Cattle Dog Basenji Mix (5 Fun Facts)

If you want some information on the Cattle Dog Basenji mix then you are in the right place. In this post, we are going to be talking about just that with these 5 fun facts about this crossbreed.

Before we kick things off though, we need to put out a disclaimer. When we talk of crossbreed, there is no way of telling the exact temperament, characteristics and physical features all the time.

This is due to the fact that they will inherit different things from each of their parents. A single litter will have 4 or more very different puppies.

However, we can take some general traits and come up with some qualities that are most probable. No that’s out of the way, let’s get into the 5 fun facts of a Cattle Dog Basenji mix.

1. They Are Clever, Fun-Loving Dogs Who Often Clown Around

Your Cattle Dog Basenji Mix can be a great family dog because they are not high maintenance, very smart and have fun-loving personalities. They don’t bark much and make a wonderful addition to the family.

They love to play and run around and need plenty of exercise every day. They are not high-energy dogs and should not be left outside for long periods of time without a lot of exercise.

2. The Cattle Dog Basenji Mix Has  High Energy Levels,

So a whole bunch of exercise is important to keep them healthy

Cattle Dogs are renowned for their intelligence and trainability. But they’re also known for being extremely energetic, playful and friendly toward humans.

With such a high level of energy, it’s no surprise that breeds like Cattle Dogs are also prone to hyperactivity.

This is also is called “chasing behaviour.” This is when a dog runs around excitedly with its tail wagging (or possibly spinning in circles) and its tongue hanging out the side of its mouth.

They can also be seen jumping around their owners or even climbing up them in joyful excitement.

The combination of these traits can make Cattle Dogs seem like clowns — except these clowns love you and will always be your friend.

3. They Make Devoted Companions, But May Not Be The Best Choice For Families With Small Children

They have a strong prey drive that requires regular activity to keep it under control. This high energy level means they need activities to keep them from destroying your belongings.

They do well in most situations but may be a challenge when it comes to families with toddlers. This is because they make erratic movements and direct eye contact with the Basenjis.

The erratic movements can trigger their prey drive and direct eye contact, since the toddlers are at head level with them, can be translated as aggression by your Basenji.

Having said that, they are very good with crawling babies as well as older children who also understand boundaries.

Because of their intelligence and independent nature, Cattle Dogs can be difficult to housebreak when they’re puppies, so consider crate training if you plan on keeping one as a pet.

Given their smarts, Cattle Dogs do best with active owners who can keep up with their brains.

If you’re too busy to give your dog the attention it needs, you probably won’t be able to succeed at its training exercises.

Cattle Dogs also like a lot of human interaction and will become bored without a strong bond with their owner.

4. Cattle Dog Basenji Mixes Need To Be Socialized Early on and Trained Properly to Avoid Destructive Behaviours

Cattle Dog Basenji mixes are known for their trainability but that doesn’t mean they’re pushovers. They’re highly intelligent and need ample exercise, especially in the form of agility or flyball work.

And make no mistake — this dog needs training! If you don’t give him some direction, he can be difficult to manage.

Be prepared for the days when he just won’t listen to you (or anyone). Because these dogs rely on people so much, they can be a little needy at times.

Always remember to establish your maximum command level with his first obedience lesson or he might not get it as quickly as he should.

Training also needs to happen very early on in their lives to avoid the possibility of destructive behavior later on in life.

5. The Early Years Can Be Challenging As They Don’t Always Listen Or Pay Attention

Sometimes, a dog’s behavior can make it difficult to train. I’ve seen Cattle Dogs who were raised by humans grow up with a lack of respect.

That’s not so surprising when you consider that dogs are pack animals, and those early years are spent trying to figure out who’s in charge (the humans or their canine friends).

In the very early years, though, the instant you walk in front of them, they can’t help but watch your every move.

They’re fascinated by you and want to learn as much as they can about you. But as they get older, they become more independent and want to do their own thing.

To train an older dog, you have to keep him focused on what you want him to do. It’s not always easy.

In light of that, you will need to train your dog while it is still very young and obedient then reinforce the training as they get older.

6. (Bonus Fun Fact) While They Can Live Indoors, They Do Need Outside Time To Stretch Their Legs And Stay Healthy

Cattle Dog Basenji mixes are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise and playtime outside of the house. Any dog bred for herding or hunting will need lots of exercise from day one.

It’s important that they get at least 40 minutes of exercise each day in order for them to not only stay healthy but manageable as well.

Going on walks, hiking or letting them run free at the dog park or yard are great ways of keeping them in shape.