I think it is a built in survival trait; however, I would like to take it one step further & say that they LEARN over time that this look keeps them out of trouble. Mine have perfected "the look" and use it on unsuspecting guests for attention. Callie, in particular, has the most woebegone expression, and she uses it on those she can tell are suckers. A friend recently stayed with me for the weekend. All weekend, she was saying "Oh poor Callie! Look at her face." I kept insisting to her that Callie was playing her for a sucker, and she was feeding into it. She was convinced Callie was sad or upset. While we were watching a movie, Callie fell asleep on top of my friend on the couch. Movie over, I headed off to bed & she said she was also going to be going to bed soon. The next morning I found my friend on the couch with BOTH basenjis on top of her. Once Callie settled in, she felt like it would be mean to wake her up, so she slept on the couch all night so as not to disturb Callie.
I think it is instinctual/survival, but I think they learn to work it to their advantage for sure!
The "Look"
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Good for the fur babies…how rude of the farmer...he obviously doesn't know class when he sees it...great story...
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Funny how many people think that his tail is not natural
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Isn't it funny how these dogs know who is werth their time and who are not!:)
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That's funny! Awww poor piggy tails ROFL!!!
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Just proves to me what I've already thought. These dogs are are smarter than most people I meet and I would also add, I like the dogs better in most cases.:D
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Just proves to me what I've already thought. These dogs are are smarter than most people I meet and I would also add, I like the dogs better in most cases.:D
I would just like to ditto B Boy's sentiments and add to that an Amen Brother!
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**My three boys make every day special for me.
There's darn few people I'd say that about! :rolleyes:**
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Hey, hate to be rude, but maybe the B look was saying to him, Well, I might have a Pig tail but you farmerboy have a PIG body. haha!!!!!!!!
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Just proves to me what I've already thought. These dogs are are smarter than most people I meet and I would also add, I like the dogs better in most cases.:D
Do I EVER agree with Basenji Boy's comment. I work two part-time jobs, one of which is at a Doggie Day Care and I love dealing with the dogs and not people!!!:D
I do wish Hollie had the curly tail. They are so cute! I got her from a shelter and her tail was already cut, it is about 3 inches long.
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Basenji seem to be the masters of the non-verbal put down. And I also agree with Basenji Boy's comment, reminds of that bumper sticker: the more I know of people, the better I like my dog.
What is the correct plural of Basenji? 'Basenjis' or 'Basenji'? A Yodel of Besenjis?