Most common is nipping, usually when kids are running, or as someone is walking away. This is a very serious problem with an Basenji. Nipping is a Basenjis way of testing its place in the pack. Such nipping may be a sign of an overly aggressive Basenji or due to poor training. See the section on Discipline in the Basenji Owners Manual.

Fear Biting, a Basenji will take the offence when confronted with fear. This may be the results of poor confidence due to a lack of socialization and/or is inherited, and/or a result of poor training. Most Basenjis due exhibit caution when approached by strangers or strange objects and are quite suspicious of sudden moves. This caution is a natural instinct of survival. Likewise a Basenji should be curious and investigates these strangers and strange objects, with confidence, and dismiss any threat upon a satisfactory investigation. Best way to introduce yourself to a Basenji is not to, let the Basenji investigate you and satisify it's instinct for caution. A fearful Basenji will either leave the room when confronted stranger or take an aggressive stance as if concern with protecting it self.

It is not recommended to purchase a Basenji demostrates extreme fear or a Basenji puppy which one or both parents demostrates extreme fear.

6. Does the sire and dam get along with other dogs?

If, no, ask for details of the behavior.

It is quite common for male Basenji not to get along with other male, if the Basenji is dominant and is approached by another dominant dog, the same applies with females. This is most likely to occur when approached by another Basenji. Basenjis have a strong inherited social hierarchy, referred to as a pack, and leadership, is often fought for. It is important that a Basenji be well socialize with other canines to learn proper canine body language. If the Basenji has been well socialize with other canines, fights are generally displays of climbing the social ladder, scraping as most breeder refer to it, usually resulting in a lot of noise and very little actual biting. It is important that the owner control this scraping, asserting leadership. If the Basenji lacks canine social skills, fights are usual very serious. The Basenji may not know how to respond to another dogs aggressive displays, and may react as if threaten with life or death situation.

7. Does the sire and/or dam tend to produce or have a history of alpha dog behavior?

This is a technical term for a inherited behavior to be pack leader, those dogs which tend follow a leader are referred to as beta. All but a few Basenjis will try to climb to the rank of leader. And there are few that will do it at any cost, these are alpha dogs. Alpha Basenjis can make very good pets, but require extra care in training, and socialization. Not all members in your house may be able to provide this training. A knowledgeable breeder will be able to pick out puppies which tend to display alpha behavior and place them in appropriate homes. If the breeder is unfamiliar with the term, it is possible that the breeder may be breeding Basenjis with no understanding of pack behavior and it associated temperament. It is not recommend to purchase a Basenji from such a breeder.

It will be necessary to see the litter and it's dam to fully evaluate temperament, and if possible see the sire. Refer to the section on Visiting the Litter

Northwest Basenji Connection