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Eskenji – Everything You Need To Know

Eskenji is a cross of two purebreds- the American Eskimo Dog and the Basenji. This vibrant and energetic dog brings together a spitz-type working breed with a hound, ensuring a lively, active pup with a strong hunting drive. Eskenjis require proper socialization and regular exercise to avoid detrimental tendencies. Usually, Eskenjis are medium-sized dogs, but their weight may differ depending on the parent breeds’ size. The American Eskimo come in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard. This will affect Eskenji’s body weight. 

Eskenji is a lively, family-oriented, intelligent breed, making them easy to train and have an excellent deal of energy. They are the ideal companion for families of all sizes and shapes. However, they are stubborn and need lots of physical and mental stimulation. Also, they can quickly get along with children, other pets, and humans.

Eskenji Pros and Cons 

Pros Cons 
Family dog Suffer from separation anxiety 
Intelligent Stubborn streak 
Great snuggles Rare breed 

Eskenji Basic Information 

  • Name: Eskenji
  • Origin: United States
  • Height: 15 – 18 inches (male), 15 – 18 inches (female)
  • Weight: 15 – 20 pounds (make), 13 – 18 pounds (female) 
  • Size: Small to medium
  • Coat: Short, Medium, Wiry 
  • Color: Black, light brown, golden, merle 
  • Group: Mixed breed 
  • Activities: Companion, Watchdogs 
  • Barking Level: Moderate 
  • Shedding Level: Medium 
  • Hypoallergenic: No 
  • Energy: High 
  • Litter Size: 2 – 5 puppies  
  • Life Span: 10 – 13 years  
  • Other Names: Eskenji
  • Breed Recognition: DBR – Designer Breed Registry, IDCR – International Designer Canine Registry 

American Eskimo Dog vs. Basenji: A Comparison 

FeaturesAmerican Eskimo DogBasenji
Image    


Origin Germany Africa  
Height 9 to 19 inches 16 to 17 inches  
Weight 6 to 35 pounds 22 to 24 pounds  
Size Toy, Miniature, Standard  Medium  
Group Non-Sporting  Hound   
Family-friendly High High  
Kid-friendly High High  
Pet-friendly Medium Low  
Barking level High Low  
Shedding level High Medium  
Hypoallergenic No No  
Grooming needs Medium to high Low  
Overall health Medium 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 Herding, Tracking, Agility Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Tracking  
Complications in breeding No No  
Litter size 5 puppies on average 5 to 10 puppies  
Life span 13 – 15 years 10 to 12 years  
Other names Eskimos, Eskie African Bush Dog, Congo Dog, Zande Dog, African Barkless Dog, Congo Terrier, and Ango Angari 

Eskenji Personality

The American Eskimo Basenji mix might be a little bit curious and spunky. Eskenji is a small to medium-sized dog with a long muzzle, black nose, brown/hazel/amber eyes, and upright ears. In addition, they will have a medium to long fluffy white coat or a wiry/smooth chestnut red one. Often seen as black or tri-colored, the Eskenji’s appearance can vary depending on parental dominance.

Eskenji is an intelligent, active designer breed, and their disposition is a mix of American Eskimo and Basenji, while one of the parent’s traits can be overpowering. However, they can quickly get along well with your family and an ideal companion dog. Their compatibility with children and other pets is high. However, adult supervision is necessary until they are trained appropriately.

Friendliness Overview 

Affection level High 
Family-friendly Medium to high 
Kid-friendly Medium to high 
Pet-friendly Medium to high 
Stranger-friendly Medium 

Adaptability Overview 

Good for apartment living High 
Good for new owners Medium
Sensitivity level Medium 
Tolerates being alone Low 
Cold tolerance Medium to high 
Heat tolerance Medium 

Eskenji Temperament 

Eskenji is an affectionate, loving, active, courageous, alert, loyal, independent, and intelligent breed. If you plan to get an Eskenji, ensure that you have enough energy and time to keep them entertained. They are human-oriented and people-pleasing at all times. However, they may have stubborn dispositions that can alter with proper and continuous training. Brain stimulation is just as vital as body training, so Eskenji should not be left alone for extended periods. They might get nervous and scared, resulting in excessive barking or chewing off shoes, couches, or other objects. 

Eskenji can get along quickly with other dogs, especially when living in the same family. If they are socialized with other pets from a very young age, they will heartily welcome them at the park or outdoors throughout their lives. But, never train to chase them as this breed has a high prey drive and will not get along with smaller pets. Suppose the Basenji genes dominate. In that case, Eskenji’s bark-less and make a yodeling sound. 

