Unfortunately, too many people read what I call "puppy mill propaganda" such as barkless, non shedding, no odor, hypoallergenic, etc and run out and get a Basenji. More often than not these uneducated buyers discover that their "perfect dog" is a royal pain in the butt. Some people will stick it out but many will not and those dogs end up homeless.
Some dogs end up homeless because the owners are having,or have recently had, a baby. Both human babies and Basenjis take alot of time and energy and many people just can't handle it. Out goes the Basenji.