On Good Morning America this morning they did a segment on a test you could take to see which dog breed you most closely resemble. I decided to check out the website. Click on the title above, then on Game to see what kind of dog you are!
I came out to be like a Basenji.
- Some of it's traits:
The Basenji is a small, short-haired hunting dog from Africa, also known as the African Barkless Dog, and is one of the oldest "natural" breeds known to man. Ancient Egyptian carvings of Basenjis have been found on the pyramids. (I'm old and don't talk much.) - The Basenji is highly intelligent but independent. It can be stubborn and difficult to train, becoming bored quickly with repetitive-type training methods. (Hmmm. I seem to remember my mother and mother-in-law discussing how stubborn I am.)
- Forcing a Basenji, or hitting it to make it do something it doesn't want to do, will likely cause it to growl or even snap at you. However, treats, praise, rewards, or sweet talk will almost always get a Basenji to cooperate. (Sounds good to me!)
- The Basenji loves its human family but can be "stand-offish" with strangers. (Who, me??)
- The Basenji is a natural hunting dog, and when it sees a bird or even a scrap of paper flying down the street, it will try to run off in pursuit. It is a strong and fast dog, and its intelligence, determination and highly developed hunting instincts can sometimes cause it problems. Once it sets its sight or senses on something, it is not easily discouraged or distracted. (Ok. So I'm either scattered or have tunnel vision!!)
- The Basenji has not been long out of the jungles of Africa, and is not as domesticated as other breeds. Treat it with respect as you would a "wild" animal, but let it know where it stands in the "pecking order" of your household. (Which, of course, should be at the top!!)
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