I cannot imagine committing to buy a puppy without seeing the animal and if possible the sire and dam. OTOH, a rescue (or adoption of an older dog) is a different thing. My last two Basenjis came to me sight unseen, and turned out to be wonderful dogs, but the breeders I got them from wanted to place their dogs in an experienced Basenji home, and I only paid the cost of getting the dogs to me. One came by air, one was personally transported to me by his breeder. If she hadn't been happy with what she found I expect she would have taken him back with her when she left. I also had to commit to return him if ever I couldn't keep him. Good breeders care about where their dogs end up.
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Most responsible breeders will wait till the bitch is 3 to breed, they have to be at least 2 to have the hips done… and most breeders look for an older male to breed to... at least I do... I don't want in my breeding dogs that are only 5 or 6 yrs old in the first three generations... I like to see age... shows health... My one litter was sired by a 14 yr old... and while one of my litters the sire and dam were the same age of 4, their parents were older at 7 and (sire died at 16) on the bitch side and on the sire side I think it was like 9 and 11
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Yes I am having a hard time, but I still believe it's possible, and I don't need to have full ownership of the dog right now. In the future, I would like to fully own a breeding pair of good, healthy, dogs to breed and continue to further the basenji, but it's not necessary now.
There are over 1,100 members on here, but only a couple hundred are active, and I think that is due to the major difference of opinions that people have. I just am willing to fight long and hard for my opinions.
And I apologize first for the people this may offend, but I do see there as being much more of an elitist attitude among the community of responsible basenji breeders that I don't see in many other breeds' breeders.
And you think that is a bad thing? That Basenji breeders take breeding seriously? And being a responsible breeder is a bad thing? Elitist how? because responsible breeders believe in health testing and not just selling puppies on open registration to just anyone? I think that if you really found responsible breeders in every breed you will find the same concerns and the same attitudes. In every breed you can find BYB's and responsible breeders…
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I do so hope you listen to what these breeders are telling you.
I don't see it as picking on your or being elitist.
I think they are trying to help you learn.
Hope you see that this boy might be wonderful for you, but not an asset to the basenji breed as a whole.
I am not a breeder, but I love my dogs and I know you feel the same way.
I really think you need to get to meet some of the breeder in your area and see what they can teach you.
We all had to start somewhere and learn.
I would assume when you breed your litter with your name on them, you would want the very best quality basenjis you can produce.
That will take time and learning… -
I'm very stubborn, but trying to listen and take in criticisms. I know medjai is probably not an asset to the breed. At least, he's not good to be bred, he is great for helping show people the breed though.
I am also not planning on breeding in the next couple years, but because I would like to breed in the future, I would like to get better quality dogs next, instead of simply other dogs from Medjai's breeder's other dogs with different lines.
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Again, I am not a breeder but this seems very smart to me, your not wanting to get another dog who might not be the standard to show and breed.again, no offense to your current basenji.
It seems to me that breeding needs to be done with the best of the best re dogs and bitches.
Not the most popular, as this has been big trouble in the past, but the lines of health and movement that complement your dog and blood lines.
I never felt I had the smarts or skill to become a breeder, so I do rescue and I do love to help dogs.
I am looking forward to seeing you show your quality dogs ringside, in the future.
Its just time and learning… -
Michael, accidents happen, and if you really care about the Basenji Breed then you would step up and do the right thing. You would neuter your dog to prevent the possiblity that Fanconi could be passed on to another. I know you think you can control things, but the reality of life is that you can only control yourself and your behavior. Ask yourself, could your parents control you?
If you really want to learn to show dogs, then your best path to doing so, is to attend as many shows as you can, and talk to both handlers and owners. You would surprised what you can learn, just by watching and talking to others. Also someone might take you under their wing and teach you what you really need to know.
All of what you have said so far, makes me wonder if this is more about your personal desires than anything else.
What is wrong with you just loving your dog? If you do love your dog and the breed, then you just might be extending his life, and protecting the breed by having him neutered.
Jason
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Michael, accidents happen, and if you really care about the Basenji Breed then you would step up and do the right thing. You would neuter your dog to prevent the possiblity that Fanconi could be passed on to another. I know you think you can control things, but the reality of life is that you can only control yourself and your behavior. Ask yourself, could your parents control you?
If you really want to learn to show dogs, then your best path to doing so, is to attend as many shows as you can, and talk to both handlers and owners. You would surprised what you can learn, just by watching and talking to others. Also someone might take you under their wing and teach you what you really need to know.
All of what you have said so far, makes me wonder if this is more about your personal desires than anything else.
What is wrong with you just loving your dog? If you do love your dog and the breed, then you just might be extending his life, and protecting the breed by having him neutered.
Jason
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Michael,
In the end it is really about the dog.. pure and simple…. you have a dog that is DNA tested as affected... chances are 99% at some point he will have Fanconi.... the best you can do for him at this point is to make his life as easy as possible. By neutering him now is to lessen the stress on him... and help to keep him as stress free and healthly as possible.. for as long as you can.If you are interested in getting something to breed at some point.... hook up with a breeder now... spend the time and effort to learn about conformation, showing and breeding... with a mentor.... many of us have mentored people.. and personally I love doing it... and that is not to say that someone has to believe in exactly what I think might be the "perfect" Basenji... but in the end.. health is something we can all agree on...
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Michael,
In the end it is really about the dog.. pure and simple…. you have a dog that is DNA tested as affected... chances are 99% at some point he will have Fanconi.... the best you can do for him at this point is to make his life as easy as possible. By neutering him now is to lessen the stress on him... and help to keep him as stress free and healthly as possible.. for as long as you can.If you are interested in getting something to breed at some point.... hook up with a breeder now... spend the time and effort to learn about conformation, showing and breeding... with a mentor.... many of us have mentored people.. and personally I love doing it... and that is not to say that someone has to believe in exactly what I think might be the "perfect" Basenji... but in the end.. health is something we can all agree on...
