rajacadoo

Yep, I think this is a fair enough comment BullyLife... Can only really describe my two, here. My male is 2 years old. He is quite a loving, cuddly boy with us at home, (when it suits, I might add ), but, with other people, he is just not interested at all. You can try to bribe him with food, and he will occasionally take it, but, usually not. If we have visitors, he will sometimes come over to sniff, but if you try to pat him, he goes away, and will sit somewhere to watch everything thats going on, but, he wont come over at all. Our bitch, who is 13 months, is far less affectionate and cuddly, with us, but, she is more likely to approach people, take the food from them, then accept a pat, then move away :D . When we have visitors, she is more likely to say hello to them, and will sometimes come over for a pat. Its interesting to note that up until her first season, we very RARELY saw her little curly tail wag, at all... She does it bit now, but not often :D ... She has taken to one of my show dog friends, which again started after her first season. She wags her tail like a helicopter, when she sees Maria, ears back and squirms to try to get to her. I have absolutely NO clue why Maria is her BFF :D As I said above, in the breed standard it says, they can be aloof with strangers, and yes, on occasions they can be, very much so. They wont tolerate being pushed, by a stranger, so its wise not to push them, if you dont know them, it will probably end badly Hope that answers your question, and feel free to ask any others... Remember though, while I researched this breed for years, I am new to ownership of them :D . Having said that I dont think anyone truely OWNS a Basenji, you just co-exist .

We have had ACD's since 1989, and have enjoyed showing them around Australia. I would be confident in saying that the biggest and best improvement in the breed, in the last 10 years, is in their temperament... I think this is a huge improvement. I remember a show in Katherine, N.T., about 15 years ago, when the 4 dog class winners were lined up in the race, ready for Ch Dog. One dog decided that another dog was invading 'his space', so it was on... The 4 of them, (now also including the Open Dog winner, so now 5 boys), all wanting to 'kill' each other, growling, lunging, barking etc, etc, (you get the picture...). The poor judge was standing there, and asked for all the dogs to be placed in the 4 corners of the ring, with the 5th in the middle. That day, he chose his Ch winner, while the dogs were on the stack... No moving the ACD's that day in the Ch lineup... While I can look back fondly on that trip to Katherine, I am now embarrased by my dogs behavior, and wouldnt tolerate it now... I would feel confident in saying that now the breed, Australia wide, is much less dog aggressive, and much less of a handful to live with, show and work... Sure some may still have problems, but, overall we have done a damn good job, making this wonderful breed, less of a timebomb/handful... JMHO, of course . I know down here in Tassie, the 3 exhibitors showing ACD's regularly get each others dogs out of crates, show them, when necessary, putting them away in trailers, etc, etc... I would not have dreamt of doing this even 10 years ago :rolleyes: Do any breeders find typical temperament differences between males and females? Cosmolo, I personally find the boys to be more smoochy, and generally a bit more over the top, with, wanting attention... Other than that, not really any other differences... Before anyone asks, the reds are not more aggressive than the blues, either . They are colours, not temperament indicators ;) ;)

