Hello,

I have been scouring this forum for a while now trying to find a reputable breeder on the west coast, so I decided to make an account to hopefully get some actual help.

My old brindle Basenji girl passed in 2014 due to old age, and my heart is ready for a new pup. But I have been having the hardest time finding a breeder. I originally got my Basenji in Northern California at about 7 mos old from a family friend who could no longer keep her due to her new apartment's rules, so I never had to find a breeder before and prefer to raise them from a pup, myself.

I actually just returned from a week long trip in Colorado where I was also hoping to pay a visit to SkyHi Basenjis - but they didn't respond to any of my emails. As of right now, I have contacted several breeders in California and Arizona and only a couple from California have responded.

I am now living in Las Vegas but am more than willing to make a trip to Southern California or Arizona for a reputable breeder as I prefer to meet them in real life. But if I must, I am also willing to make the trip to Northern California. I have even found someone in Arkansas but I wanted to ask on this forum if anyone can personally recommend (for or against) breeders here on the West coast?

The ones I have emailed so far are: Tanza, Basenji Sisters, Mountain Springs Ranch (basenjidogs.com), Shika, Naharin, Arubmec, Brushy Run, and as mentioned SkyHi. The one I am considering in Arkansas is All Star Basenjis.

Thank you so much in advance.

Hello,
This is Tanza Basenjis, I believe that I have replied to your email that we have not decided if we will be breeding this year. That said, if you are not getting responses from the other via email, you might want to try calling. Note also that All Star Basenjis is not a responsible breeder and goes by many different names. I would say to stay far away from them. Also Mountain Springs in California is not a responsible breeder and many of their Basenjis have wound up in rescue, they do not health test....

Please send me your contact information and I will get you in touch with a few people: sinbajebas@yahoo.com

As Pat stated - Mtn Springs and All Star are for profit breeders - caveat emptor.

Thank you both for your input as I would not have known. I will definitely try calling. I have just sent you an email, sinbaje.

I guess I would also be willing to go as far as Washington/Oregon, but I'd prefer neighboring states just to keep the drive time down.

May i suggest the Basenji Nationals in Arizona,this november. You are bound to meet many owners and breeders

My breeder is in Seattle, her name is Rita Webb and I have had 4 of her dogs. I can’t say enough about how happy I am with them. Her kennel is No Ka Oi basenjis and she can be found on Facebook if you would like to see her dogs, litters and contact her. Good luck! It can be really tough to find a good breeder!

I don't have a dog in this race, but Pat Fragrassi from Tanza, has been a reliable person and breeder. I would recommend her.

@redial Thank you Len, we have not decided to breed yet this coming season still health testing at this point

Like the OP I am in a very similar spot (in Las Vegas as well) looking for a West Coast breeder.

I can across Basenji Dogs Anza, CA on the akc site that is taking deposits for a winter litter. I haven’t paid the deposit but have been communicating back and for via email. Wondering if anyone has any experience with them or if I should be wary and look into some of the other breeders mentioned on this topic? Their site is basenjdogs.dog.

Would appreciate any feedback!

@difrancc - Breeders full name? Registered names of their Basenjis?

@tanza

Oddly enough that information hasn’t been clear. I’m new to purchasing from a breeders. I found them through the AKC breeder puppies listing and their site seemed fairly legit other then the large upfront deposit “guaranteeing” me a puppy for this winter . As I’ve started to ask more questions and review their contract some things don’t seem quite right.

I reached out to get the information you mentioned including asking for some references and they gave me a vague reply that I could come

There was a lot of helpful information in this thread and I’ve started to reach out to a couple other breeders based on what is listed on basenji.org. If anyone else has some contacts that they would like to share of reputable breeders out west please let me know. Thanks!

@difrancc - Here is a link to "vet" a breeder....http://deckerratterrier.nrta.com/index.shtml