Testicle size change

[Micah]

When the weather is cold I am sure Kenji retracts his balls, sometimes people ask me if he’s a neutered male but as soon as he’s feeling warm his balls appear again

[tanza]

@sanjibasenji - Normal for a Basenji....

[Zande]

Perfect normal - as is retracting them. Basenjis can retract them - and do - when they are frightened or cold for example. I have had one retract them just before going into the show ring (displeasure at the judge ?) but walking him around made him forget and drop them again so all was well.

[elbrant]

Do other dog breeds do this as well?

[Zande]

Not heard of any. Supposed to be a unique Basenji trick. Remember they carry fore and aft, not side by side as other breeds do. So could be something made possible by the formation of a Basenji's testicles

[tanza]

@elbrant - Also this has been a problem in the show ring as judges need to check and make sure they have both testicles. If a judge is not familiar with the breed they will look/feel for both side by side and not front/back. Many times I have had to explain this to judges that yes they are both there. Otherwise the dog will be DQ'ed. Also since a Basenji is great at retracting one this becomes an issue if the judges hands are cold... LOL.... Judges that know the breed will warm their hands up before checking...

[JENGOSMonkey]

@tanza Our coach, who is also a hound judge in our handling class said the same thing. She said Basenji boys are notorious for hiding their jewels. She suggested I do a quick check myself before entering the ring, and see that both were present for roll call. To be honest I never have, but I’ve also not had a problem on the table so far. Hopefully never will.

[Zande]

@tanza And far too many judges do NOT know Basenji configuration and habits and do approach with cold hands ! It can be a nightmare. Luckily by the time they get to be giving CCs, most judges have done enough Open Shows and learned. . .

[tanza]

@zande - We wish that was true in the US. Provisional judges or judges that have recently been approved for breeds or additional breeds really do not know the breed. And yes, it can be a nightmare.....

[Zande]

@tanza things have changed here, and not for the better. When I was first passed (by the Kennel Club) to give CCs the criteria was you must have had 100 dogs under you at open show level and have judged a club Open Show. Within a few years judges who had had less than 30 dogs under them in Opens were awarding CCs. Heaven alone knows what the criteria is now.