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) We have only just started in the breed, over the last 2 years... I own a 2yr old male and a 1 yr old bitch. 3. How common is it in Australia? I am unsure of the numbers of Basenjis in Australia. I do believe the numbers in both show homes, and as much loved pets, is increasing though... 4. What is the average lifespan? The average lifespan is between 12-14 yrs, but do know of dogs who have survived into their late teens. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? The standard of the Basenji calls for them to be aloof, (or at least allows for them to be aloof...), and some are this way inclined. I find them to be aloof with some people but, not with others... Dont know why !!! They have been classed, by some studies, as one of the dumbest breeds around, but NOTHING can be further from the truth. More often than not, they are just too smart for their own good. The Basenji lives for doing things in its OWN way, when it suits them, and when they can work out exactly whats in it for them... They will ponder the decision, then either 'obey' or not... Not dumb, just figuring out if its what THEY want to do... They are affectionate with their own family, and with my 2 that means 'when it suits, thank you" !!! They are not the dog for some people, but, if you can live with a strong willed, independant, sometimes stubborn, medium sized "devil", then, maybe it is the breed for you 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Basenjis will accept whatever excercise you are able to give them, but, generally speaking "a tired Basenji is a good Basenji"... If the weather is foul, (i.e. too wet, too cold, too sunny, too windy, too snowy etc, etc...), they will generally not to toilet outside, let alone want excercise If you cant excercise them daily, they wont hate you, but, they just might make you pay for it in other ways :rolleyes: 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? A simple answer is NO... They are such a primitive breed, that first time dog owners often feel quite overwhelmed by their 'wild' behaviors, such as their independence, stubborness, constant desire to see what is outside the front door, or backyard etc, etc... The are well known for their 'escapades', and have absoluely no road sense, or fears of large moving objects on the roads !!! So many that escape, are found dead on the road. They have an incredibly high stat for this. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Again no... They are not the type of dog to be left in the backyard/crate, while work and school call people away from home, for many hours a day... JMHO of course... They are easily bored, and when bored, destruction will often follow, or they escape. 9. How much grooming is required? Grooming, what grooming .... For the pet dog, they only need a light brushing, once or twice a week. During their moulting, (and they sure do drop their coat, I can tell you, I was amazed at the amount...), a daily wipe over with a damp towel, is really all thats required. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Not at all. They really dont jump up a lot, and they will respond to training, (only if it suits I might add !!!), to not jump. Ours very rarely jump up, and they are so light footed, that you rarely even feel them, let alone be pushed by them. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? This is quite a controversal point within the breed, at the moment... I guess the disease that is foremost in the breed, is Fanconi disease. This is a disease of the kidneys, and, is fatal. We are lucky in that as of July 07, a DNA marker has been found, and this disease can be monitored, and with careful tested breedings, we need never produce a Fanconi affected dog again... Other probems that are slowly creeping into the breed, is hip and elbow displasia, patella issues, cardiac issues. Another nasty disease that affects our breed, is Hypothyroidism, which is quite common, but, thankfully is generally controlled with medication. Haemalytic Anaemia is a disease that also affects them, thankfully testing is available for this disease, and the disease is almost erradicated. There are also some eye diseases that affects the Basenjis, PPM, coloboma, and PRA. All thes are able to be tested at an early age, and in my oppinion, they should be done 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Yes, a buyer should ask for test results, and hopefully they have done enough research, they will be able to understand the results presented to them from the breeder. Personally, I would be wanting to see the results of Fanconi testing of both parents, (at least), eye testing for the above mentioned diseases, and possibly H/E results as well... You would want to see the parents, preferaly sire and dam, but, at least the dam, to see if they are stable in temperament. The buyer wants to feel comfortable with the breeder, and feel confident that they will receive ongoing care, advice, or help, if things go pearshaped !!!

Just want to say thanks to everyone who has replied and offered condolences :rolleyes: , to us over Tucka-Man... He was a plain faced dog, (meaning that he had no black patches on his head), and long before all this happened with him, we had an order in with another Aussie breeder from her litter. As luck (?), would have it, it was decided that we would take the plain faced male, just before Tucka became sick.................Fate ????????? CDM, so very true about the temperaments, from "our" breeder... We went to Melbourne Royal a year or two ago, and there they were, all benched together, one in each cubicle, probably about 7-8 dogs. They werent in crates, they were just tied with a collar and chain, boys next to boys, girls next to girls etc, etc. Not one issue between them at all. They all seemed happy to stick their noses into see what their next-door neighbour was doing... Absolutely fabulous temperaments. It was fantastic to see. A credit to them, it really was ;) Each day is just a little bit easier than the last, but, it still hurts like hell ;)

You horrid woman Mid... You paid me back good and proper, making me cry all over again Forgot to mention you as the stand in handler, when sookie la-la, (that is such an appropriate name for him, isnt it ???), cant cope with out Daddy !!! You have summed up Rajacadoo's "already at the rainbow bridge" clan very well too. Thats the part that got me going all over again :D . Buff will be the happiest to see him for sure. I think she will hog his attention completely, and the poor boy will go back to being a hen pecked hubby, all over again !!! Poor Tucka-man, i really am starting to feel sorry for him... RIP "Lug-head". We miss you so much, always will do... EDT; Thanks for your comments baifra, he will be sorely missed here. Already is...

