Looks can be so deceiving- here is an article of a woman who adopted a rescue dog in N.J. Dog looks like a basenji - even her vet thought it might be basenji. She did an Embark DNA test - no basenji. Turned out the dog was a mixture of Mountain Cur, Rat Terrier, Beagle, and Boston Terrier. link text
Is a Basenji right for me?
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I'm looking for a new dog to add to my family I have two german shepherds already and have never owned a basenji before/ I like the size of the Basenji and I think its really cute but during my research on the breed I became a little nervous. I am ready to give time and training into my future dog and want my new dog to be my walking partner because I love walks. I have a huge backyard and a big family with 4 kids-young adults ages 12-19. but people are out of the house from 8-2:30. Do you think the basenji will be too much for me? all inquires wanted! thanx
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http://www.basenjirescue.org/BRAT_Info/Family_Basenji.pdf
I think it's a matter of being committed. If you have read the info and are still up for the challenge and are going to be committed, then I say go for it!
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My friend says that basenjis are the opposite of German Shepherds, who are bred to work with humans and be obedient. Basenjis are hounds, bred to follow their own "superior" instincts, and for humans to follow along as best they can and try to keep up. they are the "just give me the car keys and ccredit card and get out of my way" dogs, not the 'yes master, your wish is my command' dogs. I had a GS years ago, they are wonderful dogs, basenjis are wonderful friends and family members who will constantly be one step ahead of you, not behind you, mentally anyway! But boy are they fun! Glad you have read all the good, bad and ugly about them. They are fine home alone for the work day, especially if they have dog buddies to play with. A very good friend has a 1 1/2 yr old basenji girl and recently rescued a 5 year old small GS, they are great buddies and very happy playing together. He had planned on another basenji, but this dog just fell into their laps and they are all very happy with a B and a GS.
Good luck, stick around, this is a gret support group!
Anne in Tampa
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Newbie11, on BRAT's (Basenji Rescue and Transport) webpage they have Good, Bad and Ugly stories. If you read those and are still interested, you are certainly up for the challenge. I had a dobie before so I am used to the "yes maam" dogs. Basenjis are not that way. They can be very cat-like in their personality. But they are also complete cuddlers and must be close to you. Kudos to you for doing your research a head of time.
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The line above, "Just give me the car keys and credit card and get out of my way" made me ROFL - it's so true! Basenjis think for themselves. I tell people that I meet how a Basenji truly has a "what's in it for me?" attitude. They can take you or leave you … but if they take you, it's for life.
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If interested in a Basenji you really should visit personally with them… contact a breeder or ownere near you that you could visit and see them in a home situation.
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If interested in a Basenji you really should visit personally with them… contact a breeder or ownere near you that you could visit and see them in a home situation.
Hi there. Good on you for doing your research. That's fantastic that you're doing that.
I agree with Tanza that it is crucial that you see Basenjis in a home situation. You will propably fall in love with them :D. But please be aware that despite being cuddly, gorgeous and unusual, that they can be fiercely independant compared to other breeds. Generally Basenjis tend to be a little harder to control than say a German Shepard and you need lot's patience to train them especially with recall during walks etc. A fully fenced backyard is also a must.
I think though because you have other dogs, you will obviously have experience and should be able to handle it. Good luck 
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Hi there. Good on you for doing your research. That's fantastic that you're doing that.
I agree with Tanza that it is crucial that you see Basenjis in a home situation. You will propably fall in love with them :D. But please be aware that despite being cuddly, gorgeous and unusual, that they can be fiercely independant compared to other breeds. Generally Basenjis tend to be a little harder to control than say a German Shepard and you need lot's patience to train them especially with recall during walks etc. A fully fenced backyard is also a must.
I think though because you have other dogs, you will obviously have experience and should be able to handle it. Good luck I disagree with the fully fenced yard statement.. there are lots and lots of Basenjis that are in apartments or townhomes… that do perfectly well without a yard.. of course you do have to walk them.. and walk them lots... If you have a yard, then yes if you want them out there, fully fenced is required but it is not a requirement, IMO
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BDawg, you are so right, I think all of us B owners should be commited! LOL! When I tell people about the things that Zahra does they look at me like I am crazy for having an abnormal dog or that maybe I should be committed to the wacky ward!
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I don't have a fenced in yard & I own 2 Bs
that are kept very busy. I actually think NOT having a fenced yard forces us to be interactive with our dogs & do stuff with them all the time.We go on 1 hr runs every single morning…weekend & holidays too!
We go to training once a week..cuz this helps socialize them & works their brains too!
We go on bike rides when possible helps them to burn off a lot of their excess energy.
We work on obedience every chance we get.
We go to visit other B friends & dog shows & fun matches!
Hopefully soon...they will start lure coursing.Having Bs are a big responsible...& like BDawg said, it takes a lot of time, patience, & commitment. But above all LOVE
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Although I have a large fenced yard with my three, I don't see the problem with not having a fenced yard. For the first 8 months I didn't have a fence-it just made me work harder to keep my B (Shadow) happy. The biggest thing is to make sure that you can change YOUR thinking. These dogs are not G Shepherds, Boxers, (which I have and a Heeler also) nor are they like any other domesticated dog. You will end up being trained by them. They are not submissive like other dogs and they think independently. You will find yourself putting things away that you never thought possible. Garbage will become a treat to enjoy (whether in the cupboard or not). Shadow has managed to pull the garbage through a small opening where my other dogs couldn't care less. I have baby locks and gates throughout my house and double doors. As has been said many times-please read the stories and then visit and THEN if and only if you can live with destruction, chaos and change and are willing to change your ways of thinking-look for a Basenji! (Sorry to be a party pooper, but we see so many returned, broken, beaten, aggressive and unhappy dogs and people we would rather you see the bad before the good.)
