Explore Basenji Diaries
A growing collection of things we've found useful, interesting, enjoyable and worth sharing.
Products We Actually Use and Recommend
I like to keep this section deliberately small and only recommend products that have genuinely stood out over the years. If I share something here, it's because I've used it myself, trust it, and would happily recommend it to a fellow Basenji owner.
As Basenji Diaries grows, I'll continue to add products we genuinely love, along with honest reviews and recommendations based on real-life experience with Max, Lyra and Agnes.
JR Pet Products
JR Pet Products - These are our go-to treats and snacks, I have a monthly subscription to the Treat Bank they offer and can't recommend it enough.
As you can imagine, with 3 dogs in the house, food and treat bills are often rather high, but JR offer amazing quality products at good pricing, and the treatbank is a great way to stock up and get a little back.
Equafleece
Equafleece - My go-to recommendation for winter cosy onesies. Lightweight, practical and ideal for Basenjis who believe anything below 20°C is arctic weather!
Collarz
Collarz - This is where I buy the printed BioThane used to make my own collars and leads. They have a fantastic range of colours and patterns, and I may even share some tutorials and behind-the-scenes blogs on making your own in the future.
Amazon Favourites
Amazon is brilliant for everyday essentials, and over the years I've found a handful of products that have become staples in our home. Rather than linking hundreds of items, I've kept this list to products that I genuinely use and would happily recommend to fellow Basenji owners.
Helpful Resources
New To Basenji's?
Whether you're researching the breed before welcoming one into your family or you've already discovered the wonderful chaos that comes with Basenji ownership, this section is for you.
Basenji Diaries is still growing, and I'm adding new articles and resources every week. Over the coming months you'll find guides covering topics such as:
Is a Basenji right for you?
Breed history and origins
The Kennel Club & AKC breed standards
Basenji temperament and personality
Grooming and general care
Exercise and enrichment
Common myths and misconceptions
Thinking about getting your first Basenji?
Puppy checklists and first-day essentials
Choosing an ethical breeder
And much more...
Is there something you'd like to see covered? I'd genuinely love to hear your ideas. Feel free to get in touch and help shape future articles and resources.
UK Breed Clubs
If you're looking for breed-specific advice, ethical breeder information or events, these organisations are a fantastic place to start.
Basenji Owners and Breeder Association (BOBA)
A long-established UK breed club dedicated to promoting responsible Basenji ownership, ethical breeding and the welfare of the breed.
Northern Basenji Society
Supporting Basenji owners and enthusiasts across the north of England through events, education and breed activities.
The Basenji Club of Great Britain
The UK's original Basenji breed club, providing breed information, health resources, club events and support for owners, breeders and exhibitors.
Health & Welfare
Fanconi Syndrome
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
DNA Testing
Responsible Basenji breeders should DNA test their breeding dogs for Fanconi Syndrome and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Always ask to see the test results and don't be afraid to ask questions, a good breeder will welcome them.
Shows & Events
Whether you're thinking about getting your first Basenji, already own one, or are interested in showing, I'd highly recommend attending your local breed club events. They're a fantastic opportunity to meet experienced owners and breeders, see Basenjis of all ages and colours, and ask questions in a relaxed, friendly environment.
If you'd like to watch or enter dog shows, the websites below list upcoming open and championship shows across the UK, along with schedules and entry information.
Pedigree & Breed Standards
Explore Your Basenji's Family Tree
This is one of my favourite Basenji resources on the internet!
Search for your Basenji by their registered or kennel name and you'll often uncover a five-generation pedigree, along with photographs of parents, grandparents and relatives. I can happily lose hours exploring family trees and discovering dogs I'd never seen before. I honestly can't recommend this website enough!
Official Breed Standards
Feeding
Feeding is one of those topics where everyone has an opinion, and every dog (and owner) is different!
Personally, I believe in species-appropriate feeding, and my own dogs are fed a raw diet. However, I also appreciate that every owner has different circumstances, budgets and lifestyles, and the most important thing is feeding your dog a complete, balanced diet that works for both of you.
One resource I regularly recommend is Raw Feeding for Dogs Made Simple. I love their approach because it's welcoming, evidence-based and never preachy. Their articles are well researched, they reference the science behind their recommendations, and they genuinely aim to educate and inform with dog welfare at the heart of everything they do.
They also have a wonderfully welcoming, supportive Facebook community, which was an invaluable source of help and encouragement when I first started my own raw feeding journey.
Raw Feeding For Dogs Made Simple
Evidence-based articles, practical feeding guides and a friendly, supportive community for anyone interested in learning more about raw feeding.
Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind The Dry Versus Raw Debate
If you're interested in learning more about canine nutrition and the science behind different feeding approaches, this is one of the best books I've come across. Thought-provoking, well researched and an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to make informed decisions about their dog's diet.
Rescue
Max joined our family as a rehome through The Basenji Club of Great Britain, so rescue and rehoming will always be something close to my heart.
One thing I absolutely love about the UK Basenji community is how fiercely people care about this breed. If a Basenji does find its way into a general rescue, the breed clubs and Basenji community are incredibly quick to step in, offering support and helping to find the right home.
Thankfully, Basenjis rarely appear in UK rescue centres. Responsible breeders will almost always offer to take one of their puppies back at any stage of its life or work closely with owners to help find a suitable new home. It's something I'm incredibly proud of, and it's a testament to how much the Basenji community cares about the long-term welfare of the breed.
If you're hoping to offer a home to a rescue Basenji, I'd encourage you to contact one (or all) of the UK breed clubs and let them know you're interested. Even if they don't have a dog looking for a home today, they may be able to keep your details on file should the right Basenji need you in the future.
FREE download
A Little Gift
If you've just discovered Basenji Diaries, I'd love to give you something to get started.
The Little Moments is a free printable filled with gentle prompts to help you notice, capture and celebrate the everyday moments that make life with our dogs so special.
Download it below and enjoy it with your favourite four-legged companion.
