The loveable, friendly, and intelligent Basenji leaves an impression on anyone who sees them. Their striking pointy ears and thin, muscled appearance are absolutely unforgettable.
The Basenji is an ancient African dog breed that was used for hunting and has been the companion of humans for a long time. They’re very well known for the fact that they do not bark, but “yodel” instead.
In recent years, breeders around the globe have begun to create Basenji mixes by crossing the Basenji with other purebred dogs. These mixed breeds can take on many of the desirable traits of both parents. Since the Basenji has many characteristics that dog-lovers find desirable, it’s not all that surprising that dog-lovers started crossbreeding these dogs.
We know choosing the right breed for you and your family can be overwhelming. With so much information out there, it can be hard to keep all of it straight. To help, we have compiled this list of popular Basenji mixes. If you’re considering bringing home a Basenji mix, read on to learn more about them!
Top 11 Basenji Mixes
1. Chisenji (Basenji & Chihuahua Mix)
If you’re looking for a compact, adaptable and independent pup, look no further than the Chisenji! The Chihuahua is consistently a popular breed of dog, and it is no wonder why. Chihuahuas may be small, but they have larger-than-life personalities! Their feisty, vibrant personality pairs well with that of the independent and loving Basenji. Together, these two breeds create a fun, energetic family dog.
Since both the Chihuahua and the Basenji are on the smaller side, the Chisenji is compact. This makes Chisenjis a great option for apartment living or a house without a yard. This is especially true since both the Chihuahua and Basenji are known for being good apartment dogs. Chisenjis are very adaptable and also make great pets for first-time owners.
The Chisenji also comes in a wide variety of colors, so you’ll have plenty of options if you have a preferred coat color! Plus, Chihuahuas come in both long and short coats. If you want to stick with a short-haired, low shedding dog, getting a Chisenji whose Chihuahua parent is short-haired is your best bet. However, if you like the long-haired fluffy dog look, choosing a Chisenji whose Chihuahua parent is long-haired can give you that as well.
2. German Shepenji (Basenji & German Shepherd Mix)
For those looking for a feisty medium size dog, the German Shepenji is certainly a good option. The German Shepenji has the independent spirit and intelligence of both of their parent breeds. When the large German Shepherd is paired with the smaller Basenji, they produce puppies that are expected to grow to around 30 to 60 pounds.
The Basenji tends to be rather independent, which can make them harder to train. They know what you want, but they simply decide when they are willing to do it. The German Shepherd, on the other hand, lives to please. Because of their trainability, they are often used in police and military work. If you like the independent spirit of the Basenji but also want a dog who is willing to do tricks with you consistently, the German Shepenji would be a great fit for you!
Despite the intensity and strength of the German Shepherd, the German Shepenji is known for being an excellent choice for families with kids. German Shepherds and Basenji’s are both well-known for loving children. However, with young children sometimes the German Shepherd does not know their own strength. Because the German Shepenji is smaller and slightly lighter than their German Shepherd parent, they would be an ideal choice for families with younger children.
3. Baseagle (Basenji & Beagle Mix)
If you are the type of person who really likes the look and personality of a typical hound, the Baseagle is sure to impress you. Typically, the Baseagle has the look of the Beagle with the laid-back personality of the Basenji. Because these dogs are around the same size, you can expect the Basenji x Beagle mix to be about 13 to 17 inches tall and weigh around 20 to 25 pounds.
Because they are so intelligent, the Baseagle can be stubborn and hard to train. However, they would happily spend all day playing with their people. The Beagle is much less independent than the Basenji, so the Baseagle does not tolerate being alone well. It is best to have this mixed breed in a family where someone is available to spend most of the day with them.
Besides needing constant attention, these dogs are relatively low maintenance! The Basenji and Beagle both have short coats and are not prone to shedding. The Beagle is prone to weight gain, which is something to be cognizant of.
However, the body shape of the Basenji is likely to make the Baseagle leaner than its Beagle counterpart. Overall, there are very few health or grooming concerns for the wonderful Baseagle.
4. Whippenji (Basenji & Whippet Mix)
Like the Beagle, the Whippet is much more sensitive and people-oriented than the Basenji. Whippets would happily spend all day every day surrounded by their people.
In fact, they are quite prone to separation anxiety and become quite distressed if left alone. Thankfully for the Whippenji, the independent spirit of the Basenji tends to balance this out.
This makes them a good fit for those who love the lean hound look but need a dog who is more independent.
The Whippenji is another great choice for those who live in apartments. These dogs are very high energy, but tend to wear out quickly.
As long as they have a space to run, the Whippenji would be perfectly happy to spend most of their day inside curled up on the couch!
Because the Whippenji is so friendly, they do well at places like dog parks, so owners don’t necessarily need their own yard.
Be careful though, the Whippet and the Basenji are both known for their wanderlust. If you aren’t watching closely, the Whippenji might get distracted and run off.
It is important to teach your Whippenji proper recall to avoid this. However, if you’re looking for a dog who is compact and would love to travel with you, the Whippenji is the perfect fit.
