Anyone ever buy a puppy from Hilltop Meadows in Caldwell TX

[Holly]

Hi Vickay, and welcome. Yes, I bought a basenji puppy from Candyce last February. She was a pleasant person, and eventually did send me AKC papers for my puppy. I had no idea how much I would LOVE this breed and I wish that I had bought from a reputable basenji breeder who only breeds dogs tested negative for eyes and knees and hips, etc. I think what everybody has written so far is accurate. I think she is not devoted to the breed. I think she is in it to make money. Fortunately, when I tested Binti she was Probable Clear for fanconi. I have not sent in the $50. for the new test yet to prove absolutely that she is clear. All that said, Binti was well socialized when she arrived, and clean and so far is a very healthy dog. (But, like Tanza said, many of the basenji problems arise after one year old.) She was a little snarky at first, but my behavior contributed greatly to that. She is my first basenji and I did not understand how dominant they can be. Once we established (firmly but gently) that she was not in charge, all has been well. I took her to get spayed two weeks ago and the attendant greeted her cautiously and then said with a surprised voice, "Oh! She's friendly!" And I said, "Well, of course! She loves everybody," to which she responded that most of the basenjis she meets are NOT friendly. I am just adding this to say it appears she has a good temperament. So, for a backyard bred dog, I think I'm very lucky. I also think she is a fairly decent looking dog. She is almost square and weighs 20 pounds. I have children aged 11 and 14, and the 11 year old can be pretty boisterous. This never seems to bother her at all, she has never been aggressive in the least (except in the beginning when we tried to move her when she was sleeping and she would growl–which she does not do anymore!). She is one years old right now. Just thought you'd like to hear my experience. Next time I will do my research and purchase from a real basenji breeder. But I am grateful that Binti is the good little dog she is and that we love her so much. Good luck on whatever decision you make.

[curlytails]

I know it sucks to derail your plans, because a new puppy is something to be incredibly excited about. But you will be excited, no matter when your puppy arrives, and more importantly, you would have the life-long assurance of a good breeder and the knowledge that you did the right thing if you go with an ethical breeder.

I also understand the conflict about wondering if you don't buy her dog, maybe the next person who is not as well prepared and not as loving will screw it up. I don't know if this article answers any questions, but it might be a start.

When I was searching online for more information that I could offer you about this breeder, I came across a public announcement from Shemax (Sheila Maxwell) that said, "WE ARE GOING TO SELL OUR BASENJIS TO CANDYCE WITTE OF CALDWELL, TX. SHE'LL FURNISH YOU WITH THE SAME PUPPIES AND SERVICE THAT WE WOULD WE ARE HAVING TO QUIT DUE TO HEALTH REASONS" (apologies for the caps – I just cut and pasted). The name rung a bell with me as several forum members have had negative experiences with that breeder's practices in the past. So if this breeder provides the "same puppies and service," that's not exactly something to hold in high regard...

My main concern is that you can't verify ANYthing she says about her breeding practices with your own eyes. I've heard of plenty of breeders who insist that their dogs are "loved" and "happy" and "play every day," yet they spend their entire lives in an outdoor kennel, their frantic barking and wagging tails whenever a person walks by is interpreted as happiness when it's actually a desperate plea for the human companionship they DON'T get, and the amount of "play" that they get in a day amounts to being stuck in a 20' x 30' pen in the back of the farm, where they are left for hours where they MIGHT get some human interaction, and then returned to their cages at night.

I say this as someone who bought my first dog (my Shiba, who is now nearing seven years old) from a totally shady seller. My Shiba was pretty sharp-tempered, we made a lot of mistakes in his puppyhood that we might have avoided with the guidance of a more knowledgeable breeder, and his health was excellent until he was about three years old. Then his allergies started getting worse and worse every year, until two summers ago when he was diagnosed as hypothyroid, a condition which is strongly influenced by genetics. Like Holly, I love my handsome pup who came from a for-profit breeder. But I would never, ever allow myself to do that again, because this ONE time, I got lucky.

If I were you, I would definitely hold off on a decision until I had done more research, including a thorough reading of the BCOA website because there's a lot of useful information there. Check out this thorough section on screening breeders, for example.

Doesn't have to be all serious reading – there are tons of gorgeous pictures of Basenjis that will get you through it, too.

(Sorry so long...)

[LindaH]

It sounds to me like you are trying to justify buying a dog from this breeder. If money is a concern, and you have your heart set on a Basenji, why not look into getting a dog from BRAT, as others have recommended? Buying from a puppy mill (which is what this place sounds like) is simply going to keep them in business. There's no way we'll ever get rid of puppy mills until people stop buying from them (which also means not buying from pet stores).

As for Fanconi testing, you said she told you she's tested for it and they're clear. If so, please get the names of the sire and dam and look it up at the OFA website…that's the only place this testing can be done, and the results will be on their website. If the information isn't there, she hasn't tested and is lying to you. She should also be able to provide you proof of the other testing she has done, as already mentioned here (such as eyes).

[paneane]

If you're going to get a dog from a breeder, I would do the research on parents health (also their siblings is a good start). I've had sick dogs before, and I didn't do my ABC before getting them, and sick dogs are NOT fun, not at all!

