Thinking about getting a Basenji, need help!!


  • i also noticed that you were thinking about getting a puppy in the spring. mostly basenjis are born around Xmas, so you're looking at a 6 month old puppy. Have you thought about getting a rescued dog? I know Colorado basenji rescue just aquired 15 basenjis on Xmas day (2 litters of puppies in that number). Of course Colorado is a bit far to travel, but there are rescues closer.


  • @Mikecherves:

    Sorry for taking a while to answer guys. I checked Jean out and it seems she only breeds tri color basenji. Im looking for a red and white basneji. here are the two sellers im looking at. This one is the breeder who neuters at 8 weeks and the pups have champion bloodlines. http://www.topdogbasenji.com/index.html
    This is the other breeder that im looking at which is a tab bit closer. http://www.basenjipuppy.com/
    I will definatly contact Jean and ask her. Ive also found another New York breeder, "Donald, John Kudabin in Orchard Park, NY". Anyone ever buy from him? Is he good?

    Never heard of Kudabin in NY…. Top Dog is not a responsible breeder and I am pretty sure they are getting out of the breed because the owner will tell you she really doesn't like to breed very much. The other breeder is also (in my opinion) not the best of breeders as far as quality of the Basenjis. There has been some question regarding parentage of the puppies and if they were mixes with Fox Terriers in the past.
    But again I urge you to check out health testing yourself... DNA for Fanconi and DNA testing for PRA (which causes blindness), Hip testing, Thyroid testing and routine eye exams by a board certified eye specialist.

    You can find more responsible breeders by going to www.basenji.org (website for the parent club for Basenjis) and search for breeder referrals. These breeders are members of the Basenji Club of America


  • Do not limit yourself to breeders nearby, most reputable breeders have a network of friends who travel to shows and help transport puppies to new owners, I know a number of people bringing pups for handoff at Westminster in a few weeks, many breeders travel to NY shows, I believe there are still some nice red and white pups available at reputable breeders in Ohio and Indiana. Be warned though that most litters were very heavy on males this yr, I suspect females are already placed from most breeders, just not a good yr for having females.


  • One of the best decisions I ever made was to drive 6 hours to Indiana to get my boys. When you put the time and effort into something you REALLY want you will be rewarded!


  • When we brought home C-Me, Franie, and Trip, we flew to Chicago, drove to Cleveland, Ohio to pick up C-Me, back to Chicago to pick up Franie and Trip, flew home to California….


  • I'm spoiled.. so many wonderful breeders in the Midwest!


  • I redeamed airline miles and flew to Allentown Pa to pick up Trog, have been lucky enough to be able to drive for all the others. I have delivered basenjis, whippets, beagles and ****er Spaniels for friends to their new owners at dog shows, its just something that happens normally with breeders.


  • John Donald has been around for years, but I'm not sure he is breeding anymore. You can send him a line. Last I heard he was on Hiatus from breeding and was ballroom dancing.


  • Again, thanks for the answers guys. I wont buy from Top Dog basenjis as most of you do not recommend them. I've seen Jean get mentioned twice, but can you guys recommend me any breeders? Which breeders did you guys buy from? Honestly, the price doesnt matter. If it insures my dogs health and safety, im willing to spend more money.


  • @agilebasenji:

    i also noticed that you were thinking about getting a puppy in the spring. mostly basenjis are born around Xmas, so you're looking at a 6 month old puppy. Have you thought about getting a rescued dog? I know Colorado basenji rescue just aquired 15 basenjis on Xmas day (2 litters of puppies in that number). Of course Colorado is a bit far to travel, but there are rescues closer.

    I checked out all the basenji's in shelters near me. All of them are mixes. None are pure bred. Also they are old. Im looking for a puppy. 6 months is the oldest for me. Yes, i am willing to drive to Colorado. I checked out the Colorado Basenji rescue and all the available dogs are to old for me. Thanks for replying though, maybe buy Spring they'll have some available pups!


  • @lisastewart:

    Do not limit yourself to breeders nearby, most reputable breeders have a network of friends who travel to shows and help transport puppies to new owners, I know a number of people bringing pups for handoff at Westminster in a few weeks, many breeders travel to NY shows, I believe there are still some nice red and white pups available at reputable breeders in Ohio and Indiana. Be warned though that most litters were very heavy on males this yr, I suspect females are already placed from most breeders, just not a good yr for having females.

    Male or female, doesnt matter. Im more than happy to take home a male!


  • @tanza:

    When we brought home C-Me, Franie, and Trip, we flew to Chicago, drove to Cleveland, Ohio to pick up C-Me, back to Chicago to pick up Franie and Trip, flew home to California….

    Wow thats incredible! Your dogs are very lucky to have an owner so dedicated. I just dont have the money right now to fly somewhere or drive too far. I'll drive 4 hours, 6 at most. If i had the money to fly, id defiantly go for it and so my pups wouldnt have the stress of being shipped in a truck.


