How to Care for a Basenji

A hunting dog originally from Egypt, the basenji loves to be around people and children. However, this friendly dog, also known as the "African barkless dog," needs constant supervision, as he enjoys chewing everything in sight. Save your house by crate training your basenji early on.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Blankets
• Dog Bones
• Dog Clipper Blades
• Dog Collars
• Dog Conditioner
• Dog Crates
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
• Dog Grooming Sprays
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Tags
• High-quality Dog Food
• Basenjis

1. Have your basenji vaccinated when you first get him, and then have him get yearly booster vaccinations along with fecal tests (for worms) to maintain his immunity to disease. Consult your veterinarian about flea prevention products.

2. Socialize your basenji from an early age to be with children. Basenjis are naturally warm and friendly and love to be with children, but like any dog, they'll use their teeth if they think they need to discipline a small child. Get your dog used to all types of people from puppyhood.

3. Use positive reinforcement with your basenji when you're training or disciplining him. Basenjis are one of the "independent" breeds of dog, and as such, pleasing you is not a priority.

4. Avoid using time in the crate as a form of punishment. Basenjis can develop hostility toward you if you treat them harshly.

5. Try to have a person or another opposite-sex dog with your basenji at all times (basenjis are often same-sex aggressive). They require constant attention and will get lonely very quickly. Another option is to take your basenji to doggy day care while you work.

6. Expect your basenji to get along well with other pets. However, because basenjis are hunting dogs, in the beginning you'll need to supervise your pet when he's not on a leash, to keep him from chasing other pets. Teach your dog the "no chase" command and keep a squirt gun handy.

7. Provide your basenji with things to chew on at all times and teach him the "leave it" command at an early age, to discipline his chewing habits. Nylon bones and sterilized bones that you can stuff with peanut butter and other food items work best.

8. Bathe your basenji when he becomes excessively dirty or muddy or has been rolling around in something he shouldn't be. Start on the stomach area with a small amount of shampoo (their skin can be sensitive). Trim your basenji's toenails regularly, about every week and a half to three weeks.

9. Feed your basenji dog food with the first listed ingredient being meat. Basenjis aren't fond of dry food alone, so try adding a dressing of raw vegetables on top of their nightly meal or a dab of canned pumpkin for fiber.

10. Exercise your basenji frequently, walking him once or twice a day and allowing him to run freely in an enclosed area. Basenjis are adaptable and will do well with whatever exercise you give them. Their favorite activity is hanging out with you.

11. Know that basenjis are prone to certain health problems including Fanconi syndrome, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, malabsorption and hypothyroidism. Talk to your vet about how to address these conditions should they occur. A number of basenjis appear to have food sensitivities or allergies.

12. Be prepared to enjoy a good 10 to 15 years with your basenji - this is the breed's average life expectancy.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to crate your young basenji during the day to keep him from destroying your home when left alone. Some basenjis can be slowly trained to be alone by being provided with lots of things for entertainment, such as sterilized bones and other doggy treats. The best approach is to provide an opposite-sex dog as a companion. If you crate your dog during the day, let him out at night.

• Set the dog's crate in a family area when he first arrives at your house. Basenjis need a lot of attention and will feel more secure while they're getting used to the crate if they can see you.

• Adopted basenjis require special care. Adopt one only if you have a lot of patience; be prepared to devote lots of time and love to your adopted dog. It can take up to a month for an adopted basenji to feel comfortable with you.

• Though they don't bark, basenjis will squeak, howl and cry.

• It's better to keep a basenji on leash at all times when away from your house. Because of their hunting instinct, they may chase a small animal into the street without noticing traffic dangers.

• Avoid taking your basenji out in the rain or near a water source. Basenjis don't like to swim, nor do they like to get wet.

• A backyard fence will not necessarily keep a basenji in. They've been known to jump fences higher than 6 feet, and they can climb trees. Be careful with electric fences, since some basenjis will "take the hit" and go right through electric fences when chasing small animals.