Basenji Chihuahua mix, also known as Chisenji, is a Basenji and Chihuahua hybrid, markedly different in personality and appearance. However, it works wonderfully, entirely matching their parents’ traits. Chisenjis are one unique, goofy, affectionate, obedient, intelligent, and low-maintenance breed, making them ideal for an active family seeking a cheerful, entertaining companion. They will always entertain your children with their active, energetic, and funny nature. Although small in stature, Chisenji packs a punch with an alert, super friendly personality.
A Chisenji is never recommended for new pet owners, and always ensure to get periodic testing on the elbows, hips, and skin. This would be the best feasible way to identify and eliminate any threat early. In addition, they are prone to depression, separation anxiety, and breathing problems, such as Brachycephalic Syndrome, because of their smushed faces.
Chisenjis are known to have a high prey drive and make excellent watchdogs, so they require proper training, early socialization, and outdoor exercise at all times.
Breed Recognition: DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Basenji vs. Chihuahua: A Comparison
Features
Basenji
Chihuahua
Image
Origin
Africa
Mexico
Height
16 to 17 inches
6 – 9 inches
Weight
22 to 24 pounds
3 – 6 pounds
Size
Medium
Small
Group
Hound
Companion dogs
Family-friendly
High
Yes
Kid-friendly
High
Yes
Pet-friendly
Low
Yes
Barking level
Low
Medium
Shedding level
Medium
Low to Medium
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming needs
Low
High
Overall health
Medium to High
Low to Medium
Energy
Medium to High
Medium
Exercise needs
Medium to High
Low
Trainability
Medium to High
Medium
Activities
Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Tracking
Watch dogs, companion dogs
Complications in breeding
No
No
Litter size
5 to 10 puppies
1 – 3 puppies
Life span
10 to 12 years
10-18 years
Other names
African Bush Dog, Congo Dog, Zande Dog, African Barkless Dog, Congo Terrier, and Ango Angari
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Basenji Chihuahua Mix Personality
The Basenji Chihuahua mix might be a little bit spunky and curious. They are small to medium-sized adorable dogs with an athletic body, single coat, upright ears, black nose, and expressive eyes. Often seen as white, black, fawn, yellow, or tri-colored, Chisenji’s coat color can vary depending on parental dominance.
Chisenji is an active, intelligent designer breed, and their personality is a mix of both the parents, while one of the parent’s features can be overpowering. However, they can quickly get along well with your kids, family, other pets, and an ideal companion dog.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
High
Pet-friendly
Medium to high
Stranger-friendly
Medium to high
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good for new owners
Low to medium
Sensitivity level
Medium
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold tolerance
Low
Heat tolerance
Medium to high
Basenji Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Basenji Chihuahua mixes are ancient canines with fearless traits, highly enthusiastic personalities, and appreciable bravery. If you are getting a Chisenji, ensure you have sufficient time and energy to keep them entertained. They are people-pleasing dogs with a stubborn disposition that can alter with proper, firm, and continuous training. Chisenjis can get along quickly with pets and other animals but never train to chase them as these pups have a high prey drive.
Basenji Chihuahua Mix Training
The Basenji Chihuahua mix can carry obedience training to a higher level. Without this training, they can become detrimental, aggressive, and challenging to manage. However, they have a stubborn streak, so successful training relies on finding a firm positive trainer to boost them with enthusiasm. It is vital to use positive training techniques, and an ideal way is to break their routine training into shorter daily sessions to maintain their attention span higher. Enrolling your Chisenji in training activities at a very young age is recommended to challenge their minds to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Basenji Chihuahua Mixlearns tricks quickly but ensures to instruct them using the following techniques.
Positive reinforcement
Basenji Chihuahua mixes have a strong prey drive, so they must be leashed during walks.
Train them at a very early age
Be consistent while training
Start training at home
Basenji Chihuahua Mix is a sensitive puppy, so you must avoid punishments, yelling, and harsh treatment, which will make them more determined. These are some of the training exercises that you need to do with your Chisenji:
Considering their size, age, and energy levels, the Basenji Chihuahua mix will need around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily or interactive play sessions. Similarly, take them on hikes of medium distance regularly. This is also an excellent way to control their tendency for obesity. They may become aggressive, restless, or destructive without proper exercise.
