Basenji

OVERVIEW OF THE BASENJI

Equal parts graceful and intelligent, the Basenji is a dog breed with a cult-like following. Dwindling in numbers, it was only the 93rd most popular breed in the US. Yet, the few individuals who own this dog love and cherish their pooch with the utmost devotion.  

With a height of 15.5 to 17 inches at the shoulder, Basenjis are a pretty short breed. This shortness extends to their coat length as well which boasts a signature shine. Under this short coat is a square and muscular body which slims down as we go up towards the neck. Sitting atop this graceful neck is an adorable face with erect ears and almond-shaped eyes. 

Just above these eyes is a forehead which in most cases is wrinkled to signal the dog’s excitement levels. Speaking of excitement, Basenjis often display high energy levels which they vent out by running. 

When running, this fur ball’s tail loses its distinct curl and straightens to provide the dog with the required balance to maintain its impressive running speed. Watching them run is truly a welcome sight. They look almost like a horse — what with their confident gait and smooth strides. 

There’s a historical explanation as to why this competence at running is found among Basenjis. You see, in its early days, this dog was primarily bred by Congolese hunters to help drive prey into nets. This was a task that required stellar stamina and craftiness, two things that are abundantly found in this dog. 

Hunting aside, this dog also lent a hand, or rather paw, in domestic tasks, like carrying goods and keeping watch. While their small bodies deter them from being full-fledged watchdogs, you can rest assured that your Basenji will stand up to any intruder with all its might. 

This dog usually greets unwelcome presence with a spine-chilling scream rather than a bark. In fact, this canine doesn’t bark at all and uses different sounds to express its feelings. Perhaps the most popular of these sounds is the yodle-like noise it makes. Once bonded with a human, however, the ‘Barkless Dog’ will switch to the traditional whining and whimpering.

BASENJI FOOD AND HEALTH

Weighing just 22 pounds (in the case of females) and 24 pounds (in the case of males), the Basenji is by all accounts a lightweight dog. Since their bones aren’t designed to bear large amounts of weight, make sure you don’t let your pooch get overweight. 

This means holding back on extra treats during training sessions is a must. You must also be very efficient at hiding any extra treats and doggie biscuits since Basenjis are extremely intelligent and are infamous for sniffing out any food and breaking into pantries.

While the exact calorie consumption of your four-legged friend will vary depending on their age, sex, and activity levels, you can expect a daily serving of anywhere between three fourth and one cup of dry dog food served in two halves. Make sure this kibble is of high quality and contains plenty of protein and fiber to keep up with your pup’s high activity levels.

A great option in this regard is the freeze-dried dog food from Merrick Backcountry. Available in both beef and chicken options, this dog kibble is loaded with protein from meat sources and is preferred by even the pickiest of dogs. Also, it is free of any grain, a cereal that most Basenjis are allergic to.

You can also treat your bundle of joy to some home-prepared dog foods. Just make sure to keep your vet in the loop when selecting a recipe or a commercially manufactured kibble. This would ensure you only select the best ingredients, don’t exceed the calorie requirements, and steer clear away from any potential irritants and allergens. 

Allergy symptoms in Basenjis are usually in the form of itchiness in the tender areas of the body, like behind the ears and belly area. If exposure to an allergen isn’t immediately stopped, these symptoms can turn into breathing problems, swelling, and diarrhea. So, if you feel like your hound’s experiencing allergy symptoms, consider switching up what they consume. If the symptoms persist or worsen, book an appointment with the vet immediately. 

As far as medical conditions go, Basenjis are prone to certain health disorders. Chief among them is Fanconi syndrome. This inheritable kidney disorder is usually found in Basenjis that are between four to seven years old and sees the poor dog’s renal tubes going awry. The result is the pooch urinating away all the essential protein it needs to survive. 

Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination and increased levels of glucose in the dog’s urine. The latter symptom can be kept in check by getting a glucose testing strip for humans from your local pharmacy. Fortunately, Fanconi syndrome is no longer fatal and early treatment can even help your dog get rid of it.

Other than that, this dog breed is also at a threat of hypothyroidism. As per the UK Kennel Club, it affects four percent of Basenjis. Indicated by coat hardening and skin darkening, this disease is caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can lead to your dog becoming obese, infertile, and mentally dull.

The best way around these health conditions is to get your Basenji from a reputable breeder who’s got health clearances for both the pup’s parents. Also, you must not take any symptoms lightly and regularly visit your vet for general checkups.

These visits, plus all the medicines, can end up burning a hole in your pocket. So, consider getting a good dog insurance scheme to help you foot these bills. Companies like Allstate, Nationwide, and Geico are great options in this regard.

LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR YOUR BASENJI

Basenjis are particularly aggressive against non-canine animals and may even hunt them for sport. So, if you’ve already got a cat or a rodent as a pet, don’t even consider getting this breed. 

If small pets are in abundance in your neighborhood, consider walking your Basenji on a short leash. This would ensure you have ample control over them and they don’t have any sort of wiggle room to badger the people and animals around.

