How to Groom a Basenji

Basenjis are mischievous, playful and intelligent dogs. They are small and slight, and their short torsos give the impression that they are taller than they are. They have wrinkled foreheads, which give them a range of expression lacking in many dogs. Although basenjis tend to groom themselves, your basenji requires a certain amount of regular grooming to maintain his appearance. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Flea shampoo

1. Bathe the dog every few months, or when a special circumstance calls for it.
2. Rub flea shampoo on the dog's belly before using on the entire body. If the area where you applied the shampoo appears red, then it's probably too harsh for your dog.
3. Brush the dog occasionally when necessary. Basenjis tend to groom themselves much of the time in a manner akin to that of a cat.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful if you decide to use a harsh flea shampoo. Basenjis tend to have sensitive skin.
• Many think that little to no grooming is necessary for a Basenji if you want to show the dog. Sometimes the bushy tail hair hides the curl in the tail, which leads most breeders to trim the basenjis' tails if they plan to show them. Owners should make this decision on a case by case basis and consult a breeder before they take action.
• Although they are friendly, Basenjis tend to be very difficult to train.