Hello all, I am probably going to answer my question myself, but wanted input anyway. We have a deposit on our little guy and are scheduled to pick him up in two weeks (Feb 4). I would take him now, but he is too young (6 weeks). The bad timing in my title is because my husband has a triathlon two weeks after that. I've contacted the breeder and am waiting for a reply asking if she would keep our little guy a couple weeks longer. I don't see it as an issue because from what I've read in other posts, that would be a better time to release the pups, he would be 10 1/2 weeks at at that time. If we end up taking him before the triathlon, wouldn't that be too traumatic to introduce him to a new home followed by a weekend trip (he would come with, of course)? I really don't see it as a problem, the breeder keeping him longer. She loves her pups and socializes them very well. I just want what is best for our guy. The waiting part is getting harder, but worth it, is what I keep reminding myself!

(p.s. I have checked into the medical history of the parents, both are listed on OFA and check out clear)

Thanks!!

I don't see why picking him up and taking him on a trip with you would be detrimental. It would expose him to new sights and sounds and early socialization. Though if he doesn't have his second set of shots yet and you are going to places where there would be a lot of dogs I don't think I would do that. But there shouldn't be an issue with the breeder keeping him for another two weeks either, if there is then there is an issue right there. It is nice to get them after 10 weeks because they get more interaction with dogs than humans. Good for you for doing the proper research on the health testing. Make sure when you get him to take and post lots of pictures!

@jjuds:

Hello all, I am probably going to answer my question myself, but wanted input anyway. We have a deposit on our little guy and are scheduled to pick him up in two weeks (Feb 4). I would take him now, but he is too young (6 weeks). The bad timing in my title is because my husband has a triathlon two weeks after that. I've contacted the breeder and am waiting for a reply asking if she would keep our little guy a couple weeks longer. I don't see it as an issue because from what I've read in other posts, that would be a better time to release the pups, he would be 10 1/2 weeks at at that time. If we end up taking him before the triathlon, wouldn't that be too traumatic to introduce him to a new home followed by a weekend trip (he would come with, of course)? I really don't see it as a problem, the breeder keeping him longer. She loves her pups and socializes them very well. I just want what is best for our guy. The waiting part is getting harder, but worth it, is what I keep reminding myself!

(p.s. I have checked into the medical history of the parents, both are listed on OFA and check out clear)

Thanks!!

Was the Fanconi test the direct test?

And if you do pick him up and take him, you need to be very careful where you walk him and contact with other dogs. While I take mine out at 8wks, I am careful that I don't let them sniff poop that was not picked up (by rude people) as things like parvo shed in the stool.

Who is his breeder? Many of us are related by our Basenjis.

@tanza:

Was the Fanconi test the direct test?

And if you do pick him up and take him, you need to be very careful where you walk him and contact with other dogs. While I take mine out at 8wks, I am careful that I don't let them sniff poop that was not picked up (by rude people) as things like parvo shed in the stool.

Who is his breeder? Many of us are related by our Basenjis.

Yes, that was one of my concerns, taking him out. We are going to Corpus Christi for the triathlon and want to avoid exposing him to all those germs.

The breeder is Mary Beth Weiss just outside Houston.

You might want to read this thread

http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?10584-red-and-white-byb-girl-sale-250-00-houston

This breeder is less than responsible. Please make sure that the Fanconi test on the parent dogs was the direct (newer) test.

As for your question, knowing about this breeder, I guess I would probably take your little one with you. Just be ultra careful not to let your pup near other dogs or any fecal matter. Maybe you could carry your pup around in something similar to what people carry their babies around in (sits on their chest)? Sorry, the name of those things is just not in my head right now.

@tanza:

You might want to read this thread

http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?10584-red-and-white-byb-girl-sale-250-00-houston

I am in tears and sick to my stomach as I scroll through this thread. I am reading from my iPhone away from home, so I'll be venting here in a little while. There is much I am going to need advice with. Thank you Pat for bringing this to my attention.