  • @lisastewart:

    I redeamed airline miles and flew to Allentown Pa to pick up Trog, have been lucky enough to be able to drive for all the others. I have delivered basenjis, whippets, beagles and ****er Spaniels for friends to their new owners at dog shows, its just something that happens normally with breeders.

    Any breeder you'd recommend?


  • @CrazySenji:

    It's nice that they seem to be testing at least some of their dogs but I would personally never purchase a dog from the websites listed. Neither appear to be breeding to standard and that is very important to me. If they have nothing to offer the future of the breed then they have no business breeding.

    Sometimes you need to be willing to travel to get the right dog.

    Yea im going to stay away from those breeders. Seems to me that no one recommdedns them. I'll drive up to 6 hours for my dog. If i could, i"d fly or drive further but i dont have the money for that. I'm sure ill work things out. If i find the perfect breeder and the only way for me to get the puppy, then ill try to work something out and fly over there.


  • @Mikecherves:

    I checked out all the basenji's in shelters near me. All of them are mixes. None are pure bred. Also they are old. Im looking for a puppy. 6 months is the oldest for me. Yes, i am willing to drive to Colorado. I checked out the Colorado Basenji rescue and all the available dogs are to old for me. Thanks for replying though, maybe buy Spring they'll have some available pups!

    the adults and pups that came into CBR on Christmas day have not been posted to the website. the adults have not been evaluated and the puppies (7, i think) are too young to leave the mommas (2 moms). I find often rescues have not listed all the dogs for different reasons.

    I'd also suggest you expand your age range especially if you're set on the June date of arrival. THE very best dog i've ever owned or ever will own, I got as a 10 month old puppy. He was housebroken, socialized, leash trained and a pure delight. He was my first competition dog and he and I proceeded to rack up over 30 titles before and after his name and we got to spend 16 wonderful years with each other. I understand the pull and attraction of a young puppy, honestly, but I'd hate for you to miss out on your once-in-a-life time dog because he or she was a few months too old.


  • Contact the basenji club of American breeder referral link or if you are on Facebook Clay Bunyard who is also often on this page. You could also try contacting the regionals basenji clubs for referrals. It's possible someone may have a buyer fall through, I believe there are still some in Ohio.


  • @agilebasenji:

    the adults and pups that came into CBR on Christmas day have not been posted to the website. the adults have not been evaluated and the puppies (7, i think) are too young to leave the mommas (2 moms). I find often rescues have not listed all the dogs for different reasons.

    I'd also suggest you expand your age range especially if you're set on the June date of arrival. THE very best dog i've ever owned or ever will own, I got as a 10 month old puppy. He was housebroken, socialized, leash trained and a pure delight. He was my first competition dog and he and I proceeded to rack up over 30 titles before and after his name and we got to spend 16 wonderful years with each other. I understand the pull and attraction of a young puppy, honestly, but I'd hate for you to miss out on your once-in-a-life time dog because he or she was a few months too old.

    Yea, that makes sense. I guess i just wanted to get the "full" experience of a dog. The training to walk, the training to go outside when it has to do its business, you know what i mean. 1. i feel like it bonds me with the dog, and 2. this is my first dog and as i said, i want to know what i feels like to train the dog to listen to me and gain that responsibility. You are right though, i will have plenty of time to train the dog to do other things. Plenty of time to bond with the dog, and plenty of time gain responsibility. I'm now open to buy an older dog. Still, not too old haha. Thanks man, Im still looking for reputable breeder. Ive wanted a dog all my life, im so excited to get one. Any possible tips you have on getting my first dog, especially a basenji?


  • @agilebasenji:

    the adults and pups that came into CBR on Christmas day have not been posted to the website. the adults have not been evaluated and the puppies (7, i think) are too young to leave the mommas (2 moms). I find often rescues have not listed all the dogs for different reasons.

    I'd also suggest you expand your age range especially if you're set on the June date of arrival. THE very best dog i've ever owned or ever will own, I got as a 10 month old puppy. He was housebroken, socialized, leash trained and a pure delight. He was my first competition dog and he and I proceeded to rack up over 30 titles before and after his name and we got to spend 16 wonderful years with each other. I understand the pull and attraction of a young puppy, honestly, but I'd hate for you to miss out on your once-in-a-life time dog because he or she was a few months too old.

    Puppies are extremely cute and the thought of having one running around gets me so excited. I guess im being a little immature and selfish about this and i need to broaden my age range.


  • Any breeders you guys recommended? Breeders you brought from?


  • Start with looking for breeders at www.basenji.org (search for breeder referral). Breeders there are members of the Parent Basenji Club, so a good place to start. Thing is with breeders, you have to contact them and see which breeders you are most comfortable with and what breeders are comfortable with you. Ask questions…. check out health results yourself. Here is a link to some good questions to ask a breeders. Go here http://www.tanzabasenjis.net/ABOUTUS.html and go to How To Select A Breeder

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