Information About The Dog Breed - Basenji

Basenjis are a breed of small to medium-sized dogs that were originally developed in Africa as hunting dogs. They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and independence, and they have a reputation for being difficult to train.

Basenjis have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including red, black, and tricolor. They are generally good with children and other animals, but they can be reserved with strangers and may not be suitable for first-time dog owners.

If you're considering getting a Basenji, it's important to do your research and make sure you are prepared to provide the care and training they need. As with any breed, it's also important to get your Basenji from a reputable breeder who has the health and welfare of the dogs in mind.

Read more: 13 Unique Dog-Friendly European Destinations in Europe

Health, Grooming, Exercise, Training & Nutrition Basenji

Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.

#1 Health of a Basenji 

Basenjis, like all breeds, can be prone to certain health issues. Some potential health concerns to be aware of include:

• Dental problems: Basenjis are prone to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can be caused by a lack of proper oral care.

• Eye problems: Basenjis can be prone to certain eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.

• Hip dysplasia: This is a common issue in dogs where the hip joint does not form properly, leading to pain and difficulty moving.

• Fanconi syndrome: This is a genetic disorder that affects the kidneys and can lead to a variety of health problems.

It's important to work with your veterinarian to monitor for any potential health issues and to provide your Basenji with regular preventive care, including vaccinations and screenings. This can help catch any potential problems early and ensure that your dog stays healthy throughout their life.

#2 Grooming of a Basenji

Basenjis have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming to maintain its appearance and keep them healthy. Here are some tips for grooming your Basenji:

• Brush your Basenji regularly: Basenjis have a short, smooth coat that doesn't require a lot of brushing, but it's still a good idea to brush them at least once a week to remove tangles and mats and to distribute natural oils throughout their coat.

• Bathe your Basenji as needed: Basenjis generally only need to be bathed every few months, as frequent bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils. When you do bathe your Basenji, use a mild dog shampoo and make sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation.

• Trim your Basenji's nails: It's important to keep your Basenji's nails trimmed to prevent them from getting too long and causing problems with their feet. If you're not comfortable trimming your Basenji's nails yourself, you can have a veterinarian or a professional groomer do it for you.

• Brush your Basenji's teeth: It's important to brush your Basenji's teeth at least once a week to prevent dental problems. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs, and be gentle to avoid causing any discomfort.

By following these grooming tips, you can help keep your Basenji looking and feeling their best.

Read more: Bored Dogs | How to Recognize Dog Boredom (and Help!)

#3 Exercise of a Basenji

Basenjis are energetic and athletic dogs that require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some ways you can provide your Basenji with the exercise they need:

• Take your Basenji on daily walks: Daily walks are a great way to provide your Basenji with the physical and mental stimulation they need. Aim for at least one 30-minute walk per day, and vary the routes you take to keep things interesting.

• Play fetch: Basenjis love to play fetch, and it's a great way to provide them with both physical and mental exercise.

• Go on hikes: If you live in an area with trails, consider taking your Basenji on a hike. Hiking is a great way to provide them with a lot of exercise in a natural setting.

• Enroll your Basenji in a canine sport: Canine sports such as agility, obedience, and flyball can provide your Basenji with a lot of physical and mental exercise.

It's important to provide your Basenji with the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. This will also help prevent behaviors such as destructive chewing and excessive barking, which can result from boredom or pent-up energy.

#4 Training of a Basenji

Basenjis are intelligent and independent dogs that can be challenging to train due to their stubbornness and high energy level. Here are some tips for training your Basenji:

• Start training early: It's important to start training your Basenji as soon as you bring them home, as they are quick learners and will benefit from early socialization and training.

• Use positive reinforcement: Basenjis respond well to positive reinforcement, so use treats, praise, and other rewards to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or physical force, as this can damage the trust between you and your Basenji.

• Set clear rules and boundaries: Basenjis thrive on structure and consistency, so it's important to set clear rules and boundaries for your dog. This will help them understand what is expected of them and will make training easier.

• Keep training sessions short and fun: Basenjis have short attention spans, so it's important to keep training sessions short and fun. Use a variety of training methods and mix things up to keep your Basenji engaged and interested.

• Be patient: Basenjis can be stubborn at times, so it's important to be patient and consistent with your training. Don't get frustrated if your Basenji doesn't catch on right away – they will eventually get the hang of it.

By following these tips, you can effectively train your Basenji and help them become a well-behaved and well-adjusted member of your family. Keep in mind that training a Basenji may require more patience and persistence than training other breeds due to their stubbornness and independence

#5 Nutrition of a Basenji

Proper nutrition is important for all dogs, including Basenjis. Here are some tips for feeding your Basenji:

• Choose a high-quality dog food: It's important to choose a high-quality dog food for your Basenji, as this will provide them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Look for a food that is appropriate for your Basenji's age, size, and activity level, and make sure it is made with high-quality ingredients.

• Follow the feeding guidelines: Each dog food brand has its own feeding guidelines, which will provide recommendations on how much to feed your Basenji based on their age, size, and activity level. Be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure your Basenji is getting the right amount of food.

