Tamsala Basenjis
Where health testing and excellent temperament are of equal importance.
THE STORY UNFOLDS
Dating back to the time of the Pharaohs in Egypt, the Basenji was renowned for its hunting ability
- and was used in the Congo by its African owner - for flushing game from the dense undergrowth.
A good hunting dog was highly prized.
"Miki"
Red and white
The Basenji has a short coat, in colours of red, black, black and tan, or brindle -
all with white feet, white chest, and white tip on tail.
Some are more flashily marked, with long white legs, or a full white collar, or a white blaze on the face.
They have no dog smell, and clean themselves like a cat.
Because there is no dog smell - a weekly bath is really not necessary.
Basenjis consider that water is just for drinking, so they won't argue about no bath!!
"Andy"
Brindle
Grooming of a Basenji is minimal -
the use of a soft rubber curry brush when their coat is changing is really all that needs to be done.
"Show" people like to trim their dog's tail to neaten it's outline, but this is not a necessity.
Nails should be kept short, or the toes will spread to accommodate the long nails.
Nails can be kept neat with a good pair of nail clippers - or a file, if you prefer and the dog doesn't object.
"Dorsey"
Black and white
Although the Basenji cannot bark like a normal dog, they are not mute, but have a more subtle way of communicating.
This can range from a single "boof!" (warning sound);
a mournful howl (mating season, or miserable);
to a happy yodel, which can sound like a rooster crowing, or a dirty chuckle!!
The more you encourage your Basenji to yodel, the more they will do it.
According to Basenjis, the yodel is a good way to get out of trouble if they have done something they shouldn't!!
The Basenji has NO road sense - and cannot be trusted to run loose, without constant supervision.
You MUST have safe, secure fences if you wish to have a Basenji as a companion
- and they do better if they are allowed "house" time with their family.
The hunting instinct is still VERY strong in the majority of Basenjis - and if they see something in the distance that they feel needs investigating - they will go - regardless of the consequences.
I see you Mouse!!
They feel the cold in the winter, but love the heat of the summer.
Like cats, they hate getting their feet wet, and a rainy day was only made to test how good a Basenji's bladder is!!!
"Luckypup"
Tricolour
Basenjis get on well with other pets, or children, if they are brought up with them from puppyhood.
They hate being left at home for long hours on their own.
Being a pack dog in their native Africa, they appreciate company, and can be miserable - or very destructive - if left to their own devices too often!!
The majority are too "cluey" - and can think up many "activities" to keep themselves amused.
You didn't wash your head, Dad!!
Being "sticky beaks", they love to be part of everything you do -
whether it's walking with you for miles, or just sitting beside you on the couch.
3 month old "Banjo"
learning to sit with clicker training
Clicker training works well with Basenjis - most are VERY food orientated.
Many will go through their whole repertoire to try and get the reward from you!
If you want to do obedience classes, check the trainers out thoroughly.
Basenjis don't do well in an "authoritarian" type of training
"Ask" them to do something - and they will consider it - later!!
"Tell" them to do it - and they will say "What's it worth?"
A Basenji considers itself to be your equal - they don't think that "man" is the best thing to happen to them.
If you want a dog that only wants to please you and thinks you are the best thing that has happened to it
- don't get a Basenji - get a Border Collie!
But you have to be the leader of the Basenji's pack - and you have to earn that right.
You must be consistent - and fair.
They have a definite sense of right and wrong, and a memory like an elephant!!
Imagine a cross between a Siamese and a Burmese and you have a Basenji.
They can have the arrogance and independence of a Siamese -
and the "nuttiness" of a Burmese.
They are NOT like living with a "normal" dog.
Happy Mr Bean
Just to make everything interesting - throw in the behaviour of a child going through the "terrible two's"
and you will know what to expect from your Basenji puppy.
If after all this - you still think a Basenji is for you -
then contact a reputable breeder, and go and visit them and their dogs.