Eskenji Training

Eskenjis can take obedience training to a higher level. Without this training, they can become destructive, aggressive, and challenging to manage. However, the American Eskimo Dog can be stubborn, so successful training depends on finding a firm positive trainer to encourage them with enthusiasm. It is necessary to use positive training strategies, which stimulate your dog to think problems through, rather than punishing them for wrong-doing. Enrolling your Eskenji in training sessions at a very young age is advised to challenge their minds and keep them mentally stimulated. 

Eskenji learns tricks quickly but ensures to train them using the following strategies.

  • Positive reinforcement
  • Eskenjis have a high prey drive, so they must be leashed during walks.  
  • Train them at a very early age
  • Be consistent while training
  • Start training at home.
  • Eskenjis are prone to wanderlust, so keep an eye on these escape artists.

Eskenji is a sensitive dog, so you must avoid yelling, harsh treatment, and punishments, which will make them more stubborn. These are some of the training activities that you need to do with your Eskenji: 

Trainability Overview 

Easy to train Medium to High
Intelligence High 
Mouthiness tendencies Medium 
Prey drive High 
Barking and Howling tendencies Medium 
Wanderlust tendencies High 

Eskenji Exercise Needs 

Eskenji is a small to medium-sized dog, but they require a high dose of exercise daily. They need around an hour of exercise like hiking, playing games, fetch, a bit of herding, and agility training. However, they can quickly adapt to an apartment if their needs are fulfilled. Early socialization and proper exercise can avoid any extreme guarding instincts and timidness. Hence, it is vital to encourage them to be occupied mentally. 

Exercising your Eskenji should not be a burden for you or your dog. You can meet their daily exercise necessities by: 

  • Walking 
  • Agility training 
  • Obedience training 
  • Hiking 
  • Fetching
  • Teaching new tricks  
  • Chasing 
  • Playing with puzzle toys 
  • Playing tug of war 
  • Hide-and-seek 
  • Giving them a safe area to play and run 

Exercise Overview 

Energy level Medium to high 
Intensity Medium
Exercise needs Medium to high 
Potential for playfulness High 

Eskenji Grooming 

Grooming needs depend entirely on the parent breed traits that your Eskenji inherits the most. For example, if your Eskenji has inherited the Basenji’s coat, the offspring will have a smooth and sleek coat that requires moderate brushing. However, for dogs with American Eskimo coats, daily brushing is essential. 

Eskenji’s grooming requirements are as follows: 

  • Bathe whenever it’s required. Regular bathing removes their coat’s natural oils. 
  • Brush their teeth daily.
  • Trim your Eskenji’s nails every few weeks to avoid splitting, cracking, and discomfort.  
  • Clean their eyes and ears using a moist cloth or wet wipes in between baths.
  • Eskenjis have a low drooling potential. 

Grooming Overview 

Easy to groom Medium to high 
Drooling tendency Low 
Shedding amount Low to medium 

Eskenji Health 

Eskenjis are healthy canines if you take proper care of them. But they can be inclined to some of the same health conditions that their parent breeds face. So, it’s essential to schedule routine health check-ups and visits to the veterinarian.

Health Overview 

General health Medium to high 
Weight gain possibilities Medium to high 
Size Medium 

Major Health Concerns 

Hip Dysplasia: A degenerative disorder caused by malformation of the hip that appears during Eskenji’s growth. Canines with hip dysplasia exhibit pain, lameness, and limping on one or both rear legs.  

Allergies and Skin infections: If your Eskenji inherits the American Eskimo parent’s dense, curly coat, they may be exposed to allergies and skin infections from parasites like fleas. Frequent grooming and checking your pet after outdoor visits can avoid this situation. 

Cataracts: An affected eye will look blurred or clouded due to the formation of a white film-like layer over the eye lens. This condition should not be left untreated as it can result in blindness. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA is defined by a malfunctioning retina that fails to reflect, absorb, and perceive light and causes complete blindness. 

Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation or Wobbly kneecaps is common in small to medium-sized canines. It happens when the kneecap’s anatomy enables it to slip to one side as the affected dog steps out, causing a skipping gait on the affected back leg. 

Hypothyroidism: Eskenji’s parents are prone to underactive thyroid glands. Thyroid hormone regulates how rapidly the canine ignites calories, and when this hormone’s levels are too low, the dog lacks energy, is sluggish, and gains weight instantly. 

