Looking for Breeder

[Luigifrangigi]

Hello everyone! My name is Denise and I live in Taunton, MA. I have always loved the basenji breed ever since I met a few at a sighthound gathering years ago. Finally after moving to a new place with a high fenced in yard, I’m ready to start the search for my dog. In the past I have owned Italian Greyhounds. So I’m accustomed to high maintenance dogs and the #1 rule of sight hound ownership...NEVER EVER off leash! Lol! I’ve attempted to contact to local breeders via email but haven’t had a response from either. I even completed a very thorough questionnaire. Do you have any tips as to the best way to contact a breeder? I’m looking forward to being part of this group! Thank you in advance for any help!

[CrazySenji]

Welcome!
I'm sorry you are having trouble getting in contact with breeders. Some of them aren't great at communication but luckily most are! This isn't the best time of year to start looking as most puppies are spoken for. Most basenjis in the USA are born October-January so your best bet is to get on a waiting list. Are you willing to travel? I don't know any breeders in MA.. I live in the Midwest and know many breeders but that might be a bit far. My dogs are from KY and MO.

It's been a long time since I've done the breeder hunt (I'm happy with who I've used for the past 15 years!). I remember I emailed EVERYONE I could find until I got responses. I made sure the breeders health tested their dogs (we have far better tests now!), had titles on their dogs and seemed to be in good standing with the BCOA. Now a days Facebook seems to be a good route to contact people. Breeders are friends with other breeders and if someone you contact doesn't have a puppy for you they might know someone who does! This is actually how I got my first dog. I was referred by one breeder to another.

Never settle for less than the best! There are a lot of BYB out there who might have pups all the time but PLEASE make sure to check them out with OFA and see if they are a BCOA member.

[DebraDownSouth]

Excellent advise already.

I would contact your local breed club, not just the breeders.

https://www.basenji.org/index.php/about-basenjis/breeder-directory

Contact ALL the breeders within driving distance and let them know you are interested. While many pups are ready to go home, homes fall through for a variety of reasons... so be on the list. :) Also, if you are interested in an older dog, let them know that. Many breeders have under a year to 5 yr olds that simply didn't fit the program or had a litter or 2 and are ready to be lavished with a lot of personal attention. Good luck in your hunt!

[Luigifrangigi]

Thank you so much for the responses. They are very helpful! I’m originally from Ohio and still visit my family there quite often so a drive out there to pick up a pup would be easy for me! Do you have any names you could share?

[CrazySenji]

Yes of course!
Laurie Owen - Spring Willow
Becky Blansett - Epic
Tim Huff - Victory
Sue kite - Klassic

My parents have a little girl from Laurie and I think she may have an “out of season” litter. She is on Facebook and very nice. Always welcomes people into her home to see her dogs. :). She’s on Facebook, send her a message!

I don’t know that the others have any pups left this year or plans to breed til fall but they all have nice dogs!

[amys112]

Hi Denise, I live in Boston and twice have gotten basenjis from Eldorado Basenji in North Attleboro. I cannot recommend them enough - the two breeders in charge know everything about the breed and are truly passionate about their work and love their dogs. They have puppies in November and December, but have adult basenjis (under 3) available throughout the year. The dogs are beautiful and healthy with excellent genes. I highly recommend them!

[Redial]

Hi there from faR away,
But, there is a breeder who breeds Africans, her name is CarolAnn Worsham, and she lives in Ohio near Columbus. Good luck with your search.

[tanza]

@crazysenji - Also for Klassic is Jeff Gillespie, Ashtabula Ohio

[CrazySenji]

@tanza Yes I know him well! I forgot to list him 😩

[tanza]

@luigifrangigi - Also not all are good with social media (email), try calling them direct... sometimes it works better.

[Luigifrangigi]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the helpful feedback! I’ll keep you posted!

[Luigifrangigi]

@amys112 Hi! I’m right near them , in Taunton, MA! What’s the best way to reach them? I completed their application online but did not hear back.