• @hdolbow:

    Hello everyone! My boyfriend and I are proud parents of a 2 and half year old red and white male, Rocky, and we recently paid for our new addition, another red and white 🙂 this one is a female, and shes only 6 weeks old. She hasn't arrived yet, we've still got 16 days to wait [yes, i'm counting down the days! ] we've been searching for quite some time. There were other females in the house up until April. Our male was extremely tempermental, but has calmed down a lot being the only dog in the house, so we're a bit nervous about bringing the puppy into our home. Neither myself or my boyfriend have had a puppy before (The others were raised in another home, and were over 1 when they arrived here) I'm just looking for some tips about everything to do with a pup 🙂 anything will help! I've been researching just about every day since we decided on getting the new pup, so I know what the internet has to say. Just wondering what REAL basenji owners have to say 🙂 Thanks a lot !

    What has your breeder said? Typically I require that anyone with a dog already, regardless of the breed, bring them along to meet the pup at the breeders home to see what the reaction of the older one is to the pups… And IMO, 8 wks is a bit to young as they are still pretty needy and are likely to "latch" onto the other dog as a substitute for its Mom and littermates. I know that any male in my home with a new pup couldn't stand the puppy teeth....


  • Thank you all for your great tips! 🙂

    To answer some of your questions..

    Being from NJ, there is ONE breeder that i know of that is actually semi-close (about 1.5-2 hours) and that would be Doris Daniels. Our male is actually from her, but was not bought straight from her. She didn't even know the original owner had sold them. I found her from Rockys registered name (Djakomba.. her kennel name.. was actually in his name). We've talked to her quite a bit, through emails and on the phone. Although shocked that one of her pups was sold without her knowledge, She was extremely helpful.

    In all reality, we don't show our dogs, so theres not really any need for our dog to be champion sired or have champion blood lines. I know that those terms don't mean that they HAVE to be showed, it just means they are almsot perfect examples of how a Basenji should look. Spending thousands of dollars for pups just because of their parents is a little crazy to my boyfriend and I (you might call us crazy), especially if they are just pets. Maybe it's because we are young and nieve:p

    I've looked on BRAT since April too, but with no luck. We've found a few breeders in Maryland, but even then, they are 3+ hours away. I've talked to breeders all over, and tried to get recomendations for breeders around here, and really have had no luck. 😞 Breeders either don't respond or don't have the type of pup we want. (Keep in mind we've been looking for a pup since April of 07, so i've done adquate research:o ) The distance that these breeders are, it is EXTREMELY hard and a LONG drive for us to bring our dog to see them. Our boy only behaves in my car, when its just the two of us. If my boyfriend is with us, or we are in his truck, he does NOT behave at all! (I like to think he just behaves for his mommy 😃 )

    He has been around other dogs. Lived with others when they were younger. My boyfriend had bought Rocky and another pup from Doris, Adrianne, when Rocky was 1 and Adrianne was 6 months. They had been together since Adrianne was born. There was also another Basenji ( Who was just a pet shop dog) in the house too. When his ex moved out, she took the females with her. My boy goes to my parents, and plays with their 13 year old Rotty/Lab mix, Lady. It made us sad to see him play with her, knowing that he had to go home to a lonely house where he had no one to play with besides us. He actually ran away from me when i tried to put on his leash! 😞 it broke our hearts! lol

    And thanks again for any more info! 🙂


  • @hdolbow:

    In all reality, we don't show our dogs, so theres not really any need for our dog to be champion sired or have champion blood lines. I know that those terms don't mean that they HAVE to be showed, it just means they are almsot perfect examples of how a Basenji should look. Spending thousands of dollars for pups just because of their parents is a little crazy to my boyfriend and I (you might call us crazy), especially if they are just pets. Maybe it's because we are young and nieve:p

    Actually, there is a lot more to a responsible breeder than just owning champions. For most pet owners, what is far more important to them then the titles the dog holds is that the parents have had appropriate health testing and the breeding done to maximize the chances that the puppies will be healthy. Also, that the pups have good temperarments which means being able to meet with the breeder and see their dogs. A responsible breeder will also be a resource for the owner for the rest of the pup's life providing support and information. Also, most responsibly bred basenjis are much more reasonably priced for what you get. They should not cost thousands but may be between $800-1000 depending on the area you are in.

