The Basenji Code goes something like this.
1. If I can get it in my mouth, I should be able to swallow it.
2. If I can swallow it, it is food.
3. If the food makes me sick, oh, well.
4. If it moves, I need to chase it.
5. If I can catch it, it may be food. (See #1.-3.)
6. If no one is watching, I’m not being a bad dog.
7. If I’m not on a leash, I don’t have to sit, heel, stay, or listen to my name.
8. I know that Dammit and No are parts of my name.
9. Good dog and bad dog are relative terms.
10. I know my people love me whether I do what they want or not.
Now, I’m fully aware of the fact that other dogs, other breeds, have similar Codes, but I would make the argument that the Basenji Code predates those. It may, in fact, be the original Code upon which others are based. Because basenjis are very old. Dogs like basenjis were companions to pharaohs in ancient Egypt. They set the standard for companion dog behavior, and everything that has followed has been an adaptation gained (or lost, depending on your point of view) through selective breeding.
Humans have designed dogs that do what they’re told, no matter what, whether anyone is there to see them do it or not. (Basenjis look on and shake their heads.) This is perfectly fine, and it has made dogs that much more useful to many more humans. I have even had dogs like that, myself, in my past. I found them to be “needy.” Like, “please tell me what to do. Tell me what to do and pet me. Pet me and tell me what to do. Please pet me, pet me petme.” (In fact, my first husband was like that, too.) I’ve discovered that I’m not that crazy about “needy” creatures.
I can live with the Basenji Code. I can live with being highly selective about what toys I can give my dogs, about keeping them on leashes and watching for things they’re likely to lunge after, about picking up the shredded pieces of the various things they destroy when I forget to watch out where I leave things. I can live with their subtlty in showing how much they love me. I get them. They get me. Enough said.
I just wanted to pop in and say Hello. I LOVE your Basenji code. It’s right on the mark. I also wanted to extend my sincere condolences on the loss of your HRH. These little brats lodge themselves in our hearts and you never forget them. I hope your fond and loving memories help you through your time of sorrow.
Hello: I just read your Baesnji code and my oh my how true! But would anyone who truely knows a Basenji want it any other way! Don’t think they would. Basenji’s are unique and the most wonderful of dogs, from my perspective. Two, share my life. Paco (B&W) more laid back but he quietly gets into trouble ,(eating leather fetish), his own way. Nala (R&W) is my princess terror! Need I say more? She was sent to me, I’m certain, to test every bit of patience I have not got! She is into electronics! (Destroys remote controls, plays back messages and mess’s up my answering machine as examples). I love them dearly and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you, snorky998, and Bonnie, for the visits, for the kind words, and for the affirmation of the “Truth of the Basenji Code.” I’ve had five basenjis over the past 30 years, and with all their differences, they all have the same underlying motivations — always looking for something to chase – kill – eat — often with hilarious (or crazy-making) results. I knew a breeder in Phoenix who told me when I got my first basenji that people who get them either never want another, or never want anything else. I think you can guess what group I’m in.