Hi,

I'm the owner of 2 beautiful Hungarian Vizslas, who are the loves of my life, but I am enquiring about the Basenji breed today. My brother in law and his fiancee are in the process of buying their first home and I would like some advice on their behalf. They plan to have an Abyssinian kitten and have looked a some dog breeds and are very iunterested in a Basenji bitch. However, they are not entering into any decisions lightly and would like to find out as much about this breed as possible. Can anyone help ?

They plan to get the bitch spayed and will not be showing her. My brother in law's finacee is not used to dogs at all, but is willing to share her life with one. They are both working and do not have any kids.

I'd like to know about the personality of the Basenji, their exercise requirements, levels of activity and temperament. I'd also like to know about any breed associated (genetic) problems that may occur in the breed (eg hip dyslapsia etc ...). How reliant are the Basenji for human company ? Will they get on with cats ?

Finally I'd like to know about breeders and where you are ! My brother in law lives in the Cardiff area, so anyone close by would be handy, especially if they could come and visit you. Also, what are the general price guides for a Basenji puppy ?

Your help would be most appreciated. Please mail me on jl.williams49@ntlworld.com, if you can help.

Sorry to be blunt but IMO no dog is suitable for a family that are out at work each day, and a Basenji is not a good dog for a first time owner. The only posibility would be a rescue adult that is used to being left but it should only be left for 4 hours without attention or you will need kennels. Even with kennels it is not much of a life for a dog without company. Jackie H

I endorse that Jackie. I think if you want a Basenji you will have to read everything you can get about the breed. It is not a biddable dog normally although with care and patience they CAN be trained but best to start out with a puppy - needs time as all dogs do.