American Bulldog Basenji Mix

The American Bulldog Basenji Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the American Bulldog and the Basenji. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The American Bulldog is a friendly dog even though it might look a bit intimidating at times. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the American Bulldog or the Basenji? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful American Bulldog Basenji Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their American Bulldog Basenji Mix puppy. That is, if they have any American Bulldog Basenji Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

American Bulldog Basenji Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

American Bulldog History

The American Bulldog hails from the now extinct Old English Bulldog. They are strong, stocky, well built, and usually defined with a large head and a muscular build. The original intent of the bulldog was that they were bred to help butchers control livestock. It is a very old breed and by the 15th century, in addition to catching and herding horses, cattle, and boars in legitimate farming use. The very cruel and barbaric “sport” of bull-baiting was created. The intent of this was where dogs would latch onto a tethered bull’s nose and not let go until the dog had pulled the bull to the ground or the bull had killed the dog. If you can believe it, this lasted for a few centuries until this activity was banned in 1835. Being that this is such a violent activity, they were bred for aggression. After this ban, the more aggressive tendencies were not necessary and one might wonder why they would even stay a breed. Like a lot of dog breeds, they later became very good companion and protection dogs alongside their working routes. Like the Alaskan Malamute, the Akita, and other dog breeds they nearly became extinct after World War 2. Well, they are very faithful and loyal companions and are the official mascot for nearly 50 schools and five times as many secondary schools. They are also the unofficial mascot for the U.S. Marine Corps. They probably aren’t going anywhere.

Basenji History

The Basenji is a hunting dog originating in Africa, and people there hunt with them to this day. Basenji aficionados describe their dogs as “nature’s masterpiece” because of their striking appearance, hunting prowess, desire for companionship, and relative quietness.
The Basenji’s best-known trait is that she does not bark; early literature on the breed describes her as the “African barkless dog.” She is not, however, without vocal cords. instead of a bark, the Basenji produces a number of distinctive sounds that have been described as yodeling, crowing and chortling. She can also issue a warning growl. Wailing when unhappy is another part of her vocal repertoire.

Although kennel clubs classify the Basenji as a sight hound, she in fact uses both her eyes and ears when hunting.

Paleontologists have scientific reasons to suggest that the Basenji is a descendent of the earliest known dogs. In isolated Africa, she lived and thrived for thousands of years and was not known to Europe until about 1895. As a result, today’s Basenji is, so far, relatively unchanged by the human impulse to cross-breed dogs. Her size, shape, colors, coat texture, and temperament all are much the same as they have been for thousands of years.

Attempts to bring the breed to England failed until around 1937, when successful breeding stock was finally established there. The Basenji arrived in America shortly thereafter. The American Kennel Club formally accepted the breed in 1943.

American Bulldog Basenji Mix Size and Weight

American Bulldog
Height: 12 - 16 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 40-55 lb.
Lifespan: 8-10 years

Basenji
Height: 17 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 22 - 24 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 16 years

American Bulldog Basenji Mix Personality

The American Bulldog and the Basenji are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.” The American bulldog mixed with anything will probably need some longer walks no matter what it is mixed with.

American Bulldog Basenji Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The American Bulldog mixed with the Basenji might be prone to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), Ichthyosis, disorders of the kidney and thyroid, ACL tears, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, elbow dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, among other issues.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

American Bulldog Basenji Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

American Bulldog Basenji Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

American Bulldog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in