Basenji Pitbull mix, also known as Pitsenji, is a designer dog breed between intelligent Basenji and the loyal American Pit Bull Terrier. Both parent breeds have impressive short coats and agile muscular bodies. The Hound and Terrier groups are both known for their propensity and sharpness to hunt. The Pit Bull Terrier was developed in the 19th century and has origins in Scotland, England, and Ireland; the Basenji is a hunting hound from Africa.
The two breeds together create a vibrant and independent mixed breed that makes for an excellent companion dog. Pitsenjis are medium-sized dogs with a short coat like their parents and a curious streak, something they gain from both parents. It would not be easy to put the finger on when Pitsenjis came into being official.
Pitsenji is relatively new and is yet to be recognized by many kennel organizations. However, they have indeed proven to be a healthy and prosperous crossbreed.
Basenji Vs. American Pitbull Terrier: A Comparison
Features
Basenji
American Pitbull Terrier
Image
Origin
Africa
United States, United Kingdom
Height
16 to 17 inches
17 to 19 inches
Weight
22 to 24 pounds
30 to 85 pounds
Size
Medium
Large
Group
Hound
Terrier
Children Compatibility
High
High
Family Compatibility
High
High
Pets Compatibility
Low
Low
Barking Level
Low
Medium
Shedding Level
Medium
Medium to High
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming Needs
Low
Low
Overall Health
Medium to High
Medium to High
Energy
Medium to High
Medium to High
Exercise Needs
Medium to High
Medium to High
Trainability
Medium to High
Medium to High
Activities
Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Tracking
Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Tracking
Complication in breeding
No
No
Litter Size
5 to 10 puppies
5 to 10 puppies
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
12 to 16 years
Other Names
African Bush Dog, Congo Dog, Zande Dog, African Barkless Dog, Congo Terrier, and Ango Angari
Pitbull, Pitbull Terrier
Basenji Pitbull Mix Personality
Pitsenjis are medium-sized dogs with pricked ears, a slim body, a deep chest, and expressive eyes. They have a thick short coat in colors like white, red, black, or brindle and are easier to groom. They can typically weigh approximately 25 to 35 pounds and measure about 15 to 17 inches tall, with an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. The overall maintenance of a Pitsenji is low. So, they are suitable for new pet owners.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
Medium to High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
High
Pet-Friendly
Low to Medium
Strangers-Friendly
Medium to High
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Medium
Good for Apartment Living
Medium to High
Sensitivity Level
Medium to High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold Tolerance
Low to Medium
Heat Tolerance
Medium
Basenji Pitbull Mix Temperament
Basenji Pitbull Mix inherits the character traits of both parents. Pitsenjis are unique crossbreeds. They are loyal, energetic, active, friendly, playful, intelligent, even-tempered, and affectionate companion dogs. However, they need training, high-quality dog food, grooming, early socialization, regular exercise, and regular visits to the vet. They can also make their own decisions and thus may be challenging to train. Like both the parents, the Pitsenjis have a high prey drive. If the Basenji genes dominate, they bark-less and produce yodeling sounds.
Basenji Pitbull Mix Training
Since Pitsenji is a mix between a Hound and a Terrier, it goes without saying that they will need early socialization. However, they do retain many of their curiosity and hunting traits from their hound parent. This indicates that you will not have them in the home along with other pets, mainly non-canines. Early and proper socialization may help, but they are not always the most welcoming towards other animals.
Basenji Pitbull Mixes are loyal breeds who relish to please their owners, so they should not be hard to train. But they can also have a self-governing temperament, so it is necessary to establish your authority initially. You will also have to create a conducive atmosphere for their socialization and training. Of course, every canine will respond to exercise differently. Still, it may be helpful to have some treats and positive reinforcements on hand when they perform well.
It is essential to note that, like their parents, Basenji Pitbull Mix does not like being lap dogs though they can be loving and cuddly. It may not be easy for a new owner to instruct them, and we would not suggest a Pitsenji to a novice dog owner.
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
Medium to High
Intelligence
Medium to High
Prey Drive
High
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite
Medium to High
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Medium
Wanderlust Ability
Medium to High
Basenji Pitbull Mix Exercise Needs
The offspring of a Terrier and a Hound will naturally be active, curious, and agile. This indicates that Basenji Pitbull Mixes need to be kept engaged or start showing destructive behaviors. You will have to play various physical games with Pitsenjis, in addition to taking them for walks at least twice a day. This also signifies that they thrive in an open space and are not suitable for small apartment living.
