He is silly and he is serious.
I was going to answer each of the questions, but the more I read them, the more I found myself agreeing with Tanza (Pat). A basenji just doesn't seem like the dog for you.
IMO, a basenji is the right dog for you if you accept all of their unique traits - the good and the crazy/challenging ones. As far as an individual dog's traits goes, I believe you have to go into owning a basenji feeling comfortable with whatever will come your way. There are just no guarantees. Lots of the challenges are why we love them. So the question is: regardless, will you be willing to do the work to keep your basenji for his/her entire life?
I hope I don't sound harsh, because I don't mean to. Researching the breed before coming to a final conclusion is critical. I admire you for doing all of your homework before making such an important decision.
- Dislikes being alone so much that it will trash the house unless crated.
This is individual to the dog. Our previous Basenji, Maxx, was left free in the house when we were gone from the time he was less than three years old (he was crate trained) and never bothered anything. We're hoping that Blaze will turn out to be the same way, but at four months old, he's not yet to that point, so he's crated at night and when we're not at home.
- NEVER allow off the leash if there's risk of dog sensing some critter nearby.
I'm not sure I'd use the term "never," but you have to be very cautious about where you do let a Basenji loose…and you have to be sure they have good recall (but, even then, if a Basenji sees a rabbit or squirrel, I'm not sure even the best trained Basenji could be reliably recalled). There were a couple of places that we let Maxx loose, and he was pretty good about staying close and we didn't have too much of a problem recalling him. However, Basenjis are very prey oriented, so we were very cautious about the areas where we let him run free if it wasn't securely fenced.
- An escape artist. A) Can/will climb chain link fence.
Again, this depends on the dog. Maxx was not really an escape artist and never showed any interest in climbing the fence. We were able to teach him that he didn't go out the door until he was given the "OK," and then it was always on a lead unless the door opened into a secure area.
- Doesn't play well with other dogs. Not likely to be popular at a dog park.
Depends on the dog. We never took Maxx to a dog park, but he was friendly with most dogs. There are lots of people on these forums who take their Basenjis to a dog park all the time without problems.
- Training is not easy at all. Actually, basenji has a lot of in common with a cat - nature and behavior
This is certainly true. Basenjis are independent dogs, much like a cat is independent. If you want a dog that will hang on your every word, and do what you say without question (like the Labs you are used to), a Basenji isn't for you. A Basenji's attitude when you ask him to do something is "What's in it for me?"
I've probably been spoiled by the raising, from puppyhood to the end, of three Labrador Retrievers. A Lab is too big for our annual migration via SUV between AZ & MI. Also, my wife doesn't want to deal with the shedding.
If all you are concerned about is size, there are lots of smaller dogs that will be more amenable to training and that don't shed (or shed as much as a Lab) that would probably be more suitable for you. As mentioned, Basenjis do shed…they just shed little short hairs, not big clumps.
If you go into Basenji ownership thinking that you can teach it to be just like a Lab, you're going to be sorely disappointed, and another Basenji will end up in rescue.
Please rethink your choice.
+1 to all that is above..but this…
We became basenji owners this January when we acquired a wonderful, male puppy. He is the joy of our lives. He is happy and he is crazy. He is stubborn and he is willing. He is clumsy and he is graceful. He is silly and he is serious.
I was going to answer each of the questions, but the more I read them, the more I found myself agreeing with Tanza (Pat). A basenji just doesn't seem like the dog for you.
IMO, a basenji is the right dog for you if you accept all of their unique traits - the good and the crazy/challenging ones. As far as an individual dog's traits goes, I believe you have to go into owning a basenji feeling comfortable with whatever will come your way. There are just no guarantees. Lots of the challenges are why we love them. So the question is: regardless, will you be willing to do the work to keep your basenji for his/her entire life?
I hope I don't sound harsh, because I don't mean to. Researching the breed before coming to a final conclusion is critical. I admire you for doing all of your homework before making such an important decision.
…..feels like I just wrote it..I agree with Kipawa
I love Pippin's good and "bad" sides...my husband is still learning to accept is his "bad" manners, but he knows these are more common breed traits with basenjis and is learning to deal with it..he is after all the one who told me to look into the breed after seeing some show about them many years ago..
