Basenjis are adorable little dogs that come from Japan. They are known for their friendly personalities and playful nature.
Basenjis are also very intelligent and trainable.
If you want a dog who will be loyal to you and love being around children, then Basenjis might be the perfect choice for you.
You may be wondering, however, if a Basenji is a good idea for those who live in apartments?
Well, we have all of the information that you need to know to make a confident and informed decision.
Basenjis: An Overview
There are two types of Basenji: Japanese and American.
The American type is smaller and has longer legs. Both breeds are extremely affectionate and are great family pets.
Basenjis require lots of exercise and attention. They are highly energetic and need daily walks or playtime.
They are also very smart and should be trained early on.
It’s important to teach your Basenji basic commands such as sit, stay, down, walk, and fetch, and to remember that Basenjis can be destructive when they get bored.
This means that you must keep them busy with toys and games so that they don’t chew everything up – these are pooches that require a lot of stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Basenjis are very social animals and thrive best when they have companionship. They do well with other small dogs and cats.
However, they can become aggressive towards larger dogs.
Basenjis are not recommended as guard dogs because they are too small. They would likely run away if someone tried to break into your home!
Basenji Care
Basenjis need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy playing with balls, tug-of-war, and Frisbees.
They also like to swim and chase after sticks.
The most important thing about caring for a Basenji is making sure that it gets enough food.
Basenjis are naturally leaner than other breeds and therefore need more protein, so making sure that their diet is well-balanced and packed with nutrients is a real priority.
It is also important to give your Basenji plenty of fresh water every day; as a rule, you should make sure that he drinks at least half his body weight in ounces each day.
If you notice any signs of illness or injury, contact your vet immediately.
Basenji Health Concerns
Like many small dogs, Basenjis tend to develop hip dysplasia. This condition causes pain and stiffness in the hips and requires regular veterinary care.
It’s also important to note that Basenjis are prone to ear infections, and so you need to make sure that you clean out their ears regularly and remove any debris that accumulates there.
Also, make sure that you brush their teeth often, as they can be prone to dental issues and bad breath.
Basenjis are also more susceptible to eye problems including cataracts than some other dogs, and this problem can cause vision loss and blindness.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are necessary to ensure that your Basenji’s eyes remain clear and healthy.
This is a breed that is also prone to skin conditions such as allergies and dermatitis.
These conditions can be treated by applying an appropriate topical medication, but they will also require frequent grooming to prevent mats from forming on their coats.
Basenjis can also be more likely to contract respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Make sure that you provide your Basenji with plenty of fresh air and exercise to help him breathe properly, and seek advice from your vet if you have any concerns.
Are Basenjis Good Family Dogs?
Basenjis love people and are eager to please. They are extremely affectionate and loyal, and they usually form strong bonds with their owners.
They are also intelligent, active, playful, and curious. If you want a dog who loves to play fetch and wrestle with its owner, then a Basenji could be perfect for you.
However, Basenjis are also known to be independent and stubborn, and they may try to dominate smaller pets and children.
As a result, they’re best suited to families where older kids and teenagers are present.
In addition, while Basenjis are very friendly dogs and are good around strangers, they do need to be socialized early on from puppyhood to avoid them becoming overly aggressive when meeting new people.
Good training, including puppy classes, can be very useful here, and putting the work in while your pooch is young will allow you to reap the benefits as they grow into adulthood.
Can Basenjis Be Left Alone?
As a general rule, Basenjis need lots of attention and interaction.
They thrive on human companionship, and they like nothing better than being close to someone all day long.
However, they don’t require constant supervision, and they can happily live alone for short periods of time without causing too much trouble.
If you’re going away for longer periods of time, it’s a good idea to leave your Basenji at home with his sitter or carer for a few days before leaving, just to give him a chance to get used to the situation.
Are Basenjis Obedient?
Basenjis are super smart, but they are also stubborn, and their personality will err on the side of mischief – and this makes them tricky to train.
They love playing games, and will often try to outwit you when you set up training exercises.
However, they are easy to train once you understand their personalities, and they respond really well to rewards.
Once they learn something new, they won’t forget it easily, and they will continue to work towards achieving their goals even after they have mastered them.
It is important to establish a hierarchy; your Basenji will want to be the leader of the pack, and this can lead to demanding behavior.
You will need creativity, patience, repetition, and a lot of positive reinforcement – the real trick is to pretend that obeying you was their idea all along.
Are Basenji Good For First Time Owners?
If you are a first-time dog owner, you may be wondering if a Basenji is a perfect pet for you -and the answer depends largely on your confidence, your time, and your patience, as well as your ability to train.
A Basenji is a happy-go-lucky little dog who likes to spend most of his time playing, running, jumping, and wrestling with his owner.
He’ll enjoy spending quality time with you every single day, and he’ll make a great companion for anyone else in your family.
As we have mentioned, however, Basenjis can be tricky to train – they are confident and wilful and tend to push the limits with their owners when it comes to training and communication.
It is important to ensure that you put the work in during puppyhood – these are smart dogs with lots of energy.
You need to ensure that you have plenty of time and patience to get the most out of your dog, as well as the ability to be kind, consistent, and put plenty of effort in.
Are Basenjis High Maintenance?
The maintenance requirements for Basenjis aren’t particularly high, but there are still things you should keep in mind.
