My oldest at present is Jewel she was 16 on the 15 this month - I pray she has more years of healthy life. I hate to see these oldies who're really sick are dragged on and on but if they still get good quality of life its a pleasure to have them around. Jewel still loves her daily walks but doesn't want to have road walks as much as the younger two who are exercised with her. She will walk for long distances in the fields and footpaths and still gives chase to rabbits and other living things. She is a pleasure to live with and has already given us many joyful years.
The last time she was showed was at 13 plus and the experienced breed judge (Bunty Bowers of the Domewood fame) said that she showed the younger ones how a Basenji should move. She still has her beautiful true Basenji movement although rather slower now.
The oldest Basenji I had lived to 17 plus and decided herself that it was then time to leave us 7 months short of her 18th birthday. I do think age runs in lines. There are some Basnejis over the hill at 13 and indeed Spring my second oldest now seems a fairly old dog although still full of life and with a keen appetite.