Basenji tails are NOT for pulling - it hurts the basenji especially if it is tightly curled -
A basenji tail is to look at only, and is judged by the setting, nothing else - no touching, please
Then again, it does not help if the owner holds on to the tail
... you would think the owner knew better, as this is not his first basenji - but he is new at showing ...
PRESENTING YOUR BASENJI IN THE SHOWRING
An Example how NOT to stack your basenji, pulling the hindlegs out and choking the dog at the same time (photo af left) - there are worse photos, however this is only to give an idea on what not to do -
Underneath is a photo of how not to present your dog
The a´handler is not quite holding the lead correctly, as the lead must ALWAYS be in your left hand
As a judge it is not a good idea to wear perfume or being a smoker - however, should you be a
smoker, do not try and remove the smell with i.e. lemon
This may often be the reaction one gets when a basenji gets the smell of a smoker or a wif of perfume
No one needs this, so please remember the above - thank you :-)
...found this photo of a basenji being messaured - the basenji is in championclass !
... an experienced judge should be able to see if a dog is too tall or whatever reason for meassuring a dog in the ring - I have seen judges prepare for this by using chalk and making a small mark/stripe on their trousers - it can spook a dog being messured, so why should this be so important ? I have to this date never seem a female judge meassure a dog in the showring... so, is it a male-judge-thing ? :-)
Presenting
... could not help bringing this photo of a skirt, I doubt is a good idea to wear when showing your dog ... however, if you do,
be careful when bending over .... :-)
A few tips regarding our breed
Grooming suggestion
What are good methods for removing the dead undercoat?
Lava stone. Old fashioned but cheap and effective
Anesthesia
They should be treated like any Sighthound. Avoid Ketamine. My experience was a VERY long and rocky recovery with it's use....and I'm talking 6+ hours!!! When ketamine was omitted, no issues. I prefer to just give them Buprinorphine or Morphine, then mask them down to intubate. This has been much easier using the above protocol
Also keep in mind not to vaccinate nor deworm a pregnant bitch
Regarding fenced yards
Many breeders require fenced yards, as too many basenjis are killed on the road from getting out of the house - and even if there is a fenced back yard, most escape out the front door
Also keep in mind a bored basenji in a fenced yard will find their way out...regardsless size/type of fence
A yard does not guarantee security, the owners should protect their beloved pet, even in a city apartment and the basenjis are happy to live in an appartment if they are taken out frequently.
Basenjis spending its life in a crate and a kennel run only is not a very good idea Ok, they may be safe, but a basenji
needs company and a domestic life. With all that comes with it, I can't see much point
in a dog living it's life always outside the happenings - and risks - of family life, why have one in the first place?
Living is taking risks, same for us as for a basenji
The level of commitment required to own a Basenji without a fenced yard is understandable. It is simply that a matter of commitment on the part of the owner. Most pups placed in a City have dog walkers or go to doggy day care. Dogs that live in the City and are leash walked are BETTER socialized than those that live their lives tucked away in somebody's suburban yard, and are definitely better socialized than those who live out their days in kennel runs.
All Basenjis benefit from some housetime