Make sure this leash is made from a strong, but comfortable material like nylon. The short dog leash from Leashboss is the perfect example. It comes in various sizes and boasts a soft handle that won’t cause any sort of rope burn when your pup pulls at it.

Just because your dog would be a bit unpredictable outdoors, doesn’t mean walks should be out of the question. In fact, you should make it a point to increase your pup’s exposure to different people and animals from an early age for grooming purposes. This means enrollment in a puppy kindergarten, bringing them along to hangouts and regular walks should be a big yes. Just make sure to always keep them on a leash.

It’s a well-known fact that Basenjis are hard to train. In fact, according to The Intelligence of Dogs, Basenjis are the second toughest dog breed to train. A short leash will once again be the star of the show by helping you train this mischievous pup; it will provide you with more control over them and since you’ll be in close contact with them, you can easily introduce a physical touch or treats into the training regime.

This leash should be attached to your dog’s harness rather than its collar. A harness would ensure the force is spread out across the canine’s body and doesn’t cause any sort of neck strain. 

Since a harness features plenty of handles, it will also help you pick your pup up. When in the market for a harness for your Basenji, make sure you get something breathable with an adjustable fit. The Non-stop Dogwear harness is a great option for you to check out in this regard.

Lastly, you must also think about getting a collar for your Basenji. Even though you won’t be hooking the leash onto it, a dog collar can still serve plenty of purposes. It will help you identify your furry friend and help them make a fashion statement. Since this dog breed is exceptionally apt at escaping and bolting away, we recommend getting a GPS (Global Positioning System,) tracker and fixing it over their collar. The Tractive GPS dog tracker is an option worth checking out.

BEST CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR BASENJI

Basenji owners often call their dogs “expert artists” because they tend to run away from homes at the first sign of relaxation from the owner. There’s historical wisdom in this. You see, Basenjis have always been independent dogs who love hunting and exploring. Their owners raised them to weigh their options before deciding to do anything in the hopes of boosting their craftiness and poise. That’s why it’s so hard to train them.

Their propensity to escape means a dog house for them should be out of the question. Any outdoor time should be carefully monitored. You cannot even leave them alone in a fenced yard or latch a shock collar on them since they can easily scale vertical structures and can withstand even the strongest of jolts from an underground electric fence. 

If you’re unable to supervise them, experts recommend crate training them. This may also be used to self-soothe the pooch when guests come over with their pets. While the exact size of the crate will depend on your dog’s size, most trainers recommend a 30-inch crate for adult Basenjis. 

As far as dog beds go, you should opt for something cozy and cushiony since Basenjis love burrowing into their mattresses. The PRECISION PET Snoozzy Sleeper is a great option in this regard.

BASENJI TOYS

When it comes to getting toys for your Basenji, you must prioritize the toy’s interactiveness over its aesthetics and playfulness. This is because Basenjis are extremely intelligent dogs and they’ll probably get bored with a simple ball. 

Speaking of balls, since you can’t really let a Basenji free outdoors, it goes without saying that throwing toys, like frisbees and tennis balls, should be out of the question. On the other hand, chew toys are a great option if your puppy is chew-friendly. Just make sure the toy’s indestructible for longevity reasons. The Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff is a great option in this regard.

If you’re looking for an interactive toy for your paw pal, the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound is another great option. It requires your doggo to complete various puzzles in an exact order to win treats. 

A similar design is found in the Paw 5 Dog Snuffle Mat. It requires your canine to engage both sight and scent to forage for treats on the mat. This dual engagement of senses is a trait that is naturally found in Basenjis. 

GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR BASENJI OWNERS

Taking care of a Basenji is as simple as it gets. Their short coat staves off any flea infestation or entanglements. This breed doesn’t even shed a lot, a fact that makes the Basenjis great companions for people with allergies.  A few strokes with a soft-bristle brush will be enough to maintain the shine of its coat. 

Basenjis are extremely apt at taking care of their hygiene. Also, they don’t carry that signature “dog smell”. This means bath times would be minimal as well. When deciding on shampoo for your pooch, make sure you keep your vet in the loop to ensure you don’t end up buying anything with potential irritants.

Other than that, you must also keep your puppy’s dental hygiene in check. So, brushing their teeth before putting them into bed should be a must. The nightly regime should also include checking their ears for any foreign matter. Use a soft cotton ball or a pair of tweezers if anything needs to be extracted. If the object is lodged deep inside, consider paying your vet a visit.

BASENJI ACCESSORIES

Since Basenjis are an active dog breed, you should make sure to keep plenty of water nearby. The best course of action is to invest in a good water bottle, like the one from H2O4K9, which packs a great punch of affordability and durability.

On the topic of water, this dog breed doesn’t really like going out in wet conditions. But if circumstances force you both to take a walk during the rain, make sure you drape your woofer in a raincoat. The HDE one is a dog raincoat worth checking out.