On Friday we found our 9 1/2yr old boy, Tucka, (Ch Maryheather Blu Wonder), in severe respiratory distress. We took him to an Emergency Vet, and started the hunt for a diagnosis, for him. Eventually we did an x-ray, and found that he was riddled with Cancer :rolleyes: . The x-ray was shocking to look at, told the story so quickly. We honestly thought he might have had a bit of heart failure. We were totally surprised with this diagnosis. Unfortunately, we had no choice, other than to give him his wings. Tucka was a welcome addition to our kennels about 9 yrs ago. He was such a sweet boy, with no issues and loved everyone, but, he especially adored Mr Rajacadoo. If he was around, Tucka didnt want to know anyone else !!! A real daddy's boy, for sure... Mr Rajacadoo admitted on Friday night that Tucka was his favourite. He said "I know we shouldnt have favourites, but this little man, was mine. Shhhhhhh, dont tell the others" !!! He was a good house dog, even though he just couldnt help himself, weeing in the house, on the odd occasion... He was a great ambassador for the breed too. Both my young girls were able to show him, although he did save his best effort, in the ring, for Mr R . RIP Tucka-Man, please let all the other Rajacadoo dogs that have gone before you, know that we love them all, and will be so happy to meet them again soon. We love you deeply, and will miss you forever...

Great idea Sway... Thanks for organising it to... RAJACADOO, for us please. Only used for ACD's. Currently fighting with Mr Rajacadoo about a prefix for the Basenji's, but will add that later !!!

Mystiqview, This occured in the early 90's, so my full recollection of the disease, and everything surrounding it, is probably a bit rusty :D I didnt Google the disease before posting though. My pups were always fed on quality puppy food, not high calorie food. I discussed the diet my dogs were on, (particularly this bitch, obviously), as well as the supplimentation, at length. As the Calcium was indicated as a very possible reason for the disease, this was immediately ceased, possibly the damage was already done though. It was recommended to me, by the visiting Vet, (Orthopaedic Specialist from Sydney), that Puppy food was appropriate to continue her on, just NOT the Calcium. Perhaps more research now (in 2008), suggests for breeds susceptible, to only feed low protein Adult food. This was not recommended to me in 1991/2ish. All pups bred by us till 2003, (our last litter), have been successfully reared, (to the best of our knowledge), OCD free. Our dogs here, have always remained on Puppy formula until somewhere between the ages of 10-18 months, depending on their maturity rate, with no problems. Edited to add; Apologies to the OP for highjacking this thread, just wanted to further explain myself :D

Hi diesel dog, Just want to share my story with you re: calcium. I used to breed Australian Cattle Dogs, and during my education in this breed, (started with them in 1989), I was told that because of their high bone mass, they NEEDED to be supplemented with Calcium, 1 teaspoon twice a day, for the pups, then 1 teaspoon/day for the adults for life. I did this religiously with my first 2 dogs (from the same kennels), with no problems. I then went to another kennel to purchase a lovely bitch, who then developed OCD (Osteo Chondritis Dessicans), a crippling disease, in her stifle at 6 months. After doing more researched, both to learn about the disease, and to make an informed decision, as to what to do with her, I learnt that this disease can be genetic, OR, caused by an over supply of Calcium. She was operated on, then recovered enough to be shown successfully, to obtain her title. To cut a really long story short, I informed the breeder, and although help was offered in the beginning, it slowly became obvious that our relationship was over. I never accused the breeder of anything, but they were adamant it was the Calcium/ environment that she was brought up in, but wasnt from her lines. The sire had produces many healthy, OCD free pups over a large stud career. Unfortunately the mother of our bitch, had not produced anything else. Our pup was from her first litter. I have no idea if she was ever used again, but after much hunting around, I dont think she was used again. I have no idea if this was genetic or Calcium induced. She was titled and desexed, then rehomed, to become a truckies best mate, travelling the roads of Tassie, both day and night, and came home at night to be a much loved family member Needless to say I have never touched the stuff again. I understand it has its place in the whelping barn, but, not used in this house.