You can meet your Chisenji’s daily exercise requirements by:
Grooming requirements relies entirely on the parent breeds that your Chisenji inherits the most. Proper and adequate grooming will make a huge difference in their appearance and health. If your Chisenji has inherited the Basenji’s coat, the offspring will have a sleek and smooth coat that needs moderate brushing. For canines with Chihuahua’s coats, daily brushing is necessary.
Trim their nails every few weeks to avoid breaking, cracking, and discomfort.
Clean their eyes and ears using a wet cloth or moist wipes in between baths.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
Medium to high
Drooling tendency
Low
Shedding amount
Low to medium
Basenji Chihuahua Mix Health
Basenji Chihuahua mixes are healthy dogs if you take proper care of them. However, they are prone to the same health issues that their parent breeds face. So, it’s essential to plan routine health check-ups and visits to the vet.
Health Overview
General health
Medium to high
Weight gain possibilities
Medium to high
Size
Medium
Major Health Concerns
Fanconi Syndrome: A kidney disorder in which protein needed for the body is thrown out. Symptoms may include extreme thirst.
Coloboma: It is a deformation associated with blindness and deafness. It is equivalent to an eye cleft. This disorder may also lead to cataracts in canines.
Hypoglycemia: Basenji Chihuahua mixes with low blood sugar or hypoglycemia often feel weak, dizzy, tired, and disoriented.
Corneal Dystrophy: This condition affects the eye’s cornea layer. This can be identified by signs such as forming an opaque layer.
Collapsed Trachea: A dog’s trachea or windpipe is a muscular tube supported by soft cartilage coils. The trachea moves through the dog’s neck on its passage to the lungs. When they pull forcefully on a choke chain or collar, it can result in tracheal collapse.
Brachycephalic Syndrome: A condition where the dog’s nostrils will narrow to the level that can obstruct the nasal airways. This will lead to difficulty in breathing.
Umbilical Hernia: A condition caused when there is a hesitation in closing the abdominal midline of Basenji. A minor hernia will simulate naturally as the pup grows.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA is described by a malfunctioning retina that falls to absorb, reflect, and perceive light and causes complete blindness.
Patellar Luxation: A common condition seen in small to medium-sized dogs. The kneecap’s anatomy lets it slip to one side when the dog steps out, causing a skipping gait on the back leg.
Hypothyroidism: Basenji Chihuahua mixes parents are predisposed to underactive thyroid glands. Thyroid hormone controls how rapidly the dog ignites calories, and when this hormone’s levels are too low, the canine lacks energy, is sluggish, and gains weight immediately.
Obesity: A significant health condition causing joint problems, back pain, digestive disorders, and heart diseases. An ideal way to control this disease is by following a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Elbow Dysplasia: A progressive condition in Chisenjis causing developmental elbow malformation. Dogs with this condition exhibit pain and forelimb lameness.
Joint Dysplasia: A structural disorder in the elbow joints due to inflammation, cartilage damage, or disrupted anconeal is Elbow dysplasia. This can be inherited from the parent breeds and is familiar in large breed dogs.
Hip dysplasia: Basenjis and Chihuahuas commonly struggle with this disorder, passing it on to their heirs.
Heart Disease: A disorder that creates uneven heart rhythm and heart murmurs. Vets can diagnose this condition through an ECG or an X-ray.
Basenji Chihuahua Mix Diet and Nutrition
It is necessary to choose canine food wisely, and you must avoid feeding Chisenjis human food and grained food as it is very harmful to any dog. Basenji Chihuahua mix requires a nutritious and high-quality protein-dense, preferably raw medium-sized food in moderation as per their regular diet; else, they put on weight quickly.
Basenji Chihuahua Mix Living Conditions
Chisenjis don’t adapt to cold climates due to their thin coat. However, they do well in hot weather because Chisenjis have a thin coat with short hair, making it suited for hot environments. This hybrid dog with endless energy loves to be around their human family. They can adapt to homes or apartments and prefer outdoor activities like running, playing, walking, and hiking., such as chewing or barking. They should not be left alone for a long duration, mostly without toys to keep them engaged.
Adding a Basenji Chihuahua Mix to Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Basenji Chihuahua Mix
Get a Basenji Chihuahua mix from a reputable breeder to avoid inevitable circumstances like health disorders and who can provide you with vaccination certifications. In addition, it is best to check with the pup’s parents to guarantee his health and happiness.
Cost of Basenji Chihuahua Mix puppy
On average, a Basenji Chihuahua Mix puppy may cost around $1500 to $2500, not including miscellaneous costs.