Good luck in your hunt for a perfect dog..you are going about it in the right manner by doing your research..kudos for that...:)
Dislikes being alone so much that it will trash the house unless crated.
Depends on the dog, but I find Basenjis have a pack instinct. Most the the B ppl have more than one dog to keep the other company. Mine does ok on her own but does not prefer it and will not be crated.
NEVER allow off the leash if there's risk of dog sensing some critter nearby.
Basenjis are not trusted off leash, period. They have no natural fear of cars and death by vehicle is a leading cause of death in the breed. I allow my dog off leash when we are in national parks with no existing roadways, I have been training her recall since she was 11 weeks old and she is still not trust worthy without fences or open country. Basenjis have that natural prey drive which can not and will not be broken by their person.
An escape artist. A) Can/will climb chain link fence. Will bolt out open/ajar door.
Quite true, but different dogs have different weaknesses. My B can climb trees as well as fences, but she normally doesn't - however I would never leave her outside unsupervised. She will bolt out of a open door if possible.
Doesn't play well with other dogs. Not likely to be popular at a dog park.
Basenjis I find have their own language of play, I find they enjoy ancient dogs play more than modern dogs. However my B loves all dogs, and they like her. She is quite popular at our dog park.
Training is not easy at all. Actually, basenji has a lot of in common with a cat - nature and behavior
Basenjis are incredibly cat like- they just require different training. They cannot be motivated by conventional means because Basenjis are not motivated by people but by their own desires. The key is to train them into thinking what you want is really what they want. Positive and creative training is the only way. That being said, using positive methods my B has become much more biddable with time. She is no Lab, but she is developing many key training talents at 3 years old.
I Don't find the Basenjis hunter instincts to be negative, they are just fact. You are working with a dog which has kept itself alive for over 6,000 years on it's mind alone. These dogs are special but I think if you are looking for a dog which is biddable and will really respond to you and your family at the centre this is probably not the correct breed. This dog will love loyally but never see itself as your "dog" so to speak. If you are looking for a medium sized dog which doesn't shed much, doesn't have a strong odor and IS motivated by its' people I would suggest the Hungarian Vizsla.
I doubt the destructive issues are so much hating to be alone, as liking to self-entertain. Destruction is good fun.
Sorry, I don't think this is the dog for you at all. Consider something more malleable, a dog that wants to please YOU and the bonding of the type of training you want to use will help forge a wonderful happy relationship. A basenji might love you to pieces, and still not care a flip about what you want them to do. That "please the owner" gene is terribly missing. And the relationship you want is unlikely to be met with most of this breed. Can you train it eventually to do much of what you want… maybe. But why shove a square peg in a round hole? Consider another breed. Or... volunteer to foster a basenji from BRAT, lol... then get another breed.
But I truly applaud your researching!
If all you are concerned about is size, there are lots of smaller dogs that will be more amenable to training and that don't shed (or shed as much as a Lab) that would probably be more suitable for you. As mentioned, Basenjis do shed…they just shed little short hairs, not big clumps.
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First: I've never experienced a forum with such straight-forward, informative responses to an inquiry. Thank you all!
Second: Recommendations for some "… lots of smaller dogs ..." to look into would be valued.
Gary
Poodles and Schnauzers don't shed. Our Brussels Giffon, Gracie, doesn't shed, either. And you couldn't ask for a more devoted dog than Gracie…she's got the "please the owner" gene that Debra talked about in spades. She learns things very quickly...not that she's any smarter than Blaze, our Basenji, but because she wants to please us. Blaze, on the other hand, while I know he loves us, doesn't have the "please the owner" gene at all...he has the "please the Basenji" gene! 
While we've never had a poodle, we have had a Standard Schnauzer...as well as a Doberman and a Great Dane. The latter two are probably too big for you, but all of these dogs are much more amenable to training than the Basenji. Don't get me wrong...a Basenji CAN be trained, but it'll take much more work on your part, and they will never be a Lab.
Small breeds I would recommend… hmm.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels IF you find a breeder who has 3 generations of clear hearts at age 7.
