@basenjicurious
It’s great that you’re doing your homework on the basenji. I think the reason you read all these “horror stories” is because they are not your typical dog. They are a beautiful and highly intelligent breed with a very strong prey drive. My Kembe is my first basenji but I was familiar with the breed because my brothers were basenji owners. I got her when she was 1years old - she was returned to the breeder by the previous owners. Kembe has never been destructive, she has free reign of our house, and I can leave her at home alone. It’s extremely important to exercise them regularly - especially exercise and stimulate their minds, and establish a routine (I can set my watch to my dog). They are definitely trainable - it scares me to see how smart she is and also well behaved. Basenjis are extremely lovable and hilariously funny. If I have a treat that my dog especially likes - she will do her whole “repertoire of tricks” without me even asking her. She dances to let me know it’s time to eat and will sit right next to me and hit me with her paw when she wants to go for her walk.
I think our basenji chose us - when we went to the breeders home to look at her - She jumped up next to my husband on the couch and curled up! I was sold on her! I really hope you find a basenji that right for you!
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Does your Basenji canter "true"?
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I've noticed something interesting about Perry. Much of the time, he canters like a horse…...a "true" canter, i.e. on the right lead the sequence begins with left hind, then right hind & left fore, then right fore, followed by period of suspension. Most dogs.....and I believe all of my previous Basenjis.....tend to canter (or lope) "disunited", i.e. in the above example the dog would begin with the left hind, then right hind, then right fore and finish on the left fore. I'm curious about dogs generally and Basenjis in particular how common it is for them to canter like a horse instead of adopting the usual rhythm for dogs.....
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My Basenjis have always had a "three" beat canter, however they are usually either troting or galloping, they really do not canter that often. I think for dogs the trot is the most efficient gait used. The "three" beat canter is only used as a short go between trot/gallop or gallop/trot
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When Perry decides to gallop/run, I believe he reverts to a disunited gait, but I would have to slo mo the video to be sure!
He canters happily along in the field when he wants to move along but isn't in a great rush. Trotting is more of a long distance gait, IMO, because they can stay in it without effort for miles. When I bike my dogs they generally trot, unless I ask for more speed, or something passes us and the "sighthound reflex" kicks in! -
Cricket canters true on left and right lead. Her flying lead changes are stunning! I wish I could get those out of Ryley!
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Cricket canters true on left and right lead. Her flying lead changes are stunning! I wish I could get those out of Ryley!
Perry does nice flying changes too, and occasionally does a simple change through trot. He is certainly smoother and more consistent than most of my horses, who will throw in a disunited stride or two on occasion!
