TEMPERMENT

QUESTIONS ABOUT TEMPERAMENT

These question may be give by telephone.

It is very difficult to evaluate temperament problems when choosing a puppy. Temperament is greatly effected by environment, and poor temperament maybe nurtured by the owner. In general, most temperament problems are created by the owners of the dog.

Understanding canine behavior will help in evaluating temperament problems. There are many books written of the subject available through book stores, and your local library. It is suggested you read up on the subject before choosing a Basenji

References to the owners of puppies produce by the same sire or dam, and references to the owners and breeders of the sire and dams are important in evaluating a inherited temperament problem. Use the following questions to seek these names.

1. Is this the first litter for the dam?

2. Is this the first litter produced by the sire?

If, no to either of these questions. Request references, names, addresses and telephone numbers if possible, of the owners of previous puppies produce by the sire and dam.

3. Did you breed the sire and/or dam?

If, yes, Request references, names, addresses and telephone numbers if possible, of litter mates of the sire and/or dam.

If, no, Request names addressees and telephone number if possible, of the sire and/or dam breeders.

The AKC requires the breeder to keep records of the name and address of the purchasers of puppies which they breed. Most responsible breeder offer a long term commitment to assist the purchaser with questions about the Basenji and possible training suggestions. These breeders will usually have some of owners telephone numbers. Contact three of above references, if possible, and request information about their Basenjis temperament and dealings with the breeder. Should the breeder be unable to offer any references, the breeder either keeps very poor records or does not want the history of his dogs looked into. If breeder acquired there breeding dogs through a pet shop, puppy mill, etc. and this is thier first litter, they will not be able to offer any references, likewise, they have no ideal of the temperament of their Basenji's pedigree which they are breeding, nor any other history such as the health. It is not recommend to purchase a Basenji from such a breeder.

4. Has the sire or dam ever nipped or bitten anyone?

5. If purchasing an older Basenji, has he or she ever nipped or bitten anyone?

If yes, when and under what circumstances?

A responsible owner will answer this question truthfully. Although undesirable, the knowledge that the Basenji has nipped or bitten someone can be justified under extreme situations.

• All dogs will bite when in pain from an injury.
• Dogs which are place in a situation where the dog believes it is threaten with harm may react by biting. It is not uncommon for a dog to bite someone while involved with fight with another dog.
• Female dogs when with a litter of young puppies, may be protective. They usually react with sudden movements or threatening gestures.
• 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