Check out Winston, for example!

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20770803

[tanza]

When you buy from a breeder such as this person all you are doing is the encourage her to keep breeding as she is only in it for the money

[vickayx]

Wow,

I am def learning allot. I am extremely grateful this forum exists and everyone is so passionate. I have asked her for the names of the Damn and Sire. Also I am asking her for pictures of the mother, father, puppies, puppies with the mother and, the pen and living environment. I totally understand the common sense behind the fact if you buy from a backyard breeder you are only supporting them. I have looked at BRAT before but truthfully I would like to have a puppy so I can raise it and watch its every moment of growth. This is such a hard decision because it is the only season of the year these puppies are being born. I am contacting breeders (the very very few) that live near my area to see if they would do payment plans but no one has responded yet, plus I feel like they might be offended. I do not see a prob with a payment plan if we establish a contract or something. I was told that she doesn't breed these dogs to show just for companionship for people. I do not know how to really feel about that comment. I am aware her dogs don't have championship bloodlines or championship sire but I am not looking for a show dog. I figured that's why her puppies were cheaper. How is it that she would make a profit when she charges less then a normal breeder though? I am not defending her in anyway I was just puzzled.

[tanza]

@suzee:

Before you buy a puppy from a breeder please consider adopting one from BRAT.. there's SO many that need homes. You can get a puppy/young Basenji from them that's been tested/already vetted/etc.

This is not a correct statement, while BRAT is a wonderful group with too many deserving Basenjis waiting for their forever homes, please not that BRAT Does NOT DNA test for Fanconi

[tanza]

@vickayx:

Wow,

I am def learning allot. I am extremely grateful this forum exists and everyone is so passionate. I have asked her for the names of the Damn and Sire. Also I am asking her for pictures of the mother, father, puppies, puppies with the mother and, the pen and living environment. I totally understand the common sense behind the fact if you buy from a backyard breeder you are only supporting them. I have looked at BRAT before but truthfully I would like to have a puppy so I can raise it and watch its every moment of growth. This is such a hard decision because it is the only season of the year these puppies are being born. I am contacting breeders (the very very few) that live near my area to see if they would do payment plans but no one has responded yet, plus I feel like they might be offended. I do not see a prob with a payment plan if we establish a contract or something. I was told that she doesn't breed these dogs to show just for companionship for people. I do not know how to really feel about that comment. I am aware her dogs don't have championship bloodlines or championship sire but I am not looking for a show dog. I figured that's why her puppies were cheaper. How is it that she would make a profit when she charges less then a normal breeder though? I am not defending her in anyway I was just puzzled.

Reponsible breeders breed to improve the breed and breed to the Basenji AKC (set by The Basenji Club of America) breed standard. Honestly, responsible breeders breed for themselves and usually breed when they have a bloodline that they want to promote. So the responsible breeder keeps the best puppy for themselves to hopefully carry on the lines they are trying to develope (including conformation, health, temperament). So then you still have the rest of the litter… and then the most important thing is the home where they are placed, period.... regardless if companion home or show/performance home. Many of my best homes are pet homes and I would not change that for anything. While I would venture to say that 95% of the pups that I have bred could have finished a show conformation championship the home is more important. So these BYB that claim that they are just breeding "pet" puppies is a bunch of bull, in my opinion.

I as a breeder would never be offended by someone asking about a possible payment plan... and responsible breeders also have a contract regardless, so not that hard to build in a payment plan. I suppose some might be offended, but then if they are, that is not someone I would want to buy from anyway. They can always just say no.

If you are just breeding and selling for profit you are not putting any money into health testing so you don't have that expense. You use dogs on your property to breed, not like a responsible breeder that reseaches who to breed to and most all the time use a dog that could be on the other side of the country because they want to breed the best possible puppies. So that is additional cost by either shipping the bitch to the stud or the expense of AI or frozen semen breeding. Responsible breeders take into account before breeding health testing, conformation, temperament and will mating this dog with the bitch bring something to the breed? Will this mating improve the breed?

If I were you, expand your search of responsible breeders.... Many could be within a day's drive or a trip by air... (which is another thing I will not do, I will not ship a puppy, potential buyers need to come in person).

[DebraDownSouth]

Few things to consider.
1. Do you truly want to help this person continue? If you don't wish to be a part of her unethical breeding scam, do not give her a penny. Money an issue? Get a rescue from BRAT or contact breeders about older (6 mos up) dogs they have that are not going to be shown and need a home.
2. Is it smarter to save another year even, wait for a WELL BRED DOG from a RESPONSIBLE breeder that deserves your support, or jump to get one now. Which options proves you truly are a responsible person who cares about the dog more than your immediate needs?

Bottom line, RUN, run fast, from this person.

[nobarkus]

Adopt a Basenji! There's some great Basenjis at BRAT. I adopted my current Basenji 2 years ago when he was 8 months old and he's got the best temperament!

[lisastewart]

Can you tell us more about yourself? Do you live alone, have a fenced yard, plan to keep the dog indoors, etc? How far are you willing to drive to pick up your puppy? What types of pets have you had in the past, or have presently etc? What hours do you work that the puppy would be alone, need someone to take it out etc.

