Australian Kelpie Basenji Mix

The Australian Kelpie Basenji Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Australian Kelpie and the Basenji. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Australian Kelpie - sometimes known as the Farmer Dog - is known for being friendly, energetic, and intelligent. 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie Basenji Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Australian Kelpie 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.

Australian Kelpie 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.

Australian Kelpie History

As one might imagine, the origins of the Australian Kelpie begin in Australia. Australia had large sheep farms and black Collies were imported from Britain as herding dogs in the 19th century. Of course, they were crossbred with other breeds and more than likely wild Australian dingoes. The result of this breeding was a hardy, tough dog that was able to work practically nonstop in a tough climate. They were independent and intelligent dogs that ranchers really liked. valued them for their intelligence and ability to work independently.

This interbreeding created the modern Australian Kelpie we know today. As it became a more popular dog and was known for it’s working capability it was later exported to other countries. Some parts of the United States have similar climates to Australia and it adapted well as a working dog. They have expanded their role from ranch working dog to detection work, service dog work, therapy, and sports performance. They still make great ranch hands and companions.

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.

Australian Kelpie Basenji Mix Size and Weight

Australian Kelpie
Height: 15 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 25 - 46 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

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

Australian Kelpie Basenji Mix Personality

The Australian Kelpie and the Basenji are known for being courageous and protective. The Australian Kelpie is known for being eager, alert, and loyal. 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.”

Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie mixed with the Basenji might be prone to joint dysplasia, luxating patellas, cryptorchidism, and cerebellar abiotrophy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Australian Kelpie 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.

Australian Kelpie 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."

Australian Kelpie Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in