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Last Updated on February 18, 2023
More often than not, I have people asking me “is a Basenji right for me”. If you ever wondered about this, then you have indeed come to the best informative site about whether the Basenji is suitable for you or not. Truth to be told. I have never come across this breed till my acquaintance asked me about the question above. I got further intrigued when I realized that there is quite a number of people who are inquiring about this.
What Is A BasenJi Breed
Basenji dogs are predominately bred as a hunting dog. They are considered to be closely related to hounds, and they are known to be active and athletic. With their short coats, the Basenji are sometimes thought of as Corgis with loner legs!
Basenjis are known to be alert, curious as well as loyal to their owner. They tend to regard a single human as its owner rather than a collective group. Often curious, they are very inquisitive and respond really fast when it comes to sudden sounds. Having said that, Basenji only interacts with humans and dogs. They can be aggressive towards other pets.
They are known to be strong, and some of the Basenjis are able to stand on its hind legs. This gives them the leverage of climbing fences and objects.
Last but not least, the average life span of the Basenjis is at 14 years. They are known to be hypoallergenic, and they do not require extensive grooming.
Here are additional information about Basenji that you would love to know about!
Characteristics of Basenjis
Basenjis are a small to medium-sized breed, weighing between 22 and 24 pounds, with a short, shiny coat that comes in a range of colors, including red, black, and brindle. What sets Basenjis apart from other breeds is their unique vocalization – they are often called the “barkless dog” because they produce a yodel-like sound instead of a traditional bark. Basenjis are also known for their curious and independent nature, and they are quite active and athletic.
Temperament
Basenjis are intelligent dogs with a strong prey drive, and they can be quite stubborn at times. They are not always the best choice for first-time dog owners, as they require a firm but gentle hand when it comes to training. With consistent and positive training, however, Basenjis can become loyal and loving companions. They do well with children, but as with any breed, it is important to supervise interactions to prevent any accidental injury to either the dog or the child.
Exercise and Training Needs
Basenjis are an active breed that require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are excellent runners and love to play, so a backyard or nearby park is ideal for letting them burn off some energy. Basenjis are also known for their intelligence, and they thrive on training and learning new tricks. Positive reinforcement training is the best approach for Basenjis, as they respond well to rewards and praise.
Health Concerns
Like all breeds, Basenjis are prone to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health concerns for Basenjis include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and Fanconi syndrome. It is important to have your Basenji regularly checked by a veterinarian to catch any health issues early. With proper care and attention, however, Basenjis can live long and healthy lives.
Is A Basenji Right For Me
Now that we know the Basenji’s characteristics, is the Basenji right for you then? It all depends on your capabilities as well as the infrastructure that you have.
First of all, Basenjis are good with humans but not so with other pets that are not dogs. In that sense, if you have other pets in the house, then we will not encourage you to have a Basenji. Also, since they are considered to be active dogs, do provide them with the daily dose of exercise. If you cannot fulfill that, then we wouldn’t recommend you to have a Basenji.
Since the Basenji does climb over gates, do ensure that your gates are way higher than the dog’s height itself. This will prevent your Basenji from standing on its hind legs and eventually climbing over the gate.
Conclusion
Basenjis are unique and active dogs with a curious and independent nature. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation, consistent and positive training, and regular veterinary care to thrive. If you are considering a Basenji, be sure to do your research and evaluate your lifestyle to determine if a Basenji is the right breed for you and your family.
