This is just a note to say thanks so much for your replies. This is incredibly helpful as we evaluate our options. I really appreciate how helpful every one is.

Hi!

My husband and I are adding a dog to our family, and I would love that dog to be a basenji. I've been a huge fan of the breed for a long time, and have been researching extensively, meeting breeders and rescues in the area, etc.

Here's my concern: we have two chinchillas, aged five and six. The chinchillas are very low key, and spend most of their time caged, except for supervised playtime in a closed, chinchilla proof room. Our initial inclination was that we could keep the chins in their own room and since they are caged, it wouldn't be a problem.

However, I had a long conversation with a breeder yesterday who felt that introducing a basenji into a home with small animals was a disaster waiting to happen, and that the first second the dog was free, he would go and eat the chinchillas (basically!). I really apreciate this perspective, because I take my commitment to all members of the family very seriously…..but this was the first time that perspective was expressed so clearly (up to the point of the basenji opening the cage and taking the little guys out).

By way of context, we have no children and I work from home so I am here most all the time.

I wanted to see if anyone has basenjis and small animals such as chins, ferrets, rabbits, etc. who remain caged, and what your general thoughts were. Any feedback is very welcome.

Thank you in advance!
Liz