Yes, we are very privileged to have Basenjis in our lives. They have been in my heart since I first fell in love with the then Belgian Congo, many many years ago. I have lived with them on and off for over 70 years and associated with them more than that. There is no other breed for me although I have had some others over the years. Alas, I have my last one now as I couldn't possibly hope to give the care needed to another dog at my age. (I do have a part in others

You've obviously had a very difficult time these past years. He was obviously not socialised at all and obviously came from an irresponsible breeder. Adding to the fact that you didn't understand him at first probably made matters worse. This is a warning to others not to buy a Basenji 'off the cuff' but to contact a reputable breeder who will have reared her puppies correctly and socialised them well. It sounds as though his fear of outside stems from being confined since babyhood. No wonder the person who sold him to you disappeared!

In my opinion, it would be better to feed him a more balanced diet. It is never a good idea to encourage Basenjis to eat your food. Mine are fed on raw meat, including some organ meat, and a good organic mixer biscuit. Have you tried to feed him raw? Far better than "everything and anything". Some foods make dogs hyper.

Best wishes for the future with him. You obviously love him very much.

I agree that it's usually only necessary to reduce your Basenji's amount of food rather than a special diet when he/she is beginning to put on weight. That is if they are on an already balanced diet. During cold months I usually add a little, against during warm months. My vet used to ask "Show weight or normal weight?" !!. Noticing how slim some people keep their Basenjis and especially puppies, in the show ring I agree with him. I allow my old Basenis extra weight to help combat any wasting due to age. In my opinion, it's merely a matter of being aware that they are putting on unnecessary weight.

He looks a delightful chap and full of fun. His coat colour looks the same as Basenji red/white. You'll just have to patiently wait for the DNA results! Please do let us know your results. I'd be very interested to know.
MorseSA - Accidental matings do happen you know. Jaxyboy101 - In my opinion this post shouldn't have been directed at you. It's so good to know that there are people like you who adopt these dogs. Hugs to you.

I've got the same situation. Now my boy is left alone he no longer appears to be grieving but won't be left on his own now. We are currently only leaving him for 10 minutes or so as long as one of us can hear him and get back if need be. We'll increase the time until we're able to leave him for the necessary period. We intend to use the same routine as when his sister was alive.

i'D CONSIDER CHANGING MY VET. yOUR bASENJIS ARE WORRIED IF EVEN TEMPORARILY SO THE VET SHOULD BE TOO.

You did all the right things and with your patience, it obviously paid off. I love these rescue stories especially those like Boomers'. You are very good people and without people like you the world would be a poorer place. Thank you, Paul.

Personally, I don't believe that being alone is any more difficult than having another puppy. After all, there's always a chance that he doesn't get on with the new one (little or adult). I totally agree that he'll benefit from having more attention and bonding with you. There's plenty of time later to think about having more Basenji company.

I don't think she has Basenji in her make-up but she's lovely. I am more au fait with Basenjis than other dogs so couldn't really guess her make-up. Be warned though that as soon as a dog of unknown origins has a curly tail and facial wrinkles people assume Basenji. If you desperately need to know, a DNA test could be the answer but I'm sure you love her whatever (and no wonder!).

@katzmeow She looks lovely. I can't really see how big she is from the photos. But I wouldn't think she's part Basenji but then you can never really tell. She looks very loveable.

I've been involved with Basenjis for many years and can only remember one occasion where one Basenji was startled by one particular noise ( ice cream mixer van starting up), otherwise they seem completely immune to noises even the loudest ones. Of course there will always be the odd exception.

i'D CONSIDER CHANGING MY VET. yOUR bASENJIS ARE WORRIED IF EVEN TEMPORARILY SO THE VET SHOULD BE TOO.

@eeeefarm She does look long in the back, I agree, but, Strawberrykiwi, in my opinion she is far more basenji-like than many pictured on this forum an recognised as 'might be basenjis'. She is certainly a sweetie. I'd chance my arm and say that she is possibly a cross Basenji. I've seen many in my long Basenji associated life that have been very similar and pure bred. I accept that many people concern themselves as tho their rescue's genetics but personally think "Does it matter?" she is obviously loved and in my current and future !Basenjiless state would love to have her in my home. .

You seem to have heard negative things about the Basenji. It is certainly untrue that they are not affectionate. They certainly are and are not stubborn Tanza is correct and always comes up with the right answers to queries such as yours. Please listen to her she has years of experience, I too have many years of experience with this beloved and interesting breed and totally agree with her. I hate to hear the advice to squeeze their noses to stop them biting. Firstly I should say please don't take on a pup who is too young to leave his mother and litter siblings. It is here where they learn that biting actually can hurt. This is your first step to stopping biting. Then , as Tanza says yelp and tell them no and turn away. Offer them a satisfactory alternative. In my experience if this doesn't work it is because the wrong noise has been used. You'll soon learn which noise is effective. Never turn it into a battle. You are approaching this in the right way - plenty of research and forward planning.

I only neuter my females when absolutely necessary for physical health reasons. I do not neuter males. When I was young and very ignorant I had a male neutered because the person from whom I fostered him suggested that I do. I leave them entire for all the reasons that Zande has indicated and many more. Having said that, I accept that it has to become a necessity for some owners because of their circumstances. It doesn't cure any of the problems that are suggested however in my opinion.

I_ totally empathise with all of you regarding canine dementia. The vet first obviously but please have a look at the Facebook page where you will find loads of helpful advice. I have stayed as a member after Tifi died (naturally, I should add) purely to be able to give help where I can.
I was at my wits' end when totally out of character she seriously attacked her brother who previously she adored. I consulted a behaviourist who was not at all useful. I was considering having her put down but then heard of a book 'Remember Me' by Eileen Anderson that I mention in my earlier post.
It was a turning point for Tifi and me. I joined the CCD Facebook group and found others very helpful.
She improved using various medicines and techniques and went on to have a happy life until finally her kidney function packed up and she died very peacefully one night having looked into my eyes and said her goodbye. She was 15. Unless you've been through this it is so easy to talk of lack of quality of life and selfishness. Give your dogs a chance, please.
Hugs to you all.

My Tifi had CBD in her later years. There is an excellent group on FB who will recommend various medications that help. It's usually necessary to find a balance that'll help. Hopefully, your vet will also prescribe something. If you can join you'll find a great band of friends who understand.
Tifi enjoyed her last years and had a great quality of life although when she first developed it, like you, I thought that she might have to be 'put to sleep'. Please give him a chance and you will find great benefits.
Eileen Anderson has written 'Remember Me. Loving and Caring for a Dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction' which is available on Amazon and is a really worthwhile and helpful book.

Listen to your gut feeling. Stop any behaviour that you're not happy with, eeefarm makes a good suggestion to enforce the stop command by having a lead attached that you can step on when necessary. Your B may just be copying by growling but remember she may not! Yes, Basenjis will growl as they play but the meaning is usually fairly obvious when you watch or listen carefully. It appears that you have quite a complicated series of events - try to deal with one thing at a time but always be on the alert. As others have advised, please don't leave them alone together when you're not there. As you indicate that she has a hard head with the rest of the family this would still apply when you're away. Eventually, with determination you'll obtain equilibrium.

Great stuff!! I look forward to seeing more of Otis. X X

Otis looks extremely cute and loveable. Siz and weight are within Basenji Parameters. The pose that others post are Basenji like are a standard play bow exhibited by dogs of all varieties so not really indicative. You're naturally curious but when it comes down to it I'm sure DNA results will not make an iota of difference in your love for Otis..