| There are certain questions that almost always come up when people meet a Basenji or they come up in conversation. |
| Tuck and Friends |
| Just a few Frequently Asked Questions! |
| 1. We usually begin each encounter with Bah-sen-gee. B-A-S-E-N-J-I. hahahahaha 2. Where do they come from? The Basenji is an African Sighthound. The first Basenjis appeared in the United States in the 1940's. The Basenji became eligible for AKC registration in 1943. 3. How did their Tail get so curly? Yes, this question is usually asked as a hand is reaching to touch the little bun sitting on the rump of one of our dogs. God made them that way! We don't use any appliances, special techniques or surgical intervention! As newborns they are as straight as any other breed, but as they begin to mature the tail begins to curl up over their back. Some tails are not as curly as others. Our AKC breed standard says, "Tail -- is set high on topline, bends acutely forward and lies well curled over to either side". Some make a actual second loop. The tail only uncurls when sound asleep or in distress. Yes, they can and do wag them. It is simply adorable to see a little bun wiggling back and forth. Most people seem to desire to uncurl it, please be gentle as it can hurt if done roughly. 4. Is it True they don't bark? Yes, in that they do not bark and yap like some breeds of dog. BUT... They are NOT MUTE !!!Basenjis have a very melodious Yodel as well as the signature BaRooing. They do whine, growl, some can even pull off a single bark. A sound that could make your blood run cold has upon occasion been heard by some who never expected it to be coming from very creature they are usually cuddled up with. Individual personalities make certain dogs very quiet and others tend to be more vocal. 5.Are they destructive? They can be, especially if left unattended with nothing else to do. They are very inquisitive which sometimes leads them into temptation. For their own protection and to save you from coming home to something of value being destroyed, Crate training can be a wonderful tool in the life of a basenji. There are a few of us who have watched in amusement the fun that can be had with a simple roll of toilet paper. They can take the term TeePeeing t o a new level. Mind you some members of the family may fail to see the humor which can cause a few problems. Appropriate toys available and plenty of attention and exercise go a long way in keeping the sometimes mischievous Basenji out of trouble! 6.Do They Run Fast? YES! Especially when you are behind them. There is something wonderful about watching a basenji run full out inside a safe environment. It is also the most Sickening sight to see one who has found themselves loose either due to equipment failure or slipping out a door. The natural instincts they possess render them unresponsive to the familiar sound of their own name being called. When outside their home, They must at all times be inside a securely fenced yard or on a competent lead. With a basenji you must invest in quality walking equipment and regularly inspect it for wear. The basenji may not appear to be but they are very stout and exert a lot of force when something catches their eye. They also are alert to an open door even when it may seem they are asleep or not even in the room. If there is a lot of traffic in and out or you have guests who are not used to their ability to escape it may be wise to crate your basenji. 7. Do They get along with other pets and small children? Most Basenjis are very loving members of the family getting along with a wide range of pets and children. Every circumstance has to be evaluated individually. Dogs like people have different personalities and life experiences. If introduced as a puppy most Basenjis adapt well to any given situation. Though an adult Basenji who has never been exposed to a cat may see Fluffy as captive prey. It is very important to make introductions of any new member of the family with care to ensure proper respect is given. A well socialized basenji who is raised in a loving home with proper guidance usually does very well. You must keep in mind some basenjis have a very strong nature to establish pack order. This will sometimes cause same sex aggression issues with other dogs of their own sex. Children should be taught proper care and respect when dealing with ALL dogs including Mr. Combo from next door. These are just a few answers to some very common questions. |
| Piper Barooing! Notice the classic Nose in the air! |
| It is just a roll of Toilet Paper! |
| This is a Title that was in a Drawer! |
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| Malcolm Brown-Thompson & Friend |