    It is very important that any perspective puppy buyer knows what they are paying for and it shouldn't be the titles on the parents.


  • @lvoss:

    Actually, there is a lot more to a responsible breeder than just owning champions. For most pet owners, what is far more important to them then the titles the dog holds is that the parents have had appropriate health testing and the breeding done to maximize the chances that the puppies will be healthy. Also, that the pups have good temperarments which means being able to meet with the breeder and see their dogs. A responsible breeder will also be a resource for the owner for the rest of the pup's life providing support and information. Also, most responsibly bred basenjis are much more reasonably priced for what you get. They should not cost thousands but may be between $800-1000 depending on the area you are in.

    It is very important that any perspective puppy buyer knows what they are paying for and it shouldn't be the titles on the parents.

    Absolutely true. And quality breeders don't necessarily only breed champion dogs. It's about the quality of the animal, not the title in front of the name.
    So do please ask about the health testing and history of the parents of your pup, regardless of who you buy it from.

    If there is a breeder charging thousands of dollars for a pup, run in the opposite direction! 🙂


  • @JazzysMom:

    If there is a breeder charging thousands of dollars for a pup, run in the opposite direction! 🙂

    Without question…....no more than $1000.00 and idealy less. IMO.


  • @lvoss:

    Actually, there is a lot more to a responsible breeder than just owning champions. For most pet owners, what is far more important to them then the titles the dog holds is that the parents have had appropriate health testing and the breeding done to maximize the chances that the puppies will be healthy. Also, that the pups have good temperarments which means being able to meet with the breeder and see their dogs. A responsible breeder will also be a resource for the owner for the rest of the pup's life providing support and information. Also, most responsibly bred basenjis are much more reasonably priced for what you get. They should not cost thousands but may be between $800-1000 depending on the area you are in.

    It is very important that any perspective puppy buyer knows what they are paying for and it shouldn't be the titles on the parents.

    Also if someone is trying to charge more for a certain color, I would run the other way…. responsible breeders to not charge more for one color over the other. As indicated, health testing is important, especially the DNA test for Fanconi. All sires and dam of new litters should have been tested before they were bred. Those results are on the OFA open data base for Basenjis (www.offa.org)). And responsible breeders place their pet pups on a spay/neuter contract. And pups should be bred according to health, temperament and conformation "and" what that particular mating has to offer the breed, not for just selling puppies. Responsible breeders do not make money, far from it, we usually lose but may get lucky and break even….


  • Oh definately. I'm not saying that you need a title to have a good dog.

    I have asked more questions than anyone could imagine to the breeder of the pup we bought. the breeder has done health testing and they are healthy. the pups are AKC registered and have a health gaurantee as well. The breeder has responded to me promptly and has answered all the questions that I have asked her completely. Her references were awesome.


  • Hey hdolbow, good luck with your new puppy. i added a male puppy when i had a 3 year old female basenji. i found that he really emulated the things she did and potty training was actually quite easy. i learned quickly to keep remotes, clothes, watches, cell phones etc. out of puppy reach. I also fed them separately (one inside crate, one outside crate) for a while but overall it was a pretty smooth transition! I hope it works out well for you! Where in NJ ar you? I work in Mahwah…


  • Hey hdolbow, good luck with your new puppy. i added a male puppy when i had a 3 year old female basenji. i found that he really emulated the things she did and potty training was actually quite easy. i learned quickly to keep remotes, clothes, watches, cell phones etc. out of puppy reach. I also fed them separately (one inside crate, one outside crate) for a while but overall it was a pretty smooth transition! I hope it works out well for you! Where in NJ are you? I work in Mahwah…


  • @tanza:

    Also if someone is trying to charge more for a certain color, I would run the other way…. responsible breeders to not charge more for one color over the other.

    I never really understood that, and found it kind of odd when breeders do that. I know that the one i got my pup from charges the same rate for all colors.


  • Our Dash is a pet store B. As much as we adore him, we would not do it again. What I didn't realize about buying from a reputable breeder is the contact throughout the dogs life you have with that breeder. Having someone in your corner who know these dogs well is worth a lot. Also, we have no idea what the history of our dog is and since it is pretty much a guarantee that no health testing was done we are parnoid something could come up. This could end up costing us thousands in the long run or possibly lose our beloved boy.