Please "JJUDS" do not get a puppy from a BYB (back yard breeder) such as this Mary Beth Weiss. A responsible breeder is the only way to go. A responsible breeder will not take a deposit due to the fact that life has a way of changing your plans, no real breeder will make you take a dog you can't have. A responsible breeder does all the health testing required on the parents before the breeding actually occurs to help bring healthy pups into this world. A responsible breeder builds a relationship with those who are going to take one of their loved ones home. This means they are always available for questions or advice. A responsible breeder will not let a Basenji pup go to a new home at 8 weeks to someone who has never had a dog of this breed before because they are "special" and require additional time for proper training, socialization and such. I personally waited a year before getting my B, as has others…we spend the time educating ourselves and preparing for this addition to our families...much like the upcoming arrival of a baby. Please, please, please make the right choice when getting a new Basenji...they are not a Lab or Chihuahua!

I hope I didn't spout too much! Congratulations on choosing to bring a Basenji into your family, just choose the right breeder.

What kind of a deposit did you have to put down for the pup and can you get it back? I just read the whole other thread about her and it is quite disturbing. "No I am not going to breed anymore" and then has puppies? Obviously these puppies are from the previous puppies that she kept. So that dog was bred at 1 year old. Too early to be having puppies. …Proven breeder (RED FLAG). I am disgusted by her now.

No, we are going to let Mary Beth know that we won't be taking puppy home after all. I'd like to talk to her before I let her know. I feel so sick. I thought I had done my research on her. I did a search for her name on the forum and nothing came up a few weeks ago, not sure why. We went to her home and she seemed very knowledgable about the breed, I assume from the schooling she got a year ago. The dogs she currently has must be what she kept. Her dogs' names are Amber and Tux. Tux is the sire, so I am assuming that Amber was the dog that the dog she was looking to get rid of didn't get along with? Both dogs are listed on OFA, so I really thought that she was legit. She also has one of Amber's pups (now dog) from a previous litter named Dottie-Mae. Reading what I have in the thread from a year ago, I feel so betrayed. I realize that there are people out there looking to make a buck, but she did a good job of acting. She said that she had a basenji as a young girl and that Amber was her first one since. Lied right to my face and my trusting nature took it hook, line, and Sucker.
Mary Beth did respond to me inquiring about keeping the puppy for another two weeks and she seemed like she would rather I take the pup on my trip. I am so unbelievably heartbroken. My heart was totally invested in that puppy. We are now searching again. We don't necessarily have o have a puppy or a pure-bred, just as long as a dog is good with our children. We gave into the puppy idea when we realized that raising a dog with children would help that. Back to the drawing board. So if anyone knows of a breeder or someone in TX looking to re-home a basenji(ish), keep us in mind. Thank you all for looking out for us and keeping us from making a mistake.

@krunzer:

What kind of a deposit did you have to put down for the pup and can you get it back? I just read the whole other thread about her and it is quite disturbing. "No I am not going to breed anymore" and then has puppies? Obviously these puppies are from the previous puppies that she kept. So that dog was bred at 1 year old. Too early to be having puppies. …Proven breeder (RED FLAG). I am disgusted by her now.

We paid $100 non-refundable deposit, which we will gladly eat the cost if it means that we are saving ourselves from future problem possibilities.

@krunzer:

What kind of a deposit did you have to put down for the pup and can you get it back? I just read the whole other thread about her and it is quite disturbing. "No I am not going to breed anymore" and then has puppies? Obviously these puppies are from the previous puppies that she kept. So that dog was bred at 1 year old. Too early to be having puppies. …Proven breeder (RED FLAG). I am disgusted by her now.

We paid $100 non-refundable deposit, which we will gladly eat the cost if it means that we are saving ourselves from future problem possibilities.

