First Things First …
If you are thinking about a Basenji as a companion then the first thing you need to do is meet some. Breeders are often accused of doing a good job of putting prospective owners off the breed, and to some extent that’s true - though most of us don't apologise for it. It is always better to know the pitfalls and potential problems before getting into something, than learning the hard way when it is too late.
Basenjis are indeed the most wonderful fun - intelligent, clean, entertaining, beautiful and loving - but they can also be stubborn, hard-headed, cunning, disobedient, and so quick to react to things it is often too late to stop them. A Basenji racing out of the door and up the street because an unwary visitor has taken too long to enter the house (and the dog has zipped out through their legs) is an introduction to the breed that many can do without. Before allowing yourself to be enthralled by them, please take time to discover the breed characteristics - both good and bad - and consider carefully whether you want to live with a dog like this.
Chasing
Basenjis are hunters and will chase anything furry, be it small or large - so not only do squirrels, rabbits, deer and other wildlife need eyes in the backs of their heads, but so do the neighbourhood cats, small dogs, and sometimes even medium and large dogs! A Basenji - even a friendly one that wants to play - has one favourite game, and that is to chase and to be chased.
Chewing
A Basenji chews. They have hard mouths and like to use their teeth. A strong bone is the best thing for your dog to chew on, but if bored - or most often, resentful at being left out of something - he may punish you by chewing a hole in the furniture, typically in a place that can't be easily hidden. You must become adept at throwing tissues, used sticking plasters, babies nappies, food remains etc. into bins that cannot be opened and emptied by a dog because these items are irresistible, and you are likely to find shredded tissues, half-eaten plasters, empty food cans/packaging, and ripped up nappies all in the middle of your bed (yes this has happened to me, and nappies are full of strange micro-beads which go everywhere) and somewhere in the house a Basenji will be insolently sitting there saying "So what?"
Posed by a Model
Crates
The answer to much of the above is to buy and use a crate. Nearly every Basenji puppy will have been crate-trained and/or brought up behind bars in a controlled environment by its breeder. Even one day crateless in its new home is enough to make your puppy protest loudly when it is finally put back in, and then you have created an unnecessary problem for yourself. It is not cruelty to confine a dog for short periods of time for everyone’s peace of mind - when done intelligently, a dog does not think a crate is a cage.
Can you believe it?
I have four Basenjis that never destroy anything - and one that just might. They have the run of the house, but the potentially destructive one (who shall remain nameless but looks very much like Tommy) is crated if I have to go out before they have been for a walk. If they have been out and had a good run, I can leave them all loose. (NB: a tired Basenji is a good Basenji).
Every messy or destructive act perpetrated in my house could have been avoided with some thought, but unfortunately there is not always enough time to think of everything. Click here for the sight that awaited me one morning when I returned from dropping my son off at school. The single most important attribute of any Basenji owner is a sense of humour!
Yet they can be wonderful company. My first Basenji and I lived together with three cats for a few years, and he has been the most marvellous companion, but I won't pretend it wasn't hard work. You really do get out what you are willing to put in. While it becomes easier with experience (the older ones help train the younger ones) it is still a lot of work - and sometimes, destruction - if I neglect to check on what certain individuals are doing when I am busy with other things.
Basenjis are dogs of great character and distinction. Having considered whether a Basenji will fit comfortably into your home, you should take the time to visit breeders and meet their adult dogs. Basenjis are cute little puppies for a short time only, and adults for many years (in some cases, very many years). You can typically expect to share 12-15 years of your life with one of these dogs.
Most breeders want the best for their puppies, and top of the list is a permanent loving home. Please don’t take on a Basenji unless you can offer this.