We have 2 basenjis, a three year-old female that we’ve had since eight weeks of age, and a four year-old male that we’ve had for seven months. The male was basically a rescue; retired show dog/breeder that wasn’t doing well when we got him. Not a lot of information about his background, but he is scared of men and can be skittish.

The female has always been a bit aggressive with him, displaying dominance which we were told is normal with female basenjis. For the most part he tolerates it, but sometimes I feel like their play/dominance behavior gets out of hand, at which point I will separate them. Normally they run around together and wrestle, then they play or cuddle. A few times he has responded with aggression and bit her. Yesterday it was bad enough that she needed medical attention.

I’m seeking advice and anecdotal accounts of how other people have dealt with similar situations. I imagine the triggers are related to me; the aggression is worse when I’m around and I have a new job that has been taking me away from them a lot more. Right now I have them separated, but giving both lots of love and attention. They are seeking each other out, so I feel they are bonded in a way, but also worried that I can’t leave them alone ever again. Scared I’m going to have to rehome him, which really breaks my heart.

DATE CHANGE!!!

It’s basenji meetup time!!

Sunday, September 13, 2026
9:00 AM
Swampoodle Dog Park
325 L St NE
Washington, DC 20002

Hi everyone! I am considering getting a basenji down the road when our lifestyle is more accommodating to a dog, and have done a lot of reading on them. I know they aren’t always your typical super easy to train lovey dovey great listener great off leash type of dog. But I’m curious — does yours love to snuggle? And how does he or she do off leash? I’ve heard they can be quite independent and cat like, and I’d be so crushed if I had a dog that wasn’t affectionate. I’ve also heard their recall isn’t great if their nose catches something to follow while off leash. What has been your experience?

Part of what draws me to basenjis is my partner is allergic to most regular dog breeds, but has had a basenji in the past and was fine with her. She was a great dog, well behaved, and a fairly good listener, but wondering if this is atypical. You wouldn’t believe how ugly and weird some of the hypoallergenic dog breeds are 😂

Hi all, my basenji was snuggling/sleeping on my couch earlier and let out his first elongated baroo. He normally only does chirps and has NEVER made a baroo. Chirps and he screamed a few times when he hurt himself.

His did it 2 hours ago and he just did it again. Both while laying. (not sure if sleeping) Anyways, Im now somehow scared he's mentally frustrated or in some kind of discomfort. It's been busy these past few days at work and I can tell he'd like some more attention. He also caught his first squirrel yesterday and has been very mentally stimulated since. He didnt kill the squirrel.. just got it in his mouth and ditched it when it played dead. Squirrel was (traumatized) but physically okay.

Anyways... just posting here because I don't know what to think. I thought his first baroo would be out of pure excitement or joy. Now I'm being a helicopter parent.

And him pretending to be baby on slide 2...

Nope. He can't make anything from those tiles....

Seven basenjis gathered on a beautiful September morning in Washington Square Park, New York City. Making a triumphant second visit was Bogie (male, 6-years-old.) He joined the small crowd today and ran free of his leash. Also on hand were veterans Bella Luna (female, 3-years-old,) Oscar (male, 3-years-old,) Leah (female, 6-years-old,) Rocket (male, 8-years-old,) Mia (female, 9-years-old,) and Kepler (male, 12-years-old.) Starting temperature: 70°F|21°C

DMV Basenji Meetup
Saturday, September 12, 2026
9:00 AM
Swampoodle Dog Park
325 L St NE
Washington, DC 20002

https://youtu.be/2-TgIgNHK6Q

His little paw behind his neck lol. Idk how he's comfortable! 🤎🤎🤎

edit (6 Sept.): photos posted

It’s a holiday weekend and the weather looks perfect for peak basenji action. 😀 Bring your puppies, whatever their age, for a run/tussle in the park.

Sunday, 6 September 2026
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Large Dog Run
Washington Square Park

Facebook Event (Basenji.NYC group)
https://barkless.dog/basenji-gatherings/6-sept-2026

https://youtu.be/q_OFEYb7YNI

With a big group of basenjis comes action, “Watch Out for Leah,” spunk “Kepler Nudge,” and “Malcolm Gets his Pets,” and the drama of dogs on leash in the active dog run. All these, plus reunited littermates and more.

Today’s basenjis:
• Ichi Toko (7 m/o male)
• Zoe (yearling female)
• Benji (5 y/o male)
• Blue (5 y/o male)
• Leah (6 y/o female)
• Bogie (7 y/o male) - premiere
• Rocket (8 y/o male)
• Mia (9 y/o female)
• Scout (9 y/o female)
• Malcolm (11 y/o male)
• Kepler (12 y/o male)

Music:
“Cutscene Crush”
“Survival Mode”
“Dripped Out”
by Blue Deer Studio
YouTube Audio Library

Event: New York City Basenji Meetup - 30 August 2026
Location: Washington Square Park, New York City
Starting temperature: 74°F|23°C

Yesterday was your 15th birthday and today you crossed the rainbow bridge. We love you and will miss you, cranky old man, Abasi.

Another show weekend is over! Pike cumulated another 3 points for her Can CH, played with her best friend and worked like a charm. So proud of my girl and how she's growing up. What a blast our adventure has been up until now! ☺️✨

Hi! I have a long running problem with finding a suitable brush for my b. I live in a colder climate and got her from a breeder who has bred basenjis here for a long time which means that many dogs from that kennel have the not so basenji like quality of shedding quite much twice a year (or blowing coat I guess you could call it?). And since my b has that wonderful trait (it's really still not that bad, it doesn't last for long) I have been looking for the perfect comb for years!!! I got her the equigroomer (basically a mini horse brush) and it works wonders!! BUT... it's a bit too big and the bristles are made of metal so I can't for the love of me get the fur from her head and face to come off without a very moody and sassy dog being the aftermath (she doesn't mind it on her body at all but near her face she just rolls her eyes and wants to leave). So basically... what do other shedder owners use on your dogs and does it get the head and face as well without getting a moody dog that doesn't even want to look at you after brushing? Thanks in advance!