I'm so sorry. I know it feels a lot like a loss, even though you didn't actually get your puppy yet. I know it really sucks because you thought you did the right homework and got the right answers to your questions.

There are many nice basenjis and basenji-wanna be's listed on BRAT or Petfinder. There is also someone on here that is dealing with a litter of basenji-beagle pups. (Although I don't remember where they live.) Personally, I can't wait to see those puppies as they get a little older; I think there will be an overload of cuteness. You may want to start by going to basenji.org and locate a good breeder that way. Sometimes a breeder will have a young adult/older pup that they were growing up a little before placing. Sometimes they kept 2 dogs in order to see which was the better show dog or would fit their breeding plans better. The one they aren't keeping has been socialized, leash trained, house trained, etc and are really great dogs, just not quite the right fit for showing/breeding.

Good luck in your search and please know we're all here for you.

http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?12698-PUPPIES!-17-days-old/page4&highlight=beagle

here's the link for the beagsenjis. Looks like she's in OK, so maybe not too far depending where in TX you are.

Please contact Bob and Terry Reed (Terry is on the forums also), Illusion Basenjis Montgomery, TX
They have two litters on the ground… and ARE A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER... robtreed@msn.com

A good place to always check for at least breeders that are members of the Basenji Club of America is www.basenji.org. Most responsible breeders are members of the Parent Basenji Club.

And most important, kudos for being open minded to realize that comments and references about "not so responsible breeders" and not taking offense. You will find in this breed that all the responsible breeders know or know of each other. And we usually know who may not be. When we post it is not to be stuck up or mean, it is to try and educate. May seems the opposite, but we are very passionate about our Breed.

The only mistake made is Mary Beth Weiss is a bad breeder that gives wonderful breeders bad names. A good breeder breeds for the love of the breed and not the love of an easy buck. I am glad you still want to get a Basenji, what a wonderful breed! I am sure that you will find a good breeder on this forum that is near you. This is a good time of the year to find breeders with puppies but puppies are usually spoken for in a way due to the fact this breed only has one breeding season, for the most part. I understand your desire for a puppy and not an older dog…I have adopted older dogs from the "pound" and that is a good thing to do but sometimes you just want a puppy. Look into BRAT, a good Basenji rescue group and sometimes good breeders (who usually show dogs as well) have older dogs they would like to place in their "forever home"...so don't give up!

I think you did the right thing… But I bet it really hurts so I commend you on doing the right thing, most people would have said they were too invested to back out. You clearly want the best puppy for your family in both health and behavior. I second pats suggestion of looking into one of Terry's pups. Keep us posted!

I contacted Terry as well as all the other breeders listed in TX on BCOA! And, like I said previously, we don't necessarily have to have a puppy. We are on BRAT's list and receive updates about new dogs available, but many of them say they want to place them in homes with older or no children. I have yet to break the news to our two younger boys. Our daughter is informed and pretty upset, but what can you do?!

@jjuds:

I contacted Terry as well as all the other breeders listed in TX on BCOA! And, like I said previously, we don't necessarily have to have a puppy. We are on BRAT's list and receive updates about new dogs available, but many of them say they want to place them in homes with older or no children. I have yet to break the news to our two younger boys. Our daughter is informed and pretty upset, but what can you do?!

Here is another person you can try, she is off to shows right now but I know for a fact that she has a few young dogs (no puppies) that she would like to place and she is also a responsible breeder. Brenda Cassel and the link to her website is http://www.freewebs.com/signetkennels. She is in Ft Worth. She should be home on Tuesday or Wednesday

I am sure that you will find the "perfect" Basenji for you and your family! It will be a match made in heaven!

Oh that is going to be hard to tell the boys. You sound very intelligent and informed with this situation, I'm sorry it had to take such a negative turn but it will all work out in the end! Good luck and please keep us posted on you and your family's quest for a B. It is unfortunate that Mary Beth will get $100 free in all this, hope she get's a paper cut counting it!