Questions....
Why don't Basenjis bark ? Can I let my Basenji Off-Lead ? Do Basenjis shed ? Does a Basenji make a good watch dog? Can we have a Basenji with children? What's this about crates ? Can we have a Basenji with another breed of dog? Do Basenjis get along with cats ?
Basenjis are capable of letting out a short sharp sound if they are surprised or scared, but it is not the constant "woof", "woof" as in other dog breeds. It's not really known for sure why they don't bark but the laryngeal ventricle in the larynx of the Basenji is shallower than in domestic dogs. This seems to result in limited movement of the vocal chords thereby rendering them incapable of barking in the normal sense of the word. Basenjis are far from mute however. They can make all the other canine noises as well as some extra ones of their own ! Although their growl sounds different from other dogs , they can whine, whimper, and snarl and can howl the house down if left alone and miserable; the male dogs when in season can also let out the most awful scream at times. Their main claim to fame is their lovely yodel.
No. Basenjis are hunting dogs. If they get loose most of them will run off after something to hunt. They have a strong 'prey drive'. This very strong instinct to hunt is stronger than their desire to please you by coming back when called. It is because of this desire to hunt that many Basenjis are killed by cars as they have no road sense. For this reason they cannot be trusted off-lead.
Yes they do a little especially after winter but with their constant catlike grooming methods, a quick going over with a rubber curry comb as well as a quick vacuuming of the carpet during this time you'll hardly notice it. Unless of course you pick them up for a cuddle while wearing a black outfit.
The answer is Yes.
Even though they cannot bark like other dogs they have acute hearing and scenting capabilities which alert them to strangers approaching long before more domesticated dogs are even aware of anyone there. You always know when someone is approaching your house by the way the Basenji reacts. They will madly rush around to the door or windows with their hackles up.
Yes, many Basenjis go into homes with children. The success can depend on the individual family involved and the effort of all family members as well as the personality type of the puppy. Never get a dominant puppy if you have small children, ask the breeder to choose a submissive and outgoing but not fearful puppy for you. If the puppy is socialised with well behaved children and if the children are taught to act responsibly and to respect the dogs space then they usually get along just fine. If a child pulls their ears or tail which can be very painful for a Basenji then they could get bitten or at least snapped at. However we recommend that a Basenji puppy never be left alone unsupervised with young children (This rule really applies to puppies or dogs of any breed). If you must leave the room at all always place the puppy in his/her crate first; not only for the child's safety but also for the puppies protection. Have a look at this link :
'Dog proof your kids.'
A crate is the best investment you can make when you decide to get a Basenji. All dogs like a small snugly place to call their own. It represents security for him and he is able to fully relax. This instinctive desire for a secure den is the basis of the psychology behind using a crate as a training aid. Crating your puppy and teaching him that this is his place for rest, security and comfort is the best training you can give him. He can sleep in it, travel safely in the car, and if you have small children, the puppy can be locked away in his crate for rest periods away from prodding little fingers. Good for your peace of mind and the puppy's temperament. It will also keep your furniture safe from being chewed on when you can't watch him. Using a crate for short periods of time is NOT cruel !
Absolutely, Basenjis get along very well with other breeds of dogs if they have been well socialised with other dogs from a young age. We recommend that the dogs - whether both Basenjis or of different breeds be of opposite genders. A male and a female will get along better than two males or two females.
Yes if they are brought up with them from puppyhood.
Yes. Whether you have a male or a female we strongly recommend that they be neutered. Male Basenjis, like the Dingo, come into "season" ready for the breeding period. Even pet males with no other Basenji contacts can become difficult to live with at this time of year. If there is ANY way of escaping from your backyard, your Basenji WILL find it. He may lose weight, howl morning, noon and night and be quite irritable. Mating him will only make him worse in subsequent seasons. The bitches have a very long season as they only have the one season per year and we recommend that they also be spayed. Spaying bitches also protects them against mammary cancer and pyometra.
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