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It is all in the look …

Basenji Talk
  • MacPackM

    It keeps you from strangling them on the spot.

    That adorable look has saved many a basenjis life….many times!

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

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  • BenkuraB

    LOL I saw Belle last night on the sofa with the two boys. Belle was egging them on to play with her. She had such a devilish face on her I wish I could get a picture of her at the right moment. She is hilarious when she yawns, her teeth come out like she is a shark :D

    Victoria Miller & the hounds of Benkura

    www.benkurabasenjis.co.uk

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  • BasenjimammaB

    I too think that is a safety mechanism..so we don't kill them on the spot..smart nature..hehe.

    Petra and Pippin

    with Otis in my heart…

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  • QuercusQ

    @MacPack:

    It keeps you from strangling them on the spot.

    That adorable look has saved many a basenjis life….many times!

    Agreed! It only adds to the life saving episode if they issue a super cute yodel right at the peak of the human's anger..

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

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  • renaultf1R

    @Quercus:

    Agreed! It only adds to the life saving episode if they issue a super cute yodel right at the peak of the human's anger..

    OMG so true, lol.

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  • wizardW

    So true so true :p

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  • DebraDownSouthD

    My sister used to say babies are born cute with cute coo noises so you don't pinch their heads off in your sleep deprived state. Ditto basenjis. Cute definitely is a survival factor!

    Debra

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  • KipawaK

    God made basenjis like that to ensure the race would proliferate. :)

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

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  • P

    I totally agree - it's such a wonderful expression that when you come home to a shredded room you still have to give them a big cuddle!!

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  • AndrewA

    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!

    Carrie & the Brindle Babes, Callie & Lola (Not Andrew)

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    Looking at getting a Basenji.

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    @jordandwilly - Thanks for clearing that up.... 9-5 is just fine, IMO.... I work and have always had to leave mine when I was at work, never an issue. That said, we were able to set up the house that access to the backyard (with 10 to 12' privacy fences) with a doggy door and a dog room in the house for them, Locks on the gates so there is NO access for anyone. Dogs sleep 90% of the day so being at work doesn't bother them... never have mine even when I had a litter in the house (And have been in the breed as owner/breeder for 35+ years). You can hire a dog walker to take them out mid day..which is a good solution. and give them a mid day meal depending on their age. I do not and never have used free feeding, period. Especially if you have more that one... you never know what/who is eating what. And you can set up camera's on line to watch them from "afar".... LOL. Keep in mind people that many of us need to work and have day jobs. The most important thing is the time you need to spend with them when you are home. Example would be, if you have young children and you work... when you get home you are going to spend your time with your human children... NO dog would be happy if left out... they need their time also because they are a family member and need as much time as a human child. Again in my opinion
  • J

    Looking into a Basenji

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    Looking for basenji female.

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    Looks like my house

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    Look who I saw today!

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    @smharr4: I wonder who this Wheat-coloured nose belongs to… [image: IMG_20100807_114011.jpg] it reminds me of our Wingco when he was young….........i used to laugh and say` to him boy, i hope you grow into those ears hahaha:p he did .
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    Looking at doggie daycare

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    wizardW
    I don't care how much pampering my dog gets or whether or not TV is available - that's just icing on the cake and cash out of my wallet. I do care about the basic TLC that is offered. Here's a few things I looked for when checking out the doggie day cares: 1. How high are their fences and how do the dogs move from kennel to play area? 2. How large is the outside play area and are there bushes or other obstructions for the humans watching? 2. How many dogs do they let play together at one time? 3. How many humans watch over the dogs playing? 4. How do they introduce new dogs – small dog to small dog; temperment to temperment; free for all? 5. What doggie first aid training do the humans have? I visited one place that had a very very very large outdoor area and only the standard 4 foot fence. I asked what happens if a dog jumps the fence -- oh we've never had that happen (and they never had experience with basenjis either). I visited one place that had a large playroom and allowed all the dogs together at one time with only one person to watch over. I asked what happens if there's a fight -- oh I come running after them with a spray bottle of water. Don't be fooled by appearances.