    I know how hard it is to walk away from an adorable puppy but it may be the best thing for all.

    Best of luck to you!


  • @hdolbow:

    Oh definately. I'm not saying that you need a title to have a good dog.

    I have asked more questions than anyone could imagine to the breeder of the pup we bought. the breeder has done health testing and they are healthy. the pups are AKC registered and have a health gaurantee as well. The breeder has responded to me promptly and has answered all the questions that I have asked her completely. Her references were awesome.

    That is great, but it is always good to check for yourself. You can check the OFA web site for the sire and dam and see all the test results for yourself. It is something that all prospective buyer should do, regardless… Knowledge is a powerful thing.... and remember that Basenji's have late onset problems that do not show up till after the age of 3yrs and typically not till 5 to 7 (for Fanconi and PRA). Also hips can't be tested till 2 for a final reading. And to check for yourself is not a "slam" on the breeder, they should be "impressed" that you do so... I know as a breeder I would be.


  • @Tayda_Lenny:

    Hey hdolbow, good luck with your new puppy. i added a male puppy when i had a 3 year old female basenji. i found that he really emulated the things she did and potty training was actually quite easy. i learned quickly to keep remotes, clothes, watches, cell phones etc. out of puppy reach. I also fed them separately (one inside crate, one outside crate) for a while but overall it was a pretty smooth transition! I hope it works out well for you! Where in NJ are you? I work in Mahwah…

    South Jersey.. We live in Monroeville, a reallllly tiny little farming town. we're surrounded by christmas tree fields on every side 🙂 We're about 5 minutes from 55 Though, and 30 to DE and 20 to Philly. About 5-10 minutes to Rowan University/Glassboro.


  • @tanza:

    That is great, but it is always good to check for yourself. You can check the OFA web site for the sire and dam and see all the test results for yourself. It is something that all prospective buyer should do, regardless… Knowledge is a powerful thing.... and remember that Basenji's have late onset problems that do not show up till after the age of 3yrs and typically not till 5 to 7 (for Fanconi and PRA). Also hips can't be tested till 2 for a final reading. And to check for yourself is not a "slam" on the breeder, they should be "impressed" that you do so... I know as a breeder I would be.

    Awesome.. I'll definately check that out! Thanks 🙂


  • @hdolbow:

    Awesome.. I'll definately check that out! Thanks 🙂

    Your welcome, if you need any help looking it up, send me a private message and I will help. Or you can just post the sire and dams name….


  • For those who have never gone to the OFA website and looked up a dog, I would highly recommend you do just to get familiar with the sort of information you can find. Here are links to two of my dog's pages so you can get an idea the sort of things you might see.

    http://www.offa.org/display.html?appnum=1048448#animal
    http://www.offa.org/display.html?appnum=1197609#animal


  • @JazzysMom:

    Absolutely true. And quality breeders don't necessarily only breed champion dogs. It's about the quality of the animal, not the title in front of the name.
    So do please ask about the health testing and history of the parents of your pup, regardless of who you buy it from.

    If there is a breeder charging thousands of dollars for a pup, run in the opposite direction! 🙂

    Yes! In fact, most responsible breeders RELY on pet puppy buyers to enable us to breed dogs to show. That is, we need homes for the puppies we can't keep…and we want them to go to the most loving, and caring homes. We need "just" pet owners to help be our voice, particularly when it comes to voting against legislation that would ban breeding dogs.

    IMO...there is no such thing as "just" a pet owner. Puppy buyers are a huge part of the equation! Without them, there will be no quality puppies bred.....


  • hdolbow - Contrats on getting your new little furry family member! Welcome to the Forums. You've already got a good head start here with premium advice. Very exciting and yet alot of committed work for awhile. Good luck - hope everything goes well.


  • When goober met mimi we just brought him into the house and now mimi hates goober. when we got luna goober needed a walk as soon as we got home, so goober and luna met in the park. they get along great. i also read somewhere that the best way to introduce new dogs is in "neutral" territory. it's worked for me so try bringing rocky to the dog park to meet your new puppy.


  • i've actually read that too 🙂 somewhere outside the house and yard, until they get comfortable with each other, then bring them to the most neutral spot in the house, i'd guess the kitchen beings that rocky has claimed the couch and our bed as HIS territory (:p ), after taking away all toys or things that could be faught over.. Hopefully it all works out :o

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