RIP poor little Tonka!!! He was beautiful and he will be much happier! Have a happy life in Rajacadoo

Thanks guys for all your kind words. Still coming to terms with how it all happened so quickly. We were going to take her to the Vet the next morning, but it wasnt to be :D Not sure the outcome would have been any different anyway. Rip Buff, you went through so much but you showed us (and the Vet), just how strong and tough Cattle Dogs are. Be free, and enjoy playing with all the Rajacadoo's gone before you, (and anyone else that catches your eye!!!) :p Love Jenni, Richard, Olivia and Imogen.

Thank you all, yes it is really sad for the loss of dear Buff she is in a better place now though!!! ;) . From Olivia and Jenni. P.S. Yana is much a happier now!!! :D . [imogen] it is really sad, we all miss her :D on the bright side she is in a better place now and much happer :D . Its just us that is sad! Love Imogen and Richard.

Hi all, Our little girl Buffet ( pronounced Buffay) has been coming up the the house from the kennels for the past week or so, this time when we ( Olivia and Imogen) brought her up she was walking very slowly with her head down close to the ground!!! We brought her into the house and had to lift her onto the couch to settle her down, then mum (Jenni) looked at her gums they where REALLY pale. Mum was a bit worried by then!!! Then Imogen and i went to bed (about 9:00pm) at about midnight mum and dad went to bed and brought Buff up to there room to sleep, i woke up because i heard alot of panting and it was Buff i was very confused i didnt know what was happening???!!!???! then i went back to sleep. At about 3 am (mum told me the rest of this story) dad couldnt hear any panting and jumped out of bed and went over to her then she turned blue, stopped breathing then went to :D.In the morning we woke up and mum told us the story. She was a very tough little girl, 12 months before she had a stroke, and the Vet said she probably wouldnt make it. She did, and we were surprised at how strong she was to survive this. Only a couple of weeks later, she was attacked by our other girl(Yana.........they always hated each other :D !!). Again the Vet said she had a poor prognosis, our poor girl had to have 4 operations in 4 days, and she came back home, and slowly recovered. We think she might have had another stroke. :p By Rajacdoo Kennels Jenni, Richard, Olivia, Imogen

You should try living with a Basenji..........................It is either.............too cold, too hot, too wet, too humid, too sunny, too cloudy, wrong time, busy, dont want to, cant be bothered, nick off, go away, leave me alone.................................and the best is.......................................................... ...NO WAY, JUST NOT GOING . Yes, he is just over 8 months and he is house trained, but it was a battle for a while .

Dear Firestone and family, I just cant find any words that seem appropriate for you, just know that we are thinking of you all at this stressful and incredibly sad time :D . I know that Layla is watching over you all. Hugs to you and your family. Jenni and Richard.

Sidoney, You mean to say that is only a myth about the Chestnuts.......................... . Rajacadoo

Jed, I couldnt agree with you more . Perhaps we could set up a new Discussion Forum....................."Myths and Furfies" . Im thinking it could possibly be overrun with Cattle Dog Furfies, but Im sure there would be other breeds that could contribute though . Rajacadoo.

Dear Erny, There is NO difference between the Red and Blue Cattle Dog, in either temperament or their behaviour. Both colours can be very well behaved with good temperaments, or, badly behaved with shocking temperaments ;) . A lot depends on the experience of the breeder of the litter, (in regards to the correct socialisation of the pups, the temperament of both parents etc, etc, etc), along with the new owners ability to correctly and consistently train the pup, the underlying temperament of the pup etc, etc, etc. They are a very strong willed breed, fiercely loyal to their "flock", suspicious of strangers, and very aloof. They can be a joy to live with or, a huge nightmare, depending on their upbringing. We have been involved in the breed since 1989, breeding very rarely, for our needs only. It would be like saying that chocolate Labs are more energetic than the blacks, or that smooth Collies are more intelligent than the Roughs (sheesh, I hope thats not true!!!!) ;) ;) Having said all this, there is plenty of older farmers that will swear black and blue, that one is better than the other colour, but I think its fair to say, these comments are not based on fact, only observation, or long standing gossip . Rajacadoo.