It would be advisable to take Pitsenjis to open areas where you can take them off-leash to meet their curiosity level and maintain their energy. The trick to handling a Pitsenji is not to overcome their curiosity but to channel it in the appropriate places.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
Medium to High
Exercise Needs
Medium to High
Playfulness
High
Intensity
Medium to High
Basenji Pitbull Mix Grooming
Basenji Pitbull Mix is a short-haired canine that does not shed too much. Therefore, you do not need to brush their hair too often as it is short, though it is essential to keep the coat clean and to eliminate dead hair in their coat. Weekly baths are also necessary for healthy Pitsenjis to reduce bacterial infection, allergens, and dander that might cause skin problems. Clean your Labrabull’s eyes and ears using wet wipes or a moist cloth in between baths. Other grooming requirements are nail trimming and teeth brushing.
Grooming Needs Overview
Amount of Shedding
Low
Tendency to Drool
Low
Tendency to Snore
Low to Medium
Easy to Groom
Medium
Basenji Pitbull Mix Health
A healthy Basenji Pitbull Mix can live up to 14 years. Typically, they do not have any severe health diseases but may inherit some concerns from their parents. But Terriers and Hounds are medium-sized dogs. So, it is necessary to keep good care and have regular vet check-ups.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Medium
Weight Gain Possibilities
Medium
Size
Medium
Fanconi Syndrome: This is a kidney disorder in which protein required for the body is thrown away. Indications may include extreme thirst.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is a collection of diseases. Pitsenji starts to lose sight in the night and slowly may completely lose vision in a year or two.
Hypothyroidism: A dysfunction in the thyroid gland that is examined to cause dark skin patches, epilepsy, obesity, hair loss, lethargy, and other skin ailments. Treatment is a proper diet and medication.
Bloating: This is a familiar disorder to dogs having a deep chest. As a result, the stomach dilates, spins, and twists, producing a lot of pain for the affected dog. This condition will also harm the blood vessels and obstruct blood flow to major organs, turning to organ failure.
Dental Disease: It affects 80% of dogs by the age of two. It causes tartar build-up on the teeth, infection of the gums and roots, and in critical situations, loss of teeth and harm to the kidneys.
Epilepsy: An inherited disorder for which the cause is unknown. Canines may experience seizures one or the other time but look relatively normal in between the events.
Basenji Pitbull Mix Diet and Nutrition
Ideally, you should feed your Basenji Pitbull mix two to three times daily. There are no specific dietary limitations or requirements for the Pitsenji. Treats can be a vital benefit in training, but giving in large quantities can cause obesity. It would be ideal for feeding a pup thrice a day and reduce it to twice daily as the dog matures. Ensure that their menu has enough omega fatty acids, glucosamine, vitamins, minerals, and chondroitin for a well-balanced diet.
Basenji Pitbull Mix Living Conditions
Pitsenjis can quickly adapt to any environment they live in. They can use large spacious areas to move around. Usually, a backyard is advised for this energetic breed to play and spend their energy.
Adding a Basenji Pitbull Mix to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Buying a Basenji Pitbull Mix
Basenji Pitbulls are not recognized by the AKC and are a new breed. This indicates that it is challenging to find them easily at canine shelters. However, suppose you are interested in adding a Pitsenji to your family. In that case, it would be advisable to reach families that already own the breed from whom you can consider buying or adopting the pups.
It is essential to check the records of the parent breeds so that you are conscious of the dog’s mix and any possible traits you may need to know when you bring them home. Unfortunately, since Pitsenji is not a universally established or regulated breed, it is not always possible to get the perfect mix. Still, this is undoubtedly a breed that will transform your life.
Basenji Pitbull Mix Puppy Cost
The cost of this new hybrid depends on the sex of the puppy you choose, the show record of the parents, and the breeder’s location.
Do not forget to check the puppy’s parents’ health clearances before buying. Also, it is suggested to visit the breeder’s place and view the puppy’s parents in person, to estimate how your dog may look in the future.
