A Basenji's charm is its individuality. Life with a basenji is never dull or boring, as they are curious and mischievous all rolled into one. They are the best thief you'll ever come across. If left alone and bored they can be destructive and will chew things. Anything is fair game; furniture, shoes, clothes, remotes, etc.  

Every Basenji is different, but generally some characteristics never change, and having no ''road sense'' is one of them.

They can be very loving when the mood takes them, crawling up your leg to get on your lap or in your coffee. Given the chance they will curl up on your bed or in front of a heater and go to sleep. A Basenji can live with you in your home as they can be crated for a short time, or left in a fully fenced backyard. However, some patience is required by you as they have a mind of their own.

Their cleanliness is second to none and they need very few baths. They shed very little fur and are great for asthmatics. Toilet training is easy with a Basenji they hate being dirty. In winter they will race outside to go to the toilet and rush back in.

If you wish your basenji to be a house dog, you do need to be tolerant as some days they can drive you up the wall. Yes, we do know this, as ours are house dogs first and show dogs second. After a few days their charm personality will win you over and they quickly become a member of your family.

Life with a Basenji is wonderful.

  B is for Barkless, but not really mute.
    They chortle and yodel, mutter and growl.
    I think they could talk if they ever learnt how.
  A is for Agile, graceful and quick.
    They jump like a deer and play like a cat.
    Who ever heard of a dog acting like that.
  S is for Stubborn, yes they do have a streak
    They'll coax and they'll bully till they get their own way.
    Outsmarting a human is just part of their day.
  E is for Entertaining, they'll all hams at heart
    Ask them to play and they will act like a clown.
    Tell them to heel and they 'll sit down and frown
  N is for Neat, a must in themselves
    They lick and they groom till each hair is in place.
    If they think that you need it, they'll come wash your face.
  J is for Jungle, natives and huts.
    On the tombs of the Pharoahs their pictures are found.
    And in Africa's jungles they're the belled hunting hound.
  I is for Me, An owner possessed.
    I feed and I doctor, I worry and care.
    And the doggone Basenji knows, when he calls, I'll be there.
   
                            Jeraldeen Crandall 1967

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