Basenji mix?

[Wahine]

BF did the conversion.

It took him about 2.5 months, cost about $10, 000. But it is SWEEEEEEEET!!!

I should start another thread and post pictures.

[Atlas]

I don't know any basenjis personally but I believe that are hard to train. Everything I've read/heard relates that they're very smart and curious, but not particularly obedient. But you mentioned the dog was a shepherd mix so maybe the shepherd would make that easier. Basenjis are beautiful and interesting dogs and I absolutely love the noises they make.

[malkin]

Basenjis are cool and they yodel!

[newfsmith]

Basenjis, like any breed, can be hard to train, or they can be easy. That is a case for looking at a breeder where you can assess the parent's personality. However, bear in mind that with a mix breed dog, the descriptions are often just what the dog looks like, which doesn't mean that the suggested cross is actual. So reading up on the traits of the breeds may be an exercise in futility. Read the dog, not the books.

[Wahine]

Basenjis, like any breed, can be hard to train, or they can be easy. That is a case for looking at a breeder where you can assess the parent's personality. However, bear in mind that with a mix breed dog, the descriptions are often just what the dog looks like, which doesn't mean that the suggested cross is actual. So reading up on the traits of the breeds may be an exercise in futility. Read the dog, not the books.

Thanks for this. I'm looking forward to going to the shelter to meet a few different dogs. It may be a little while, but hopefully soon.

[emily_in_nc]

BF did the conversion.

It took him about 2.5 months, cost about $10, 000. But it is SWEEEEEEEET!!!

I should start another thread and post pictures.

Yes, please do! Very interested!

[Wahine]

Yes, please do! Very interested!

Here is the link.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Well, seeing as the dog you have your eye on is a mix of a Basenji and a Shepherd, you might possibly have a big handful on your hands since both are active, clever dogs and active, clever dogs who are not engaged correctly will destroy stuff out of boredom. On the other hand, it IS a mixed breed and you may luck out and get a dog with the best of both temperaments and none of the hyperactivity. Can the shelter tell you more about the dog and it's temperament from the time it's spent in there? It would be really helpful. From all I've read about Basenjis, they seem like dogs with strong preferences.

[roadie gal]

Does your shelter let you "check out" dogs? If it does, you can take the dog for a day or so and see how it's personality is. If not, maybe you can spend some time with him at the shelter. You won't get a full idea of his personality after he has his forever home and gets used to you, but you'll get some idea.

[Wahine]

Thanks Roadie gal. I'm not sure if they do but I'll lookin into it.

[smilingcat]

If you can find a dog from a rescue group where the dogs are cared at a foster homes, then you can ask the foster parents of the dog's disposition.

Some shelters do have volunteers who spend play time with the dogs and would have some insight into the dogs disposition. So do ask.

And I totally agree with read the dog and not a book.

My neighbor down in Los Angeles had a female pit bull dropped off in his lap. He wasn't really looking to take care of a dog but he ended up with the dog. And that pit bull was the gentlest and friendliest dog I've ever seen. He did take the dog to a park and she didn't show any aggression toward other female or male dogs. I was pretty amazed at her calm disposition. So do read the dog and not a book.

I also knew someone with a besinji. He was a feral and domesticated. He wasn't socialized and definitely very hostile toward other dogs. Owner had his set of issues too and it didn't help the dogs disposition. I think with proper training and care, that bisenji could have gotten over his emotional trauma.

So find out about the history of the dog if possible and talk with the foster parents.