I think that a basenji puppy and a two-year-old is a recipe for disaster for many reasons. Both require and crave lots of attention, neither one can be reasoned with, both will want to play with the same toy, both can be stubborn, and the list goes. It is far too much to expect a two-year-old to understand how to get along with any puppy, especially a basenji puppy. If your heart is set on a basenji puppy, then I think you should wait until your child is at least five or six years old.Children that age understand what you are saying about the puppy and you can explain to them why you are saying it. I agree with the person who suggested getting an older basenji or how about a puppy of another breed? t one time in my life I had a basenji and a mixed breed, and they got along beautifully.
You may love all the traits of this breed but I was suggest that you talk to owners and their experiences with the basenjis and young children. One cannot count on even the best breeders to give you the full story. Please don't get me wrong. I've had three basenjis and adored them all. I got the first one when my youngest daughter was seven. You don't have to wait that long but two years old is too young, imho. Good luck.
Seeking male basenji adult or puppy in NorCal
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I am looking for male basenji who would be a good companion for my adult basenji. I have already checked BRAT, breeders and rescue options. I know competition is fierce but am a very experienced and compassionate basenji dad eager to add a boy to our family.
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@gregg-biggs - You might check with rescue in So. California, www.basenjirescue.com if you have not. You might also try breeders in the Pacific Northwest to see if they have an adult they might want to place. You should try Kathy Britton, she is in Portland area. You can find her contact information at www.basenji.org that you can search by state.
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Medfly is slowing down now. I speak with Karen and Chuck fairly frequently. They’ve become like extended family to us. Basenjis in need of rescue near them have become extremely rare.
It’s a drive, but also keep your eye on Colorado Basenji Rescue.
EDIT: I just spoke with Karen at Medfy aka BasenjiRescue.com and they have retired from rescue. They're getting older, they're faced with issues of getting older, and the work has become too much. She's asked me to pass that on to all of you here.
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Thanks for the responses. I had already talked to Karen too. I am aware of the Colorado group but haven’t reached out to them yet.
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@jengosmonkey - thanks for the update... they for years and years did a great job helping rescue Basenjis
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Thanks for the contact for Kathy in Portland. She is fantastic and very responsive.
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@gregg-biggs - Happy for you, hope that it works out
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Colorado Basenji Rescue has a black & white male almost ready for adoption. His name is Ranger but, from the description, he appears to need to be an only child. http://www.coloradobasenjirescue.org/adoptable.shtml
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@senjisilly Thanks. Unfortunately, it looks like he needs to be the only dog in the household.