Well its been a week now and its no easier. While I miss them dreadfully in person its their own little idiosyncrasies that is the hardest to deal with losing. Dallie used to stand at 5pm staring at me waiting to get started with dinner. She would just watch me. No barking, running around or anything. She just stared at me! Waiting patiently. Then shed follow me to the kitchen waiting for any fallout or scraps that would come her way. Thats what I miss the most. Archie was a real gentleman a very soft gentle boy. He rarely got into trouble, never did much wrong at all. The memory I will always remember him by was actually at a show. Considering how much he detested showing this in itself makes me smile . He had just won his class, and we were just leaving the ring and he spotted a gentleman that he really loved, (considering he was a very reserved dog with most people this in itself was quite funny), so he cut infront of me to dash up and over the fence at which stage I tried to reel him in and he did a summersault (equal to any gymnast!!). We made everyones day that day . In fact it was the most talked about thing he ever did in the ring!!! . He actually got BOB and Statebred in group that day, but only after the gentleman in question was asked in no uncertain terms to remove himself from the ring!!!! Its these little things that make losing your beloved furkids so damn hard I would also like to thank both Mjosa and dandydog for their kind words posted. Sorry to take so long to respond to your posts but time poorness is the reason. Thanks again. :p

Midniara darling, Youve just made me cry again!!! I soooo love those photos of her with my fave Belgian. I think I might go and give them both a hug until I stop crying!! The girls did the writing on them both. Thats what greeted me this morning. I asked if they wanted to put it on the Rainbow Bridge posting and they did...........so thats what they did. Its really beautiful isnt it??? I am pleased that you put the photos up (except that it made me cry!!!!). Sorry Ive been flying under the radar lately, just not coping with the whole thing. Also thank you for your kind words on the Tassie thing as well. It made me cry also!! :D

Thanks ellz for your kind words. This part of being a responsible dog owner has got whiskers!!! Tomorrow is going to be so bloody hard and Im not looking forwad to it BUT it has to be done. RIP my precious furkids. :D

Dallie [Doddle pip] Dallie is our dog,she is an Australian Cattle Dog she had to be put down on Wednesday the 20th because she had a tumor under her left leg she loves going in the car with us her favourite colour is brown. she has a burn on her left side from the fire!!! dallie has been run over by a car and survived, she is an amazing dog. ;) her favourite food is rice shes been around ever since i was born.now she can barley get on the couch. dallie knows nearly every boy dog in our kennels. she has a little white patch on her forehead, a bit of white on her tail. she can barley walk. like most dogs she has a brown patch over her eyes. shes got brown eyes and shes always got a wet nose.sometimes she pokes her little tongue out when she is sleeps she has long nails that click on the floor boards when she walks. she has experienced eveything with us she is soooooo adorable,she doesnt bite but she licks everyone. she is a nice dog and i wish she could live forever but she can't. she does watch t.v. when she's bored. I LOVE DALLIE SOOOOOO MUCH. ;) ;) ;) Archie [Archie ball] Archie is also an australian Cattle dog and he has a little white patch on his forehead.archie does try and protect us. hes favourite colour is white. he doesnt like going in the car. he got put down on the same day that dallie did. he can go for longer walks than dallie and loves doing it. every time you pat him he wil lean on you. hes tail doen't stop wagging, he is so affectionate.he has a weeing problem, hes got green glowing eyesand a bit of white on his tail. he is good at pop offs but just little ones though he also doent bite only when he has to he has little white patches all ove his body. sometimes he barks at cars that come into our driveway,and dallie just follows his lead. he comes up on the couch with me. he truly is a mans best friend. once he was moving his feet around in his sleep he must of having a great dream!!! hes a mummas boy, he looooooves cuddles and people.he has black patches on his paws he does not like being brushed. Archie can run really fast. he doent chae the cat or chooks. he is a wonderful dog. his favourite food is also rice and a special dog food and chicken necks he likes everything and everybody hes pal used to be yana and dallie now he lives i npeace and harmony archie did not like showing very much he was just a house dog which was what i liked about him. he is sooo cute and will never be any different. he is dallies son and I LOVE HIM SOOOOOO MUCH ;) Loved by all at Rajacadoo Kennels [Richard,Jenni,Imogen and Olivia] :D