all i have to say is that our basenji (his name is toby, a male, and who will be 2 years old in january) is extremely trustworthy in the house and backyard. listens very well, obeys almost every command he has been taught, and is a total velcro dog. he gets along with elliott (his 2 year old italian greyhound brother extremely well) they are the best of friends, and he is very nice with everyone and every dog he meets. i have heard nothing but the highest of praises when my parents watch hime for extended periods of time as well. looks to me and my wife for almost everything, maybe because he was a rescue at 6 months.

THAT being said…...you would think we could have him off leash. NOT A CHANCE. he doesn't mind water at all, not at all, in fact he jumps in every fountain we pass in the spring and summer. he goes nuts when he sees a squirrel or bird when on a walk. he would bolt from the car once we open the door if we don't hold him and the leash. he would be gone and would be gone for good, that is one thing i am 100% certain. he is ONLY off leash in the house, with the doors and windows/screens securely locked, or, in a a trusted dog park that we have been in 100 times and i know he can not escape from.

WHAT i am saying is that, no matter what, all basenjis are definitely not the same. anyone who has not walked their dog off leash from a very early age with excellent recall might be in for a horroffic surprise one day. be very, very careful.

oh, did i mention that about 3 weeks ago he started to bring a stuffed football to me to play fetch with. all on his own, at no initiation on my or my wife's part at all. and the reason he uses the stuffed football and not any other toy is because it's to big for our italian greyhound to play with.

smart dog. but can not be trusted off leash, that is for sure.