What do you need to know about a Basenji dog?
What do you need to know about a Basenji dog?
This breed gets along fairly well with other dogs, but often poorly with other Basenjis. The Basenji is an active dog that needs daily mental and physical exercise. Their needs can be met by a long walk followed by a vigorous game or by free-running in a safe enclosed area.
What kind of sound does a Basenji make?
They will let you know when something is amiss. Though unable to make a barking sound, Basenjis are not silent dogs. They whine, growl, chortle, yodel – and scream. Yes. It’s a sound that can get old really fast!
Why did the Basenji dog wear a bell?
Running in silent packs (they do make noise, but not regular barking), the Basenjis often wore bells to alert their human partners to their whereabouts in the deep jungle. They were, and still are, renowned for their keen eyesight and excellent sense of smell.
Can a Basenji be used in lure coursing?
Basenjis are allowed in lure coursing (a sighthound sport) but some people feel they might even belong in the terrier group. In the 1980s several basenjis were imported to the United States from Zaire and added to the AKC gene pool to help combat some health problems.
Basenjis are not used for hunting much anymore, but make very nice family dogs and live to about 13 years of age or so. Basenjis can be fiercely protective of their families. They need plenty of early socialization to other people to be ideal companions.
Is it safe to walk a Basenji on a leash?
Basenjis have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
What kind of exercise does a Basenji need?
The Basenji requires daily exercise, such as a long walk, games with its owner, or playtime in an enclosed yard. Basenjis should live indoors and do well in an apartment. When running at full speed, Basenjis utilize a rare double suspension gallop, in which all four feet leave the ground at the same time twice per stride.
Can a Basenji be trusted with a child?
The Basenji can be trusted with children, but does not make an ideal playmate. Basenjis must be socialized at a young age so that they know that other household pets are not prey. They get along quite well with other Basenjis.
