• there are people looking for "Non allergy dogs" for their kids or grandkids. Unfortunately,others say "get a Basenji!".Too many people think they are "normal" dogs and soon find out they require a little more than a "normal" dog.


  • @grouchybasenji:

    there are people looking for "Non allergy dogs" for their kids or grandkids. Unfortunately,others say "get a Basenji!".Too many people think they are "normal" dogs and soon find out they require a little more than a "normal" dog.

    ohhhh, i was wondering how the guy in texas could advertise almost 70 puppies on the internet and sell them all. that might explain it. 😞


  • I agree with what everyone is saying–it's sad to see basenjis getting dumped, but I do think this forum provides an invaluable service to the breed (and their families). Over 16 years ago, I was one of those very uninformed people (on a LOT of things) who made an impulse purchase of a 3 mo old basenji puppy at a pet store. I had saved up money to buy an entertainment center for my new house, and I ended up buying Max instead. He had me at his first yodel there in the little pet store cage. I knew nothing about basenjis, nothing about puppy mills, and he was my first dog of my own. Fortunately, we ended up being a good match, and I was able to provide a great, secure home for him. I happened to get him into classes that focused on positive reinforcement. He was never a very obediant dog--but he was happy and very, very loved (and yes--pretty spoiled). I wish this forum had been available 16 years ago. But it's here now, and I'm getting ready to pick up two adult basenji rescues in April and appreciate that I have this forum and all of the terrific members as a resource. Many thanks to the Admin who is so dedicated to this forum and the breed!


  • I agree with all the comments and would like to just say that I am one of those pple who did not find out enough inf. about B's before adopting. I just looked at one site explaining minimal background on them and just figured hey it's a small dog, good with kids, dosen't shed much, why not…well our B is alot of work and I must admit I have thought about giving our Champ up but for only about 3 hrs. He has now become part of our family and I just look at him as our adolescent son who with some guidance and rules and alot of exercise will be that sweet beautiful lovable dog he is when he's nice and calm. As another member commented, good things come with hard work and our hearts always melt when he looks at us with his big brown eyes and sleeps besides us. But this is not to say that we still did not have enough info on our B before hand and so I do understand with those that feel there're in over their heads. But I just don't understand how after rescuing an animal, all options are not exhausted before giving up. But anyway don't feel so disappointed, just wanted to tell you that here's a B owner that will be one unconditionaly.


  • By the way, this forum has helped us tremendoulsy understand and deal with our B. It's alot easier when you know that pple are there to listen and help. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP!


  • PS- If it makes anyone feel better… Miles threw up again this morning. Shortly thereafter he pee'd on the floor. After lunch, he poo'd in 7 different piles. Today sucked. Stinky little B. (He's still getting adjusted to the food since we rescued him so his tummy is still messed up, ugh.)

    So what did I do? I went to PetCo and bought that stupid expensive toy I've been eyeing. You know the one... Hide a Squirrel. It was $17 at PetCo. Dang it. I bought it. I got SO excited because I've been looking for one and could never find it in a store. And they LOVE it. Only Lexi will play with her toys while Miles really wants to DESTROY them. Any suggestions on how to get him to play and not destroy the fuzzies?

    The point of this, was to say- Miles sucked today. And I am still with him. 🙂 He is my frantic boy. He runs incessantly around the couch with an abundance of energy. He might be OCD. hahahahaha


  • The good breeders inform the public what they are to expect with a basenji puppy.
    THE other type, well, give them the fund and they give you a dog.
    No other info given.
    But the fact that we have folks who will help these dogs when they are bounced is great.
    I know Amber, who started this thread and she is a very big help to basenji rescue.
    We are so very luck in the PNW that 99% of the breeders are wonderful and screen their homes.
    They make doing rescue easier by far.
    Other areas, well, we can only hope that these folks find some companion for the animals and some other way to make money.


  • sharron, thanks for the compliment 🙂

    i cant take credit for starting the thread though.
    I totally agree about our PNW breeders, all the ones I have met in person (mary k, bryan and laurie and kathy b) are great.


  • Yes, it is amazing that someone could breed that many pups…. and be able to place them... yikes... rescue look out... It is sad also that there are so many sites and BYB and pet stores have all the "wrong" information about our breed, the one that kills me is "no bark".... I just want to scream... NOT MUTE... lol.... We have a bench show out here in No. California, one of the few that are left in the US... you are required to have your dog on display for the entire day of the shows for the public to visit and talk to breeders... One of my very close friends (now over the bridge with her Basenjis), had a boy name Zak... Zak was the "best" screamer.. and would scream on que.. LOL... that was enough to turn off 99% of people that came there thinking that Basenjis were mute...


  • 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.

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