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I have called the vet and made an appointment to get him neutered next week. Although I don't like it, I am looking to join the BCOA and get a quality dog in the close future, and the only way for either of the two to happen is to neuter Medjai soon.
And I have talked with multiple people both at the semi-local breed club and at the last two shows I attended with basenjis. So far, I have yet to find someone who would give me the light of day, but once I settle to my more permanent place in AZ, I will hopefully find someone who will.
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I'm very stubborn, but trying to listen and take in criticisms. I know medjai is probably not an asset to the breed. At least, he's not good to be bred, he is great for helping show people the breed though.
I am also not planning on breeding in the next couple years, but because I would like to breed in the future, I would like to get better quality dogs next, instead of simply other dogs from Medjai's breeder's other dogs with different lines.
There is no reason that as a neutered dog that he can't help people learn about the breed…
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I have called the vet and made an appointment to get him neutered next week. Although I don't like it, I am looking to join the BCOA and get a quality dog in the close future, and the only way for either of the two to happen is to neuter Medjai soon.
And I have talked with multiple people both at the semi-local breed club and at the last two shows I attended with basenjis. So far, I have yet to find someone who would give me the light of day, but once I settle to my more permanent place in AZ, I will hopefully find someone who will.
Why don't you try making contact with breeders in Arizona now, via email and telephone? Once you get there, make a few home visits.
That may show them how serious you are and how ready to learn, and they will have more time to listen and discuss fully what you are hoping to do.At the shows they are very busy and often distracted, so while that is a great way to watch and learn and even make those first meetings, it may not be the best environment for developing a real relationship and finding your mentor.
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I have tried making contact with two of them. One has just ignored my emails, and the other was nice, and kept writing back.
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Also, there is probably a local basenji club who does have meetings to discuss shows and such.
See if you can find out when they are and ask to attend.I think once your boy is fixed, you will be welcomed.
Having intact animals who are not quality no offense and asking about more intact animals will put off most breeders.
So, keep at it.
I do hope one day to see your photo and your basenji in the basenji mag with a show win. -
The club in AZ is the Basenji Fanciers of Greater Phoenix… they have a website, so you can see what events they might have coming up.
And yes once you are in AZ you can go to shows there and talk to people. Remember to wait till after they have shown, most of us are pretty "comsumed" before ring time... Ask breeders if you can come an visit at their homes and meet their dogs... from experience, I love it when people want to just come "hang" out at my house.... and meet my dogs.
And Michael, you are doing the right thing by neutering your boy, for his health and well being... and again in the end, it is all about the dogs.
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Michael,
Don't let Medjai's neutering stop you from learning how to show. You can take a neutered dog, or even a mixed breed, to show training classes to learn how to handle. Non AKC sanctioned fun matches will normally let you show a neutered animal, too. If you find a show breeder (in any breed) near you, they may even spend time with you and give you a few lessons. Sometimes just going to your first dog show(s) with an experienced person who can explain what is happening to you step by step is more educational than entering a show and stumbling through it alone and leaving confused. Consider joining the closest Basenji club to you and get to know other Basenji owners and breeders. Show people through your actions that you are sincere in learning how to become a responsible breeder and once people get to know you, someone will sponsor you for the BCOA. Be patient and try to push aside your stubborness <vbg>and listen and learn from experienced people. If you follow through with this you will be well on your way to becoming a responsible breeder. :)</vbg> -
The greeley kennel club, which offers the classes I go to, has several judges in it. I have gotten 2 to talk with me and help answer some questions. They aren't too good with the specifics on basenjis, but they are very helpful in general.
I should be able to get more basenji info when I settle in Tucson, AZ, because I'm sure there's more basenji breeders/showers there than in Greeley. I don't even know if there's another basenji in Greeley.
As for the sponsorship, that should be taken care of shortly, I received notice from the BCOA that when I neuter Medjai, they will re-sponsor me. I don't know why the two sponsors I got, knew my plans with Medjai and still sponsored me, just to rescind it later. Especially without telling me.
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It does sound like your on the right tract to get into a good basenji club.
Good luck and keep us informed on how it goes. -
The greeley kennel club, which offers the classes I go to, has several judges in it. I have gotten 2 to talk with me and help answer some questions. They aren't too good with the specifics on basenjis, but they are very helpful in general.
I should be able to get more basenji info when I settle in Tucson, AZ, because I'm sure there's more basenji breeders/showers there than in Greeley. I don't even know if there's another basenji in Greeley.
As for the sponsorship, that should be taken care of shortly, I received notice from the BCOA that when I neuter Medjai, they will re-sponsor me. I don't know why the two sponsors I got, knew my plans with Medjai and still sponsored me, just to rescind it later. Especially without telling me.
I have to say, I find that in very bad taste to sponsor someone and then rescind it after the fact… if people are going to sponsor someone then they need to "know" that person... so I agree with you totally on that point Michael.... and yes there are shows in Tucson and the Phoenix area usually from October thru May...
And showing is showing... the basic are the same whether you have a Basenji or another breed.
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I'm glad you've decided on this course of action. Once Medjai is neutered and you relocate you can go ahead with the plans you have. The Az breeders are very nice and I'm sure you'll find them to be very helpful.
When I took handling classes, both instructors always said to go to a show and watch how your individual breed is shown. The basics are all the same but each breed is handled a bit differently. Once I started showing Apache many of the breeders would also give me tips on how to correct or maybe do things a bit differently.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
