Magic the Basenji

Basenji people, I request your expertise! Any insight is greatly appreciated.

I like the red better. He seems a bit overangulated at this age but he might grow out of that. Probably longer than “truly square” but many basenjis are. He has a nice level topline and a smoother transition of neck to shoulders than the other puppy. He draws my eye.

The brindle has a weaker topline and I don’t like the rear assembly. I think it may be that the hocks too long which are giving his rear a straighter appearance. He does look more square than the red so that’s a plus. He has some nice attributes but all things considered I would still prefer the red.

I honestly have no idea, I’ve never heard of them. They SEEM OK just from their website, but that’s where it ends. You’d have to ask more info and ask the right questions: do they health test, breed for a sound dog including temperament, do they allow you to return the dog if it doesn’t work out, can you stop by for a visit to see all the current dogs/puppies, etc.

Calling the basenji owners… or perhaps sighthound owners in general or anyone who has trained a difficult dog.

Miracle has started puppy classes. She doesn’t need to be any sort of rockstar but I’d like her to pass this STAR puppy class which means getting the basic behaviors like sit, down etc.

For sit, you could do a few things. Including startin somewhere at home not fun, like the bathroom (especially if it’s small). That way she can’t back up. Might even need a treat that she can nibble and slowly shape the sit.

Heck, for my foster I actually started sit with a flirt pole/chase toy. I wound her up, got her engaged and chasing it then I pulled it up. Grabbed the edge and lured the sit with the tip of the toy part (the rest hidden in my hand). Jumping and trying to steal simply yielded nothing.

Weight pulling basenjis!!!

Sunday's judge commented on what a pistol she is and says she'll be "fun" ;)