Basenji Mix

The basenji is an ancient breed of hound dog that appears in artwork from ancient Egypt and Babylon and may have been one of the first types of dogs domesticated by human beings. They were rediscovered by explorers in the 19^th century in the Congo region of Africa, where they were kept by the indigenous people as hunters, guard dogs, and companions. Bred to hunt and track, basenjis are noted for making an unusual yodeling noise rather than barking, for being independent-minded escape artists, for being somewhat difficult to train, and as good pets for children.

Basenjis have been bred with a variety of other breeds to create mixes with desirable appearances and temperaments. Some of the most popular breeds they have been combined with are the Beagle, American Eskimo, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Welsh Corgi, and German Shepherd. Hybrid dogs will have some of the characteristics of each parent, but the exact way these will manifest in an individual puppy may differ considerably. People considering buying a basenji mix should get to know as much as they can about both parent breeds in general, as well as the specific characteristics of the individual dogs that produced the puppy.

The 21 different types of Basenji Mixes

There are many different types of basenji mixes, but here are 21 of the most popular:

• Basenji + Beagle = Baseagle
• Basenji + American Eskimo = Eskenji
• Basenji + Chihuahua = Chisenji
• Basenji + Great Dane = Great Dasenji
• Basenji + Labrador Retriever = Labrasenji
• Basenji + Welsh Corgi = Corsengi
• Basenji + German Shepherd = German Shepenji
• Basenji + Whippet = Whippenji
• Basenji + American Pit Bull Terrier = Pitsenji
• Basenji + Boxer = Boxerji
• Basenji + Poodle = Basenjipoo
• Basenji + Shiba Inu = Shibenji
• Basenji + Border Collie = Border Basenji
• Basenji + Akita = Akita Basenji
• Basenji + Australian Cattle Dog = Basenji Heeler
• Basenji + Cocker Spaniel = Cocker Spanenji
• Basenji + Greyhound = Greysenji
• Basenji + Italian Greyhound = Italian Greysenji
• Basenji + Jack Russell Terrier = Jack Basenji
• Basenji + Saluki = Basenji Saluki mix
• Basenji + Rat Terrier = Basenji Rat Terrier mix

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Basenji Mixes

The Best Dog Food For Basenji Mixes

When considering a dog food for your basenji mix, look for a high-quality brand that is not made with cheap fillers and artificial ingredients. Investing more in your dog’s nutrition while he or she is young will pay off in the long run with a healthier, happier animal with less need for expensive medical attention.

Basenjis are an energetic breed, and the same is often true for hybrid breeds as well. It’s especially important to feed them a diet high in good-quality sources of protein.

Basenji Mix Size and Weight

Basenji Mix Common Health Issues

Health issues for your basenji mix may include some problems common to basenji purebreds and those of your dog’s other parent breed. These are difficult to anticipate because there are so many different types of hybrids, and it is unpredictable in any given dog which characteristics and problems will be inherited from each parent.

Owners and vets should be on the lookout for these common basenji health issues, as well as researching those that are common with its other parent breed.

• Hip dysplasia
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune thyroiditis
• Eye diseases

Basenji Mix Temperament and Behavior

Basenji mixes have variable temperaments depending on the breed they are mixed with, but basenjis themselves are noted as intelligent, affectionate, and highly alert. They are excellent hunting dogs with a strong prey instinct and will energetically chase other animals, including cats. If raised with cats and other pets from puppyhood, they can be trained not to chase them, but will likely always chase animals that are not part of their household.

They are independent-minded to the point of stubbornness. Owners can be frustrated when their dog does not immediately obey, but thinks about which commands it wants to perform. Basenjis are smart enough to concoct escape plans and ways to get up on counters or other places in the house where they are not allowed. Owners will enjoy their basenji mix best if they can meet the dog halfway and have a sense of humor about the mischief they can get into.

How To Take Care of Basenji Mixes

Basenji Mix Maintenance and Grooming

Purebred basenjis have short hair and are considered a hypoallergenic breed. Their coats come in red, black, tricolor (black, chestnut, and white), or brindle (black stripes on a chestnut background). All of them have white chests and stomachs. Many also have white on their legs, on the center of their faces between their eyes, or a white marking around the neck. Mixes bring in more varieties of hair colors and patterns, and the possibility of wavy fur. Remember that basenjis are from a warm African climate, so they do not tolerate cold well. Don’t leave them outside too long in cold weather. They also don’t like rain and will be grumpy if you insist on walking them on a rainy day.

Basenjis do shed, but not very much. They also lick themselves clean like cats, so they do not require a lot of grooming. Lightly brushing your dog or wiping them with a cloth once a week is sufficient to groom them. Another great feature of basenjis is that they don’t have a “dog smell.” Just bathe them every few months as needed, depending on how messy the dog’s outdoor play has been. This advice may not apply if your basenji mix is descended from a high-shedding parent.

Owners should make sure to clip their dogs’ nails regularly. As a general rule, if you can hear the dog’s nails clicking on a tile floor, they’re overdue for a trimming. Be sure to check their ears for infection and parasites as well, and brush their teeth frequently. Poor dental hygiene is a leading cause of health issues in dogs as they get older, and it’s easy to prevent.

Basenji Mix Training

Basenji mixes, like all breeds, should be trained and socialized with people and animals from an early age. Dogs that are not exposed to different situations, people, and experiences can become timid adults.

Basenjis are very intelligent but difficult to train. They are often stubborn and resist learning new commands. Even after learning commands, they may take their time deciding whether to obey, and it is anyone’s guess what they will decide. Harsh training methods do not work; they only reinforce the dog’s resistance. The best approach is one using positive reinforcements such as praise, a favorite toy, or small food treats. It also helps to keep the training interesting, as the dog may just ignore you when they get bored.

Basenjis have strong instincts to chase prey and are ingenious about escaping from fenced enclosures. They can climb chain link fences and fit through small spaces. It’s best always to keep them on a leash and supervised when you let them outdoors, and put careful thought and effort into how to fence your yard to contain such a clever dog.

Basenji Mix Exercise

Basenjis are hunting dogs that are highly energetic and need daily exercise. Some may do fine with a daily walk, while others may need a more vigorous workout. Their tendency to try to escape and their love of chewing things when they are frustrated provide a good incentive for you to wear these little guys out with lots of running and playing. They enjoy agility activities, fetch, and puzzles that require some thought as well as physical activity.

Basenjis and mixes are considered to be among the best breeds for apartment or condo life because they are relatively quiet, low-shedding, and self-grooming. If their exercise needs are not met outdoors every day, however, they will zoom around your living space and can become destructive.

Basenji Mixes and Children

Basenji mixes do very well with children, especially when raised with them from puppyhood and properly trained and socialized. They are high-energy dogs that can knock over smaller children during enthusiastic play, so they should be well-supervised until they and the children learn how to behave with one another.

Dogs similar to Basenji Mixes

Here are some dogs similar to the basenji you might want to check out:

•  Welsh Corgi: Corgis are usually smaller than basenjis, and they tolerate cold weather better. Both are outstanding choices for families with children and with other dogs.
•  Jack Russell Terrier: This breed is about the same size as a basenji but sheds more and is not as easy to groom. Jack Russells are healthier overall, but also have more of a problem with weight gain.
•  Shiba Inu: Very similar in temperament to the basenji, but is not as kid- and dog-friendly. Shiba Inus also shed quite a bit.

Famous Basenji Mixes

Some famous people who have owned basenjis include:

• King Farouk of Egypt
• Queen Juliana of the Netherlands
• Kelsey Grammer, star of the TV series “Frasier”