• Avoid giving your Basenji table scraps: It's generally not a good idea to give your Basenji table scraps, as many human foods can be harmful to dogs. Stick to a high-quality dog food to ensure your Basenji is getting the nutrients they need.

• Keep your Basenji hydrated: It's important to make sure your Basenji has access to fresh, clean water at all times. This will help prevent dehydration and keep them healthy.

Read more: 9 Best Outdoor Activities That Dogs Love

How To Transport A Basenji in The Car?

Travelling with your dog breed Basenji needs preparation when you want to have a succesful trip on the road. This blog will give you information about the Basenji dog breed and information about how to transport them. 

When you are planning to go on a road trip with a Basenji dog, you need to be good prepared with this breed. Whether you're going on a visit to the vet, vacation or a walk in the woods, your Basenji will be transported by car. A journey often involves many, long transport hours, so to make it as easy as possible for you, we have gathered our best tips for you!

How To Ensure Comfort in The Car For A Basenji?

Travelling in a vehicle can be distressing for your pet along with the motion causing them to be sick. To help your Basenji getting used to being in the car, it’s best to introduce them to this as early as possible as part of their socialisation training. Exposing them at a young age to this environment will desensitise their uncertainty and get them used to the motion. It’s best for your dog to be able to see out of a window when travelling, or if your pet is prone to motion sickness, allow them to face forward.

Travel socialisation can be built up, starting with short distances and extending to longer distance car journeys. Treats can help make these new experiences positive and reinforce your pet that they have behaved well.

Read more: Dog Health: How to Keep a Dog Healthy Naturally?

Transporting a Basenji in the Car

How to travel with a dog in the car? In order to ensure a successfull car ride you need to be well-prepared. We have gathered the best must-follow tips to create the best preparation for your dog.

The most common dog problems that many dogs experience in the car:

• Motion sickness: to avoid car sickness, it's important to not feed your dog a few hours before leaving the house;
• Stress: be familiar with dog stress in the car. Read our blog to learn more about stress in dogs;
• Anxiety: anxiety by dogs in car rides are very common. Read more about this problem to prevent it.

What are the best tips to travel with a dog?

• Law rules & Requirements - of how to travel with a dog in Europe;
• 29 Must-Follow Tips - How to transport a dog in the car?;

Tips:

• If you’re staying in a hotel, call the management in advance and know their policies when it comes to pets;
• Bring your dog’s medical certificates, vaccination documents, and other similar records just in case they are required;
• When traveling by land, take a break every 2-3 hours. Bring your dog out of the crate and let him get some fresh air to stretch a little bit. Bathroom breaks would also be important for your pet;
• If all else fails, you can consider using medication or sedative as prescribed by your vet;
• Make sure your dog is used to getting into your car regularly from a young age;
• To make sure he doesn't get too stressed, take the time to gradually get him used to the car. You can make several short trips, reward him with a treat so he associates transportation with positive things;
• Never leave your dog alone in the car, even with the window open, in the shade or even in winter (risk of excessive heat, injuries ...);
• If you travel by car with your dog, stop every 2 hours for his needs and give him something to drink;
• Make sure the driver is safe;
• Make sure your dog is safe and comfortable by using a dog car seat.

Travelling in The Car - Safety For Your Basenji

One of the most important rules of travelling with your dog: Do not leave your Basenji free in the car. Indeed, he may be injured, fall or receive a shock when braking hard.

1. Dog car seat: The best investment is a dog car seat with safety elements to ensure a safe car ride;
2. Safety elements: always make sure your dog is restraint with a sturdy dog harness and a dog car seat belt;

Travelling in The Car - Safety For The Driver

In a collision at 50 km/h, even a small dog can become a life-threatening projectile for passengers in the car. What is the law on dogs in cars? When in a vehicle make sure dogs or  are suitably restrained to avoid distraction or injuring. In an event of a collision, it could be used as evidence against you if your dog is not properly secured.

Do dogs have to be restrained in cars? When driving with dogs it's important to be familiar with the law rule 57 highway code. A proper dog car seat, dog harness, dog seat belt are the best ways of restraining. Make sure to check out the correct law rules for your own country.

If your pet is found to have caused or contributed to an accident, your car insurance could be invalid, as well as any pet insurance. You could also face a fine of up to £5,000 if you’re taken to court, as well as points on your license.

Extra Tips For Dog Owners

• It varies from pup to pup, cause Yagoh has never had any problems with the car and we have even travelled for 20h in the car with him and he took it like a champ! As for a travel bed, You can take the chance and really stress the need for basenjis to be comfortable AT ALL TIMES, every basenji owner knows that 😅 And I would make sure to get the pup used to the bed before putting it in the car and travelling, that’s what I always do when I change something in the car for Yagoh, I introduce it in an environment where he is safe and used to, let him do his sniffing and testing and it also helps that the bed/car cover/whatever smells like him or home already when put into the car, then he feels more confident and chances are will love the new setting straight away. (Thanks for the tip: yagoh.the.basenji)

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The dog booster seat is a must-have to instantly master anxiety, stress or car sickness. The elevated seat provides a breathtaking view of the outside world. L'élianne ® strives for a future where dogs no longer have to feel such problems.

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