@morsesa said in Is she a basenji ?:

If you have a dog that is not a pure basenji, do not use the basenji word to describe it.

Why? Basenji is one of the oldest breeds. It is fact that many more modern breeds used Basenji for their many amazing traits.

Sometimes its wishful thinking, but OH WHAT HOPEFUL THOUGHT. I just lost my last Basenji two days ago. Ms. Bunmi loved and accepted Roxy into our pack. Roxy is a Fauxsenji. I know for sure she isn't Basenji and make no other claim. She barks...but she also chortles and burrs, this learned from the late Chica Bella.

My friend, you will find some of the top breeders of all time on this list. None that I know would ever condemn a wishful thinker. Kind and respectful guidance is the way ahead for us all. We are not here to slap hands or pinch each other. We are here to share, learn and lovingly guide each other through whatever impacts our beloved Basenji or Basenji-ish family members.

@caaaitlinann comes here with great hope and an extremely lovely pup. We love them all no matter how much or how little purebred they may be. Let us embrace this family with the support and respect they so deserve.

Please?

Have you considered lure coursing? When my pack was young (we have one left-age 15), Hubby would put a white plastic grocery bag (with a light weight so nobody got hurt) on a small fishing pole and pitch it around the yard. They went nuts. Literally played until Hubby couldn't play any longer. All slept very well afterward.

We also took them to a lure coursing center. They loved that too.

DNA testing is the only way to know for sure. She favors my Roxy the Fauxsenji.

The most important thing is she is yours and she is loved.

@jengosmonkey Bless you! I will treasure this always. What an amazingly kind and generous gift!!!

@caaaitlinann I apologize to you as well for high-jacking your post.

To all those with Mix, Faux, and Want-to-be Basenjis, welcome one and all. People like you, willing to open their heart and home to the "not so perfect" by society standards, who make such a tremendous difference. Every animal embraced in a safe and loving forever home is a giant leap towards the day when shelters will be empty and rescue will be unnecessary. I pray I live to see that day.

That depends on how set you are on getting a puppy. Unless you plan to breed, a rescue Basenji is an excellent choice. After years of researching the breed, I fostered and eventually adopted from BRaT before getting a breeder puppy. I've had Basenjis of all ages in my home. The older ones are amazing. They will still play, but are easier to settle down for a cuddle. Opening my heart and home to a rescue Basenji was a life changing experience I will never regret.

Your pup is gorgeous. He is what we call a "Beautiful Blend", my vet calls them "Lucky Little Street Dogs" because they look just enough like a purebred something that they are easily adopted. The only way to be for certain of your boy's breeding is to have DNA testing done.

My Roxy looks very similar. She was presented to me as a Basenji, but I knew at first glance that she was not.

@scewbydoo One of our vet techs volunteers with the shelter where she was born. Her mom was labeled as Jack Russell. Her goofy nature makes me think Boxer mix, but who knows. The shelters down in S. TX aren't the most accurate at breed identification. I once had a shelter in San Antonio send me a picture of a brindle Basenji they wanted me to pull...it was a calico cat.

Regardless of breed, Roxy is home.

@jengosmonkey I'm thinking about starting a new group on Facebook with this Pic. Do I have your permission to us this photo?

My Bunmi has an anatomical problem that prevents her glands from expressing properly and she's suffered two abscesses. I give her organic pumpkin mixed with vanilla yogurt and coconut oil a couple times a week. Sweet potato is a seasonal treat that serves the same purpose. I have no idea if organic has any importance, but it seems to taste better to Bunmi than the regular. Vanilla yogurt serves to keep good bacteria in the gut and make the pumpkin more yummy. If they don't like the coconut oil, you can rub it on their belly (like a moisturizer) and they will lick it off.

Her regular vet advised against anal gland removal unless there were no other options. He explained that if you remove the glands, the dog will likely have issues with bowel incontinence. An occasional leakage of fluid is better than bowel incontinence.

Have you considered a more mature Basenji? For example: our Bunmi is 15 and going strong (a little arthritis, but we manage). I would happily take her anywhere. More frequent potty breaks might be necessary because as we age (humans too), there may be a little less time between gotta and go.

I also have what we call our Fauxsenji. She is just a little street dog who got lucky with color and shape. She is more energetic and completely potty reliable. She went outside during Hurricane Harvey because she refused to use the potty pads. If you are willing to spring for transport, there are dozens of dogs just like her in almost every shelter in Texas. Both my girls are here to stay.

Good shelters will temperament test dogs. I'd be willing to do a personal opinion check if you found an interesting dog(s) in the Corpus Christi area. Then again, if you aren't in a hurry and would consider Texas for a vacation spot, you can test drive any number of dogs. There really are an unimaginable number of dogs available down here.

@kembe Thank you. We kinda like her :winking_face:. Your guess is as good as mine. There are hundreds of dogs all over Texas who look just like her. The shelter where she was born claimed her mother was a Jack Russell. Hubby believes she's part Cookie Monster. Doesn't really matter at this point...she's 100% family.

My apologies for typos as I type through tears.

@morsesa I apologize for unloading on you. May I extend an olive branch?

There is so very much to learn here. We only grow when we learn. I've learned so much from all these wonderful people and my pups (Basenji, Faux and Want to be's) have benefited from every single word. I am new to Basenjis myself. Only first being owned by one in 2001. I'm not even sure, at my age, that I'll be blessed with another. That makes my Faux girl all the more precious.

The choice is yours. Ms. Bunmi's passing ripped my heart wide open and made room for more.

Faux Senji Club of Planet Earth is open and looking for moderators. I've never done this before.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/455102805786268

@jengosmonkey I totally understand. Twitter was a big no for me...closed and forgotten. You do what works for you and we'll be your friend no matter what.

@jengosmonkey giving you a long well deserved STANDING OVATION.

Have you looked for Basenji meet-ups in your area? Some areas have established groups and either get time in a closed park or meet in an owner's back yard.

This dog is still LEGALLY owned by BRaT. She is a foster gone rogue.

Massage. You can actually find their sore spots by how they react to your touch.