Not all people are suitable owners for a Basenji, so don't be too upset if the breeder gives you the third degree!!
Dating back to the time of the Pharaohs in Egypt, the Basenji was renowned for its hunting ability
- and was used in the Congo by its African owner - for flushing game from the dense undergrowth.
A good hunting dog was highly prized.
"Miki"
Red and white
The Basenji has a short coat, in colours of red, black, black and tan, or brindle -
all with white feet, white chest, and white tip on tail.
Some are more flashily marked, with long white legs, or a full white collar, or a white blaze on the face.
They have no dog smell, and clean themselves like a cat.
Because there is no dog smell - a weekly bath is really not necessary.
Basenjis consider that water is just for drinking, so they won't argue about no bath!!
"Andy"
Brindle
Grooming of a Basenji is minimal -
the use of a soft rubber curry brush when their coat is changing is really all that needs to be done.
"Show" people like to trim their dog's tail to neaten it's outline, but this is not a necessity.
Nails should be kept short, or the toes will spread to accommodate the long nails.
Nails can be kept neat with a good pair of nail clippers - or a file, if you prefer and the dog doesn't object.
"Dorsey"
Black and white
Although the Basenji cannot bark like a normal dog, they are not mute, but have a more subtle way of communicating.
This can range from a single "boof!" (warning sound);
a mournful howl (mating season, or miserable);
to a happy yodel, which can sound like a rooster crowing, or a dirty chuckle!!
The more you encourage your Basenji to yodel, the more they will do it.
According to Basenjis, the yodel is a good way to get out of trouble if they have done something they shouldn't!!
The Basenji has NO road sense - and cannot be trusted to run loose, without constant supervision.
You MUST have safe, secure fences if you wish to have a Basenji as a companion
- and they do better if they are allowed "house" time with their family.
The hunting instinct is still VERY strong in the majority of Basenjis - and if they see something in the distance that they feel needs investigating - they will go - regardless of the consequences.
I see you Mouse!!
They feel the cold in the winter, but love the heat of the summer.
Like cats, they hate getting their feet wet, and a rainy day was only made to test how good a Basenji's bladder is!!!
"Luckypup"
Tricolour
Basenjis get on well with other pets, or children, if they are brought up with them from puppyhood.
They hate being left at home for long hours on their own.
Being a pack dog in their native Africa, they appreciate company, and can be miserable - or very destructive - if left to their own devices too often!!
The majority are too "cluey" - and can think up many "activities" to keep themselves amused.
You didn't wash your head, Dad!!
Being "sticky beaks", they love to be part of everything you do -
whether it's walking with you for miles, or just sitting beside you on the couch.
3 month old "Banjo"
learning to sit with clicker training
Clicker training works well with Basenjis - most are VERY food orientated.
Many will go through their whole repertoire to try and get the reward from you!
If you want to do obedience classes, check the trainers out thoroughly.
Basenjis don't do well in an "authoritarian" type of training
"Ask" them to do something - and they will consider it - later!!
"Tell" them to do it - and they will say "What's it worth?"
A Basenji considers itself to be your equal - they don't think that "man" is the best thing to happen to them.
If you want a dog that only wants to please you and thinks you are the best thing that has happened to it
- don't get a Basenji - get a Border Collie!
But you have to be the leader of the Basenji's pack - and you have to earn that right.
You must be consistent - and fair.
They have a definite sense of right and wrong, and a memory like an elephant!!
Imagine a cross between a Siamese and a Burmese and you have a Basenji.
They can have the arrogance and independence of a Siamese -
and the "nuttiness" of a Burmese.
They are NOT like living with a "normal" dog.
Happy Mr Bean
Just to make everything interesting - throw in the behaviour of a child going through the "terrible two's"
and you will know what to expect from your Basenji puppy.
If after all this - you still think a Basenji is for you -
then contact a reputable breeder, and go and visit them and their dogs.
Not all people are suitable owners for a Basenji, so don't be too upset if the breeder gives you the third degree!!
