Senjabi Basenjis

Home of the African Barkless Dogs

The following information is to be used as a general guide and is based on my limited (ten year) experience with the breed. Not all Basenjis are climbers, or diggers, or particularly independent (read: stubborn).

 

I have found that if you are not going to show or breed from your male Basenji, then get him neutered by about 6-8 months of age. This should prevent any possible male-male aggression he may otherwise develop towards other dogs. They generally get on with bitches no problems, but the males can take an exception to other male dogs, especially bigger dogs.

Socialisation is extremely important for your basenji – not just as a young puppy, but all through their life. They need to get out and meet different people and dogs, go to different places, be exposed to different situations. This will give you a well-adjusted basenji who should cope with anything life may throw at it.

 

Although not generally considered lap-dogs, Basenjis are famous for snuggling up as close as possible to the human body. A typical night on the couch in our house involves at least one person being surrounded by Basenjis and unable to move. Be careful if you do have to move though, any space you leave when you get up is guaranteed to be taken. Basenjis love warm spots so a recently vacated seat is just what they like. I also have several photos of the dogs lying around the log burner. Keesha will sleep on the hearth – just so she can be closer to the heat. She has even singed a patch of hair on her side because she got too close. And it can be a battle to get through the dogs to put more wood on the fire.

 

When it comes to exercising your basenji, most text will say they need a lot of exercise. I don’t take mine out for walks as much as I could do, but I find they get a lot of exercise just around the yard. They regularly perform the Basenji-500 which is a mad dash round and round the house and yard. It is recommended that when this starts you get out of the way – 2 or 3 charging basenjis can quite easily knock you over!

For a single basenji – I suggest regular walks, especially during summer. See if you can find a safe place for your basenji to run free. If not, a retractable lead can give him some freedom to run around the park. During winter I have found the basenjis to be quite content to laze around the fire and not need so much exercise. However, when given the opportunity, they are always willing to go out.

If you walk your dog the same route on a regular basis, it can work to your advantage if the dog gets out, as he will more than likely stick to the route he already knows. I have found this on the rare occasion that any of mine have got out. I have also been lucky in that I’ve always lived in cul-de-sac’s – this is a good thing if the dog heads for the dead-end part of the street.

 

Basenjis like company, and if you are working full time and considering getting a puppy, please think carefully about it. Are you able to go home at lunchtime and spend time with your puppy? If he is young, he will still need 3 feeds a day, so lunch will be important. Depending on where you keep your puppy when you are out, he may need to be let out to go to the toilet. They are very clean dogs and can get quite distressed if forced to stay in a soiled area for a long period of time.

 

If you already have a dog and would like to add the basenji as a play mate, it is best to have mixed sexes. When adding a third dog, consider the personalities of the current two and decide which would fit in best. I do not recommend having two dominant bitches – you are only asking for trouble!

 

 

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