5. Boxerji (Basenji & Boxer Mix)
The Boxerji combines the independent and fierce personality of the Basenji with the fun-loving and goofy personality of the Boxer. Since Boxers can be quite large, the Boxerji is a good option for families looking for a medium-sized dog with a fun-loving and protective personality.
The Boxer is a dog with tons of energy. However, unlike some other dogs on this list, the Boxer is incredibly easy to train. They are eager to please and do best with lots of consistency.
The best way to wear a Boxerji out is to train them daily! This mental stimulation will be sure to keep the Boxerji relaxed.
Just like the Basenji, the Boxer is also both kid and dog friendly. If your family has children or other pets, the Boxerji might be a good fit. Be careful though, the excitable Boxerji can get over-excited with new playmates, so it is important to monitor all interactions closely.
6. Labrasenji (Labrador Retriever & Basenji Mix)
The Labrasenji is a medium to large-sized dog that takes from both the Labrador Retriever and the Basenji. On average, they’re about 20 to 25 inches in height and weigh between 30 and 70 pounds.
They have short, straight, and dense fur that can have a variety of different colors.
The Labresenjis is a very playful crossbreed that loves playing with children and other pets. However, they can get a bit rowdy, so it’s a good idea to monitor interactions, especially at the start.
They’re quite energetic dogs that need a high amount of exercise every day.
7. Akita Basenji Mix
The Akita Basenji Mix combines the hound-like features of the Basenji with the Spitz-like features of the Akita.
The resulting mix is quite an interesting dog that’s known for its strength, bravery, and high activity levels. To thrive, they need a lot of fresh air and daily exercise.
They typically get along very well with people and are highly social, playful, and loyal to their families. They tend to prefer human companionship over that of their fellow canines.
For this mixed breed, it’s important that they have a strong leader. If not, they can become overly protective, especially of children in the family.
8. Border Collie Basenji Mix
The Border Collie Basenji Mix is a medium-sized dog that needs a lot of exercise in order to be happy.
The Border Collie and the Basenji are both intelligent, athletic, and energetic dogs. However, the ways they display this intelligence are very different for both breeds.
While the Collie is very obedient and loves to please its owner, the Basenji is typically much less inclined to do so. As a result, you never really know what you’re gonna get with the Basenji Border Collie mix. It really depends on which parent the mix takes after. If they’re more like the Collie they’ll be more obedient whereas they’ll be more stubborn if they take after their Basenji parent.
As a result, if you want predictability, this might not be the right mix for you. However, if you want an intelligent and athletic dog and are prepared to have to put in extra work to train them, then this mix might be for you.
9. Corsengi (Corgi Basenji Mix)
The Corsengi is a mixture of the Corgi and the Basenji. They’re typically about 13 inches tall and weigh about 24 pounds. Of course, their size does depend on which parent they take after. If they take after their Corgi parent more, they might be a little shorter due to the breed’s short legs.
The Corgi Basenji Mix is a great dog for people who want a friendly, adorable dog that is not too big. They’re not always the most trainable dogs due to the fact that both the Corgi and the Basenji can be quite stubborn, but with a lot of positive reinforcement and love, they can definitely learn to behave just as well as any other dog.
10. Basenji & Dachshund Mix
The Basenji & Dachshund Mix is a medium-sized dog with a short coat. Their size varies depending on whether they take after the Dachshund or the Basenji more.
Generally speaking, the Basenji x Dachshund mix is playful, clever, lively, and active. However, both the Basenji and the Dachshund dogs do have a stubborn streak in them. As a result, it’s very likely that training them will be a bit challenging. Nevertheless, if you’re up for the challenge, this mix can be a great choice!
11. Pitsenji (Pitbull & Basenji Mix)
The Pitbull x Basenji Mix is a medium-sized dog that’s characterized by its strength, speed, agility, and protective nature.
They have a short coat that comes in a variety of different colors. Luckily, these dogs rarely shed, which means you won’t have to spend hours grooming them.
They do need a lot of exercise though, so the time you save grooming will be spent playing and walking with them. If you do not exercise them enough they can become bored and destructive.
For this mix, it’s important that they have an owner that can handle them. They’re not the easiest breed to care for because they can be quite stubborn. This, combined with their tendency to defend the family from anything that they perceive as a threat means that they need a strong leader that can handle them.
Final thoughts: Which Basenji Mix is right for you?
While purebred dogs are a popular choice for many, sometimes it makes sense to get a hybrid dog. Since hybrid dogs can take on the traits of both parents, you can often find a mix that will fit the needs of your family very well.
Basenjis are well-known for being independent, friendly, and fierce little dogs. Their sleek look and amazing personalities have caused them to grow in popularity. Plus, their ability to adapt to living in different spaces makes them a great choice for first-time owners or those living in apartments.
When adopting any dog, but especially a mixed breed, it’s always a good idea to check shelters and sanctuaries first. Around 75% of all dogs in shelters are mixed breeds, so there’s a chance that you’ll find a Basenji Mix you’ll like there. If not, and you do decide to get one from a breeder, make sure that they’re bred ethically and responsibly.
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