So... here's my take on the whole Basenji/Basenji Mix/Faux-Senji thing...
I tend to be an optimist. A half full kinda guy, who seeks out the silver lining. I subscribe to the notion that happiness... is a choice.
I love that people pop in to ask if their dog might be part Basenji. Why? Because they've made themselves aware of a Basenji in the first dog gone place! My god, people... it's no secret that Basenjis are NOT popular. They're NOT. I see them everyday because I have two. I have NEVER seen another Basenji in my town of 45,000. EVER! That someone who has a Basenjieque mutt wants to know what it is; has stumbled upon our beloved Basenji and our forum; and has educated themselves about it's gifts, characteristics, behaviors, and health issues when compared to most other popular breeds... why on Earth would would we ever say anything to discourage them?
Most people out-live their dogs. And, they get another one. If a person thought that they had a Basenji mix, or were able to prove that they had a Basenji mix through DNA testing... so what? They loved that dog regardless. It's possible that they might decide to seek out a purebred Basenji for their next dog based on that casual research or DNA evidence.
After losing Jengo my research road led me to a Basenji breeder, who I absolutely adore. She's taught me so much about Basenjis, and she's introduced me to other legendary Basenji breeders. She's became a good friend and an expert that I can lean on. That road led to me being able to become the custodian of two pure bred Basenji Confirmation Champions; a male and a female. This was, in my opinion, in no small part based upon our knowledge and enthusiasm about Basenjis. An owner of a Basenji mix or a Faux-Senji could have achieved the same. The love of the breed is so much more important than any label. I once had an Ausie/mix. He was an Ausie/Border Collie mix. The label helped me appreciate the characteristics, behaviors, and health issues of the this dog... who I loved so very very much.
Most purebred Basenji puppies will not be show dogs. They won't. Most will be pets, companions, which means breeders need pet owners because not all puppies are show quality. Breeders need interested, educated, enthusiastic, responsible, loving homes for puppies. And if that enthusiasm was sparked from a wanabe Basenji, a Faux-Basenji, a Basenji mix, or a rescue Basenji... I don't care. I care that people love a Basenji. If someone "thinks" they have a Basenji, or want to call it a Basenji even if it's not... I don't care. Chances are they have an idea of what a Basenji is. That's what's most important to me. We should be encouraging people to consider Basenjis. Not discouraging them through exclusivity.
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