This is why it is so important to know what you are paying for. Really high prices or really low prices are a red flag. Buyers need to educate themselves about the breed and what questions to ask breeders so they know what they are paying for.
A buyer needs to ask what health testing was done on the parents and should go and confirm the test results using the OFA database. It is a powerful tool for both breeders and buyers and is free and easy to use. A buyer should also ask about the health of the dogs in the pedigree. How long are they living?
A buyer needs to ask how the puppies are raised. What is the daily routine for the pups? What is being done to introduce the pups to new experiences (surfaces, dishes, people, etc)?
A buyer needs to ask about the vet care the pups are recieving. What is the breeder's vaccination schedule? When are the pups microchipped? Does the breeder have the pups' eyes checked by a vet opthamolgist before they go home?
Does the breeder provide a some sort of Puppy Pack when the pup goes home so the buyer has those puppy essentials that are needed the first night and are so easy to forget in the excitement of bringing home puppy?
There are so many sites out there both for basenjis and just all breed general lists about what questions that you should be asking before you buy a puppy. Education is really the key to helping with the pet overpopulation problem. Taking the time to research the breed and then breeders really pays off in the long run in getting the dog that fits in your household.
I know I am probably preaching to the choir but I can't help but repeat how important it is that people do their homework!