Pomeranians are bright and have the "please you" gene. 
Toy or mini poodles are incredibly bright. The fru fru cut people give them don't do justice to their working dog intelligent personalities.
I haven't met a Brussels Griffon I didn't like.
Miniature Schnauzers are genetically and temperamentally the same as Standard... tougher than you think but with the "please you" gene that makes them highly trainable.
Go to a dog show, or obedience trial part of one, and meet the breeds.
in my life, the dog who was most bonded to me and the most trained was a little mixed breed - he didn't shed, didn't yip, and did whatever i asked of him!
It sounds as though you're on your way to choosing another dog that would be more suitable for you. You've been given really good advice and information about Basenjis.
As to other breeds I would go with Debra. A Cavalier King Charles is onee of the dogs I reccommend when people need an alternative. They are usually a very biddable and happy little dog much more suited I would think to your wishes and way of life.
You are obviously a person who does her/his research before taking the plunge and thank you for that. Whatever you decide I hope you'll enjoy your choice.
I'm not really sure what you're looking for in a dog, but if you've enjoyed labs but want something a little smaller, I'd start with the spaniels. Cavaliers are wonderful little dogs as are the larger spaniels found in the sporting group. Am ****ers (rhymes with Rocker if it gets bleeped out) can be delightful if you find a good breeder. The hair is purely optional. As are English (ocker spaniels and Field spaniels. I was seriously impressed with an American Water Spaniel I saw do some rally/obedience work once. Boykins look interesting, but i haven't actually seen one in the flesh. I also really like Brittanys (Brittanies?), but they are a little larger than the others I believe. Either way, I think most of those breeds are in the 18 inches or less height catagory.
Herding group in general, tends to be a bit pushy, but if you're looking for that 18 inch or less size, you may want to try the Sheltie, corgi, valhund, Pyrenean shepherd or maybe a mini Aussie (some of those mini aussies are neat little-ish dogs, some, not so much). Herding dogs are smart and born to work with their owners, but can be neurotic.
Terries, probably not what you're looking for in a dog as they have some of the same issues that basenjis do, but I think the Staffie bulls are seriously UNDER-rated as a breed. True Staffies can be hard to find and you may have breed-ban issues with them, but the several I've met are way cool little dogs.
The Toy group has been bred to be companions and they may also fit you needs, but most are considerably smaller size-wise. You would also want to look into the roots of the breed as the Group is so varied with this respect. Pug-people are just crazy about their breed, but you do have special concerns with a brachycephilic breed.
Good luck in your quest! and please let us know what you decide.
Flight of ideas: Wonder why no one has ever 'bred down' labs? They are so popular, imagine the popularity of one that is about 30 lbs? Same personality but more convenient size as a city pet-dog. Just thinking…...
well, i've seen some labra-doodles using a mini poodle and a lab. But Anne, you're right, perhaps you're onto the next million dollar idea. :p
Boston Terriers are also neat dogs. Small, short hair, active, bright dogs. I know several that are superior agility dogs.
duplicate post
You are right Kim, now that you mention it I have seen one small labradoodle. Darling dog, nice size. I just thought it was a 'runt' but probably bred from the mini-poodle.
And honestly, I know a lot of folks who have labra- or golden-doodles and they all LOVE them; no shedding, biddable, active but not crazy-wild.
I will happily sell my "mini-lab" franchise, haha, but I am a basenji person, I wouldn't know how to handle a dog who wanted to please ME.
Where's "Lateral G" in all this discusion? I was going to say that I have had 2 "pet" Basenji's, one at a time, and they have been great. I've left them out in the house/ apartment, and neither one has chosen to eat the furniture, carpet or any other thing while I've been at work.
Hungarian Vizsla???? Very biddable, little shedding, no smell LOVES it's people, and females are extremely compact..
LOL please let us not encourage buying or supporting the labradoodle or other mix breed designer pets. From an idea to help with service dogs, it is a huge money making venture now.
On Brittanys. Sorry, I really disagree. I know 5 show breeders, many dogs… they are not my cup of tea. I'd really rather live with a Crack Russel. No joke. I find them rather squirrely