Legge-Perthe’s Disease: This condition affects the growing puppy’s hips, causing lameness and discomfort. It occurs once the blood supply to the thigh bone is damaged or the bone outstrips its blood supply. The consequence is a weak, crumbly femoral head, driving to grind and pain with every step. Commonly, surgery is required to remove the femoral head (to leave a muscular sling that makes for the leg’s smooth motion) or hip replacement surgery. 

Eskenji Diet and Nutrition

Eskenji require a nutritious and protein-dense, preferably wet or dry large-sized food in moderation as per their regular diet; else, they tend to put on weight quickly. So feed your Eskenji with wet or dry canned food like raw fish, chicken/turkey/pork, and vegetables. You can provide them 2-3 cups of high-quality food; Break their meals to 2-3 courses a day accordingly. Ensure that their food has sufficient minerals, vitamins, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for a well-balanced diet.  

Eskenji Living Conditions  

Eskenjis can adapt and thrive in any environment. They crave human companionship who can respect and satisfy the needs of these dedicated, affectionate breeds. When they are bored or lonely, Eskenjis may discover an undesirable outlet to keep themselves entertained, such as chewing or barking. They should not be left alone for a long duration; keep them engaged with numerous activities and play toys.

Adding an Eskenji to Your Family  

Things to remember before adding an Eskenji 

It would be best if you get an Eskenji pup from a reputed and reliable breeder who can provide you with health certificates, vaccination, and gene testing. Also, it is advised to meet the purebred American Eskimo and the purebred Basenji.

Cost of an Eskenji puppy  

On average, an Eskenji puppy may cost around $500 to $1000, not including miscellaneous costs. 

Eskenji Videos 

Eskenji Video 

Eskie & Basenji rescue pups

Eskenji Images

Other American Eskimo Dog Mixes

  • American Eskimo Dog x Australian Cattle Dog mix = Aussimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Australian Shepherd mix = Australian Eskimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Basset Hound mix = Baskimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Beagle mix = American Eagle Dog 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Bichon Frise mix = Bichomo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Brussels Griffon mix = Eskifon 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Border Collie mix = Ski-Border 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Boston Terrier mix = Boskimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix = Cav-A-Mo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Chihuahua mix = Eskimo Chi 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Brussels Griffon mix = Eskifon 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Border Collie mix = Ski-Border 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Boston Terrier mix = Boskimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix = Cav-A-Mo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Chihuahua mix = Eskimo Chi 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Chin mix = Eskimo Chin 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Cocker Spaniel mix = Cock-A-Mo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Collie mix = Ski-Collie 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Coton de Tulear mix = Coton Eskimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Dachshund mix = Doxiemo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x German Shepherd mix = Eskimo Shepherd 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Italian Greyhound mix = Italian Eskimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Jack Russell Terrier mix = Eskijack 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Labrador Retriever mix = Eskidor 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Lhasa Apso mix = Kimola 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Papillon mix = Papimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Pit Bull mix = Eskimo Pit 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Pomeranian mix = Pomimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Pug mix = Pug-A-Mo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Schnauzer mix = Eskimo Schnauzer 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Shetland Sheepdog mix = Eskland 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Shiba Inu mix = Imo-Inu 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Shih Tzu mix = Shih-Mo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Siberian Husky mix = Huskimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier mix = Wheaten Eskimo 
  • American Eskimo Dog x West Highland White Terrier mix = Westimo 

Other Basenji Mixes 

  • Akita Basenji Mix (Akita Basenji) 
  • American Eskimo Basenji Mix (Eskenji) 
  • Australian Cattle Dog Basenji Mix (Basenji Heeler) 
  • Beagle Basenji Mix (Baseagle) 
  • Border Collie Basenji Mix (Border Basenji) 
  • Boxer Basenji Mix (Boxerji) 
  • Chihuahua Basenji Mix (Basenji Chi) 
  • Cocker Spaniel Basenji Mix (Cocker Spanenji) 
  • Corgi Basenji Mix (Corsengi) 
  • German Shepherd Basenji Mix (German Shepenji) 
  • Great Dane Basenji Mix (Great Dasenji) 
  • Greyhound (Greysenji) 
  • Italian Greyhound Basenji Mix (Italian Greysenji) 
  • Jack Russell Terrier Basenji Mix (Jack Basenji) 
  • Labrador Retriever Basenji Mix (Labrasenji) 
  • Poodle Basenji Mix (Basenjipoo) 
  • Saluki Basenji Mix (Saluki Basenji) 
  • Shiba Inu Basenji Mix (Shibenji) 
  • Whippet Basenji Mix (Whippenji) 

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