Your Basenji needs regular grooming, especially if he has thick hair, and he should receive regular dental checkups.
He also needs to be fed a diet rich in protein, so you shouldn’t feed him anything low in this area.
Basenjis tend to shed quite a lot, which means that you’ll need to brush them regularly to prevent mats from forming.
This isn’t difficult, and it doesn’t take up a huge amount of time either.
You will also need to take care to ensure that their nails are kept short and comfortable, and this may require regular clips and trims.
Do Basenjis Shed?
Basenjis do not shed a great deal, and this makes them perfect for owners who are not keen on spending hours each day brushing, or who do not want their apartment full of dog hair.
This also helps to make them a low-maintenance breed – a quick brush once or twice a week will help to keep your pooch healthy and happy.
Should I Get A Male Or A Female Basenji?
The sex of your Basenji doesn’t matter too much, although males tend to be slightly larger than females.
When deciding between the sexes, you should consider the personality of each individual, and choose the one that suits you best.
However, when looking for a mate, you should avoid getting a male Basenji if he has been neutered.
Neutering removes his testicles, and this affects his behavior.
He will no longer be interested in playing with toys and will become aggressive towards people and animals.
How Much Exercise Does A Basenji Need?
Like most breeds, Basenjis benefit from daily walks or trips to the park.
It’s also important to remember that Basenjis aren’t built for running around, and they should never be taken outside unless they’ve been trained to walk calmly on leads.
They also benefit from regular swimming lessons, as these exercises keep their muscles toned up and help them stay fit.
The Challenge Of Training A Basenji Puppy
While Basenjis are smart, they can sometimes be challenging to teach certain commands.
For example, they tend to be stubborn and difficult to redirect once they’ve made a decision about something.
This makes them great escape artists, and they’ll often hide under furniture or behind doors if they think they’re doing something wrong.
Basenjis also have a tendency to become hyperactive if they’re not given enough exercise, which means that they might start jumping up on people and knocking things over.
Basenjis are also highly energetic, and they need plenty of mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp.
Therefore, it’s essential that they receive a lot of mental and physical activity during their lives.
How To Care For Your Basenji Dog
Your Basenji needs to eat well, but he shouldn’t be fed table scraps.
Instead, feed him high-quality food such as lamb and chicken, along with fresh vegetables, and make sure that he gets plenty of water every day, and always provide him with an appropriate bowl.
Make sure that your Basenji has access to a safe place where he can sleep, and ensure that he has somewhere warm to retreat to in cold weather, or if he feels scared, overwhelmed, or simply wants some peace and quiet.
You should also make sure that your dog receives regular veterinary checkups, especially when he’s young.
If you’re planning to take your Basenji out for a walk, make sure that he wears a collar with identification tags and a leash.
You should also consider getting your dog microchipped, as this will enable you to find him quickly if he gets lost.
Grooming Needs Of A Basenji
As a breed, Basenjis don’t require much grooming, but they do need to be brushed twice a week to prevent mats from forming on their coats.
In addition, you should clip their nails regularly, and bathe them every two weeks. If you notice any signs of fleas or ticks, then you should treat your dog accordingly.
How To Find A Basenji Dog
If you want to get a Basenji puppy, you’ll first need to decide whether you’d like to buy one from a breeder or adopt one from a shelter.
Breeding Basenjis isn’t recommended unless you know what you’re doing, as there are many health risks involved.
Adoption
Adopting a Basenji instead gives you more control over how your dog develops, and you’ll be able to help him live a healthy life.
It also helps to tackle the issue of irresponsible breeding and ensures that you are giving a dog a loving, permanent home.
There are lots of Basenjis available for adoption, but most shelters only house small numbers of these dogs at any time.
Therefore, it’s important that you research the best places to look before making a final choice.
The ASPCA is a good resource for finding information about adopting a Basenji, while other organizations include the American Kennel Club, the Humane Society of the United States, and the International Basenji Association.
Choosing A Breeder
If you do decide to go to a breeder, you need to ensure that they are reputable.
Ask around among friends and family members who have owned Basenjis previously, and see if they recommend anyone.
You should also ask potential breeders if they’ve ever had any litters that failed to reach adulthood.
This could indicate that the breeder isn’t experienced enough to produce healthy puppies.
When choosing a breeder, you should also think about the size of their kennels. Make sure that there are enough beds for all the puppies, and that the flooring is clean and dry.
You should also make sure that you see the mother with her puppies so that you can observe how she interacts with them and can check her health and wellbeing.
Can I Have A Basenji In An Apartment?
Basenjis are very active breeds, which means that they need plenty of exercise.
Therefore, you shouldn’t expect to keep a Basenji in an apartment without having a large yard or garden.
However, you may be able to keep one in a smaller space if you provide him with regular walks and playtime, as well as a chance to play, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Final Thoughts
The Basenji is a friendly, intelligent, and energetic breed. They are affectionate, playful, and loyal companions.
They love being outdoors, and will enjoy spending time playing in parks and gardens – a lack of exercise, stimulation and time outdoors can cause destructive behavior, and their energy level can be high.
If, however, you can keep up with their activity level, and have the time to dedicate to walks, play, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation, then these adorable pooches could be the perfect addition to your home and family.
