A round-up of the most frequently asked questions on basenjis and grooming.
The Dalmatian is the only breed of dog that gets gout. Gout is an arthritic condition that causes inflammation of the joints. Gout is usually a human condition, but, for some reason, our dalmation friends get it too. This is commonly thought to be due to inbreeding.
I am taking my eight month old basenji to the groomer for the first time. Because, Oscar is my first basenji, I'm unsure about the grooming process. Should I bath my basenji prior to the appointment?
Unless you plan to give your basenji's coat a comprehensive comb through, the answer is no. When basenjis are not completely brushed out after a bath, the undercoat can become quite matted. The end-result requires the groomer to completely clip your basenji's hair.
Pekingese dogs are quite small. This worked out well for their ancient masters, who were ancient Chinese royalty. These royal masters used to carry the peke dogs along in the sleeves of their royal robes.
Should I pay the groomer more because my basenji misbehaves?
On the contrary, basenjis are more prone to behave better in the presence of a groomer. Since, groomers apply a docile yet firm hand, most basenjis will be conditioned to appreciate a regular visit to the groomer.
St. bernards have a well-deserved reputation as rescue dogs. In fact, the most successful mountain rescue dog ever was a st. bernard. His name was Barry. He lived during the early 1800's, during which time he saved 40 lives.
My basenji has behavioral issues, is there anything I can do to prevent an unpleasant situation from transpiring?
Although, canines with temperment problems rare, the groomer may request that the basenji's owner obtain a mild tranquilizer from his or her veterinarian before the grooming appointment. The medication will enable the groomer to do a thorough job while preventing the basenji from injuring itself.
The afghan hound ranks as least intelligent breed of dog. They are cute, friendly, loyal and fun, but they usually require 80 to 100 repetitions to learn a single command. Afghan hounds are a bad choice if you are looking for a dog that's easy to train, but they are great if you have patience.
My basenji's groomer administers tranquilizer to keep pets calm. Is it okay for my basenji to take the medicine?
Absolutely not, American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA)of groomers never administer tranquilizers. Since each basenji is different, only a veterinarian should prescribe medicine. If your basenji was prescribed the medicine in the past and your groomer just happens to have extra pills, make sure the drug is the same dose that your veterinarian originally prescribed.
The phal�ne is essentially the same thing as a papillon, except that it has dropped spaniel-like ears. within the first couple of months after birth the ears will either lay flat or raise up permanently. The AKC considers the Phal�ne and the Papillon to be the same breed.
My basenji is only 7 months old. Should I wait another 10 months before getting him groomed?
Conversely, puppies generally acclimate to more rapidly that older basenjis. When younger basenjis experience grooming on a regular basis they are more apt to enjoy the experience opposed to the adult basenji that has little exposure to the grooming process.
The Skye Terrier's origins are connected with a centuries old shipwreck. Early in the 1600's a Spanish ship wrecked on the Island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. Some of the survivors of the shipwreck were Maltese dogs that mated with the local terriers, creating a new and unique breed.
Lhasa Apsos are small, long-haired dogs. Believe it or not, they were originally used by monks to guard temples. This accounts for their quiet and friendly nature, which can easily change if their owners or home are threatened.
A st. bernard became a mother in 1975. While that wasn't unusual by itself, the unusual thing was that she had twenty-three puppies! She now shares this record with two other dogs, one of which originally set it in 1944.