There may be some people on this list who can refer you to breeders that may have available puppies as litters are born. Sometimes we expect 3-4 pups and get 7. I do know of pending litters in NY, PA, IN and KY that may end up with more puppies than they have reservations.

[lisastewart]

and remember, a basenji can never use an invisble fence. They will run right thru it and other dogs can come on your property and kill your pet.

[vickayx]

I had just filled out a HUGE questionnaire on the same questions u just asked me. My hands hurt from typing so much haha but here is a quick over view. I live with my boyfriend on the lower level of my cousins home which is completely separate from the upstairs. We both work at the same place between 5-8 hours 5 days a week. My cousin comes home from lunch everyday to take his dog Fin out. He said he would do the same for us if we were to get a dog. We just put up a fence. It is similar to the style of a dog park because there are two fences basically. The first gate is near the drive way which is a 10 foot high privacy fence and then u walk into a 20 by 20 grassed area and then there is another gate that goes into another fenced in area that is surrounded by a 6 foot chain link fence the the yard is longer than wider. Anyway once we get home from work we just stay home so the dog would be around us all the time. We are active in the sense we go hiking and trail walking. I plan on crating the dog when I am not home because of what I read and how they are destructive when left alone and bored. I will ALWAYS have it on a leash even in the fenced in yard since they are sight hounds and will want to get anything running. I had a dog an English Springer Spaniel when I was growing up with my parents. We got him because someone was abandoning him and we took him. We had him for a good year but my mother never had allergies and then developed them really bad. So her friend had adopted him and she had another Springer Spaniel and had a big yard for them to play with. She told me if I learn there is everything there is about dogs one day she will get me a hypo-allergenic dog. Well, years pasted I moved out and now I think its time for me to get a dog. I did what she told me I went to the library read dog books day in and day out. I had my own dog walking business as a teenager and I dog sat as well. I still dog sit for my boss when she goes away. I watch animal planet like a religion. So dogs have been a passion of mine for ever it seems. If there are more questions u have I will be happy to answer them. Also I contacted breeders near me and one responded so far and said they are not willing to do a payment plan but I guess I will keep reaching out to people. Oh and I have a bearded dragon as of right now but his cage is 5 feet off the ground and is tucked away so a dog would not be able to get near him.

[suzee]

@tanza:

This is not a correct statement, while BRAT is a wonderful group with too many deserving Basenjis waiting for their forever homes, please not that BRAT Does NOT DNA test for Fanconi

nooo! i'm sorry! i didn't mean it like that. i mean they will tell you if the puppy has fanconi or not. they do test for fanconi every month, as you should with your basenjis with the testing strips..

[paneane]

Why are you planning on crating when you don't know how your dog is yet? I do believe it's different in America versus Europe on crating dogs. I have two dogs myself, I do have crates, but I rarely use them, and I won't use them as they are home alone either.

Not pointing any fingers, just wondering.

[tanza]

@suzee:

nooo! i'm sorry! i didn't mean it like that. i mean they will tell you if the puppy has fanconi or not. they do test for fanconi every month, as you should with your basenjis with the testing strips..

If people would DNA test, then if Clear or Carrier, no need to strip test. Strip testing only tells you on that day, the Basenji is not spilling sugar, could have been the day before or the day after. So really doesn't tell you if that Basenji does or does not have Fanconi

[lvoss]

Strip testing does not tell you if the dog you are adopting has Fanconi, it only says that at that moment it is or is not symptomatic. Strip testing is not the same as testing for Fanconi using the DNA test and should not be referred to as "testing for fanconi" it is screening for symptoms.

[tanza]

Basenji are not really hypo-allergenic, while they are usually good with people that have minor allergies, keep in mind they do shed and they do have dander which is usually what people with allergies react to. I think you will find that when at home in a fenced yard they would be fine and not need to be on a leash. Granted some will climb a chain link fence but that 99% of the time is because they are alone and bored.

[vickayx]

Well, I am just going by what allot of people here in America I guess say is the best method but u are right. You do have a point I do not know that info so it will all vary once I get it. By the way GOOD NEWS! I decided I WILL NOT being getting a puppy from that woman in Texas as she IS a puppy mill breeder. I spoke to a woman who is very devoted to the breed and is located in Mass. she wants to meet me first in person so I will drive there which will take about 6 hours just to meet and then come back at a later date, that is if both her and I decide this is a good idea to work with each other, to pick a puppy and ect.. so I feel soo much better about all this that I will not be supporting a puppy mill and I am going through legit breeder who only wants to better the breed. She only reserves 2 puppies for companionship out of each litter for the most part and the other dogs she chooses are for herself to show and breed to better breed standards. So I hope that every one is feeling better like I am about my decision. You guys are right there is no rush and there is no price when it comes to getting the best of the breed I do not want to be a supporter of puppy mills. I am so glad I researched all this before I made the final decision because I bet there are many people out there that just buy a dog on impulse.

[tanza]

Glad to hear and a very wise decision, IMO… Who are you visiting? Many of us are related by our Basenjis.