Anyone know anything about Basenji's?

[Stina]

I would say Basenjis are still pretty rare in most places, so for an irresponsible Basenji owner to allow a mixed breed breeding would be an oddity I think(not impossible though). Besides her coloring which is a pretty common color, I don't think she looks that much like a Basenji. Honestly I think she looks more like an Am. Staff cross, which many shelters are reluctant to actually call Am Staffs and sometimes give them more lets say...adoptable names.

Its not common, but it does happen. I was going to say pitt/amstaff x basenji based on the photo....potentially anyway. Without a doubt has pitt/amstaff in her...which in my opinion is great, b/c they are wonderful dogs. A lot of the time basenji mixes have pretty prominent wrinkles on their foreheads...which she doesn't have....but that doesn't mean she's not.

Basenjis are supposed to be silent, but aren't really

They aren't supposed to be silent....they just don't "bark" ...people take not barking as meaning they don't make any noise, but as you saw, that isn't the case.​

 

[dutchhollow]

Hounds, and sight hounds in particular can be very 'independent' minded (read, like to do what they like to do), not their fault thousands of years of breeding for self thinking hunters (turn them loose on something they can see, run it down and kill it). This brings my second concern, do you have chickens, and do they free range at all? The chase what moves instinct is very high in all sighthounds, wether they have been used to hunt or course or not.
Not saying you shouldn't go get her and give her a try, hopefully the mix is with something easy to train and of a cooperative nature. Go check her out and do a try at home. She is a cutie.

 

[KotaDVM]

I see american staff in her too!

Do you know if she has been temperament tested? The reason I ask is because I saw you have young children and Basenjis are one of those breeds that give veterinarians a headache because some of them can be very difficult to work with when stressed. I have not worked with a lot of Basenji dogs, but the ones I have worked with are usually in a muzzle for this reason. However with a little bit of pitt in her you may have a lovey dovey animal that would be great with kids.

 

[TriciaHowe]

Thanks to everyone for all your input. Unfortunately I know nothing about her except she's a year old. I am assuming she's owner surender but won't know more until I actually go down there. I am really looking forward to seeing her. I won't get her though if she seems wigged out by kids. That wouldn't be fair to anyone. They have a video of her on the site chasing some balls. Wow, can she run LOL!
Whatever she's mixed with is ok w/me as long as the temp and personality match.... I do already have a large crate so that's a +. I was already planning on crating her while we are gone. With her prey drive (if she is indeed Basenji) I can't leave her outside either. I think that chicken coop would drive her crazy and I really don't want to take any chances of her trying or succedding in breaking in!! I don't know if she's good with cats either and that would be a BIG deal breaker if she isn't as we have 4 that live on my property.

 

[hensonly]

All responses on target, but I would add that many basenji's can be a bit dog aggressive. They can certainly control it with training (you never see them behaving that way at dog shows!), but it might be something you should bear in mind. The ones I have known are also pretty glued to their own people, not a lot of interest in strangers - another thing to bear in mind if your kids have friends over a lot. You don't want them insisting on patting a dog who does not want to be patted by strangers...that said, I've never heard of a nasty basenji, but think seriously about what type of personality you want in a dog before you bring her home. Clearly, you are doing that already, with your concern about the cats you already have...you could go to the American Kennel Club website, click on breeds, click on basenji, and read up. It will also give you names and contact info for the national breed club, breeders and basenji rescue, which would be excellent sources of info on the breed.

She is a very attractive dog - I hope it works out for you. And bless you for getting a rescue!

 

[Bec]

I know they are cute...

..sorry I can't help..that's all I know

 

[TriciaHowe]

Quote:
They do free range but only when the dogs are put up. My Goldie loves chicken. He won't bother them when I am out there but the second I come inside he would be out there bothering them so I just keep them both put up when they are out.

 

[TriciaHowe]

Quote:
Thanks for the info! I will certainly check it out

We have been lucky and have gotten 2 dogs and 3 cats from rescue (all animal control - high kill shelters) and have had excellent experiences with them.

 

[krich]

HI we have had a basenji mix for 11 yrs. he has been a really good dog , kinda stubborn habg in there but very loving, loyal,and great companion!!! one of the sweetest dogs ever!!!

 

[krich]

I posted once already, but I have read a lot of the other posts. I do agree they are smart beyond belief!! We love him soo much he came from our local shelter here in KC we got him as a puppy. they are just great dogs if you get the right mix! Of course my husband was our pack leader, he was able to make him mind all of the family! I have a Lab mix also from the same shelter. they are just like brothers they take care of each other and the basenji potty trained the lab.