Adopted a new Basenji Mix - but is he actually a Basenji?

Show Off Your Dog
Log in to reply
  • T

    Hi everyone,

    I just recently adopted my first puppy from a local humane society. They listed 'Rex' as a Basenji mix, and I'm curious if others agree that he is in fact a Basenji. And if so, what the other mix might be. When I've been walking him around my neighborhood, most other dog owners have said he looks like a mini doberman.

    Rex seems to have a lot of the same behaviors as Basenji (he can jump vertically, chortles and barks a bit due to being mixed, he's super curious about everything and very playful, he grooms himself so he is very clean, barely sheds and has no 'dog' smell, loves to sit in laps etc.) But, at the same time I can't help but wonder if he is actually a Basenji, or if that was just listed because it's perhaps a more enticing breed to list for adoptions. He doesn't have a tightly curled tail that is typical of Basenji's and his color pattern also seems a bit off for a Basenji. He has his first vet appointment for this Saturday, so I'll also see what the vet thinks about his breed.

    In any case, Rex is loving his new home. Curious what those on these forums with more experience with Basenji's think! Attached below are some photos!

    0_1558643230397_IMG_3680.JPG

    0_1558643340028_IMG_3696.jpg

    0_1559068994332_IMG_3679.JPG

    0_1559071590726_IMG_3676.jpg

    0_1559071618393_IMG_3694.jpg

    1
  • D

    Looks more MinPin to me but that's likely wrong. A DNA test would give you a better idea. They're not expensive and easy to do, so I'd suggest trying that out.

    Regardless of the outcome, cute pup!

    3
  • D

    Really hard to tell because he is a puppy. The ears, eyes and nose look like he could be part basenji, but it’s also possible he is not. A DNA test is a good idea, regardless though he is a very nice looking pup.

    1
  • RugosaR

    IMO. he has basenji in him. The first pic I saw was the second one and that head? If he had different coloring, he would be a basenji twin.
    Add in the behaviors, a basenji mix for sure.

    Vickie Perrine

    1
  • KembeK

    Omg! He is so CUTE! THe 3rd photo definately looks part Basenji to me. The characteristics you describe are Basenji. DNA test would validate your suspensions. Regardless - beautiful baby! Congratulations!

    1
  • R

    He is missing the four white feet, white tip on the tail, and white on the chest; otherwise he looks great. Definitely have the tests done to discover his real parentage. Good pup, and many joys of happiness with him.

    Len aka Redial
    Queensland, Australia

    0
  • W

    Def looks (and sounds) like there’s at least some basenji in there
    Mabe some min pin or rat terrier too but I’d say at least some basenji

    -1
  • A

    He looks like basenji to me. Handsome little fella❤️

    0
  • ZandeZ

    I'd go along with more MinPin than Basenji. But he definitely deserves a lovely forever home ! Lovely wee boy.

    Sally Wallis

    Zande Basenjis

    www.zandebasenjis.com

    https://pedigrees.zandebasenjis.com

    SKYPE zandeuk

    2
  • N

    WHAT a beautiful boy!!!!! I hope you two have a long and loving life together!

    0
  • T

    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for all of your replies! Rex just had his first vet visit (first with me at least), and he was given a clean bill of health. The vet that I saw also agrees with a lot of you that he looks like a Min Pin more than a Basenji, but he is likely still mixed with something because he's a bit too big to be a pure Min Pin.

    I've looked at a few DNA Dog Breed tests online, and they seem to range in price and in quality. It seems like some of the cheaper (~$50) tests are fake, but they go all the way up to almost $250 for the higher quality ones. Do any of you have experience with these DNA tests / have a brand you found reputable? I'll be sure to post the results of any of the tests with this forum!

    Thanks again, and Rex is doing really great in his new home!!

    0_1559587334052_IMG_3707.JPG

    0_1559587362501_IMG_3720.JPG

    0_1559587384142_IMG_3708.JPG

    0

Suggested Topics

  • S

    Basenji mix??

    Show Off Your Dog
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    5k Views
    K
    OMG soooo cute. Her colouring and face don't look like a basenji, but maybe she's mixed with something with stronger genes. Do a DNA test. That would be fun!
  • SnoviperS

    New Basenji/Mix ?

    Show Off Your Dog
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    tanzaT
    I would say pit…
  • P

    My new basenji

    Show Off Your Dog
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    KipawaK
    She is lovely!
  • C

    New to the Forum Sky the Basenji Mix

    Show Off Your Dog
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    3k Views
    snorky998S
    She is sooooo cute!! At first I thought "how fuzzy!!!"….and the more I looked the more I thought this looks like a punk-rocker Basenji:D A little hair gel and a little vegetable dye with a spike collar and spike ankle bracelets......what a great halloween costume:) Adorable dog. Thanks for sharing.
  • youngandtiredY

    Mix Basenjis

    Show Off Your Dog
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    3k Views
    TuckerVAT
    Look at the BRAT mixes: http://basenjirescue.org/DOGS-MIXES/Default.htm Check out Tia. I think that's what you are looking for. :) Then look at Tyson and Shiloh. Not the right coloring, but similar build and coat….
  • B

    A basenji Mix?

    Show Off Your Dog
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    11k Views
    F
    Rafismom, we started him out in a crate, but he hated it. Cried something fierce. We then started leaving him in my son's room, and he was absolutely fine….well, until he started crying again. Then we gave him roam of the house while we were gone, and have had no problems at all. Yes, I know. I'm lucky! He absolutely hates for us to leave, but he's good while we are gone. No complaints here, for sure. Maybe it's the possible black lab that mixed in that makes him so calm? He has his moments, especially outside when he sees a squirrel, etc., but overall he's a very calm pooch. Just last week, I was walking the dog at a local park when I hear a woman saying something about the dog. She was a good distance away. I then realize she was talking to me and asked if my dog was friendly. I said, "yes" and she came over to pet him. She told me that the dog reminded her of her first dog. She said her first dog was a basenji. After more chatting, she said that it was actually a basenji mix, but that my dog looked a lot like hers. She told me how much she loved that dog and told me all sorts of stories about her. Such a nice lady. Gave me a few bits of advice and about a half hour later we parted ways. This is my first dog, and I've been amazed at how friendly other dog people are when I'm walking him. This has been a great experience.