Health
Is the Basenji hypoallergenic?
“Hypoallergenic” means less allergenic, not allergen-free — and how to test your own reaction.
First, it’s important to know that “hypoallergenic” means less allergenic, not allergen-free. Basenjis shed, Basenjis have dander and Basenjis have saliva. Some people are allergic to the protein in dander, others to the protein in saliva, and some to both.
Basenjis rank lower on the allergen scale than Labradors or shepherds, for example, but higher than Bichons and Poodles. So some people will react and others won’t. It’s even possible to react to one dog and not at all to another (some Basenjis have a slightly longer coat than others, for instance).
How to test your reaction
If you are allergic to dogs but truly interested in the breed, get in touch with an owner or breeder and spend time with their dogs in person to get a sense of how you react.
Bring a blanket or a pillowcase. If you don’t react while you’re with the dogs, rub it on several different dogs (if possible) — you want as many particles on it as you can get. Then sleep with it at home for at least 3 nights. If you have no reaction or only a mild one, life with a Basenji should be perfectly comfortable for you.