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Let's talk about Basenji dogs! Please share you experiences, thoughts and feelings about the Basenji dog and Basenji puppies.

I would just like to let anyone know who is thinking about getting a Basenji, that they DO NOT get along with toddlers.
We had to put ours up for adoption about a year ago because our little girl liked to hug our Basenji and he did not like that at all.
They are very timid dogs, even being raised and brought up around people. They are great dogs but also have a lot of quirks.
Make sure to do your homework on them.
There are alot of Basenji's being put up for adoption because people haven't done their homework.
I did mine, but I never came across anything that said they weren't good with small children.

I have a friend who has two Basenjis and loves them. I've also worked with them in a kennel where I work and they board. Basenjis have a proud appearance and a look of concern due to their furrowed eyebrows.

As far as toddlers, any dog is a potential bad mix. It's important to learn how dogs communicate and then, carefully monitor the interaction between the human and the dog.

http://www.all-about-small-breed-dog...-behavior.html

http://www.all-about-small-breed-dog...ggression.html

http://www.all-about-small-breed-dogs.com/basenji.html

We had a basenji at the store that I am working at. I took it very seriously when a customer told me about how they wind up in the pound a lot. Our basenji did get a very good home, thankfully, but it caused us all to be more selective about who he was sold to. That basenji website that I referred to was very helpul. I was watching a TV show about African wild dogs and noting how much the basenjis resemble them.--That's a different ancestor than the dogs descended from wolves. Interesting. I know there are many people who do love basenjis.
http://www.basenji.org/

We have a Basenji / Jack Russell cross. The result is a Jack Russell appearance but with longer legs and the typical Basenji frown which does look very cute. He is a very fit dog (needs lots of exercise, especially as a puppy) but is so affectionate. When he is not busy chasing something, he would be quite happy to sleep on your lap, or alternatively, shelter under your legs if there is any thunder about.

He makes a very loveable pet.


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Originally Posted by kr2670

I would just like to let anyone know who is thinking about getting a Basenji, that they DO NOT get along with toddlers.
I did mine, but I never came across anything that said they weren't good with small children.

I am so sorry that you had this experience.
It may have also been simply part of that particular dog's personality,
so also be cautious not to judge them all by this dog's behavior.

I have a Basenji and I have six kids. Our dog is hugged, pulled, tugged at and carted around the house every day all day. She is wonderful with the kids, with all of their friends, and with all of the children of my friends who come to call. We have never had a nip or a growl directed at the children. {The only growling she does is when our other dog appears to pose a threat to Jazzy's treats!}
In fact, many of the parents love her because she is very calm, not jumpy and excitable like so many other young dogs can be.

Perhaps, if a family with young children is considering a Basenji, it would be a good idea to take the kids along to meet the breeder and the pups.
Choose the pup that seems to best tolerate the kids.
We did NOT do that, but it may be a good idea.

Originally Posted by kr2670

They are very timid dogs, even being raised and brought up around people. .

Another thought: I would never describe any Basenji that I have met -- and I have encountered many, many Basenjis as I show my dog -- as a "timid" dog. Basenjis can be aloof with strangers, but they are actually a rather bold, although cautious. They will investigate things which startle or are new to them until they are satisfied that there is or is not a threat involved.
I have never met a "timid" Basenji, so am inclined to say that perhaps this was also a quirk for that particular dog.

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Awhile back before I bought my Shepherd I was considering a Basenji and I did alot of reading and talking to breeders about them. An everything I read and breeders I spoke to said they do wonderful with small children. At the time my daughter was 9 months old and that was a big consern of mine. Only reason I didn't end up buying one was because I felt the dog best for our family and our life style was a German Shepherd. But I do agree you shouldn't judge the whole breed because of that one particulay dog. Just like Shepherds there are alot of bad ones out there due to the fact the owners trained them that way or did not socialize them enough because of there breeds protectiveness there misunderstood raised right they are wonderful family dogs. Goodluck.

the word 'timid" is the farthest thing from the basenji vocabulary.

my parents have a basenji min-pin cross. shes 40 pounds and man-handles their 110 pound akita like shes bigger than him. but shes the sweetest most loyal and sensitive dog at the same time.

but still can be fiercer than him if wreckoned with.

this is a very primitive breed still, and a smart, thinking, active breed. definitely a breed that should be bought from the best breeders or lines, and a breed that shouldnt be owned by an owner that cant be in control at all times.