Thinking about a Basenji

[Nemo]

@Cosmo:

I'm just kind of curious as to how long other peoples experiences have been and if this is normal? or from a breeders perspective how many potential dog owners you deal with on a regular basis and have lots of people to consider?

I don't want to get too discouraged but at the same time just not hearing anything is kind of troubling as opposed to yes/no. I think I would be an excellent owner and can provide a stable balanced home to a dog so I'm not sure what it is - can't help but think I've offended someone and word of mouth has spread - maybe I'm just being too impatient and it's all in my head?

Hi Cosmo,

Sorry to hear you are having bad luck contacting breeders. I'm also in the same process of talking with breeders but looking for puppy. Out of the 5 breeders I tried to contact in Sept/Oct, I have gotten responses from 4 of them. For one of the four, the email address on the BCOA site was out-of-date so it took some time for her to get back to me. For another, she told me to get back to her after the puppies were born (which I though was a little odd). I would agree that contacting by phone might be the best way to go if you don't have success with email, it might have disappeared in the deluge of junk mail.

Good Luck!
Clay

[nomrbddgs]

Any breeder you talk to, call back, there may be issues as to why a week has passed and she has not called you back. I know my computer just crashed for a week. Luckily for me, I had a back-up I could go to. However, many people do not. Or just call them. Maybe she's had the puppies and realized she didn't have enough. And, no, we don't have a lot of breeders on the west coast.

As to crossing the border, I have two from Robyn and had no issues either time. The first time, I did all the right things and had everything ready. All the vet papers, the shots up to date, the sales receipt and all info pertaining to the pup. I did claim Shadow and paid duty. Wasn't much though.

The second time, I got a little smarter. Even though I had everything ready, I just told them at the border that I went to pick up my dog. I didn't really lie, I did pick up my dog. They just waved me on my way. As long as you have your paperwork ready, there shouldn't be any issues. Call the Customs Importing for Animals and they will tell you what you need. They are easy to work with IMO. I also work at the border, in the customs building, for a trucking company. So, even though I don't work for customs, I see a lot of what goes on. Many animals cross the border with no issues. And no, I didn't cross my bridge when I retrieved my dogs, I crossed another one.

[Kebasmom]

I must have been very fortunate. I started out talking to breeders at the local Basenji club and then after shows (note - after, not before or during). I initially tried to talk to them during the show and felt ignored, I was a little put off until I started showing and realized that you can't really talk - you have to pay attention to everything going on in the ring. I eventually located a breeder in NJ who answered my e-mail almost immediately and then kept me in the loop through breedng and all the way to the come pick up your puppy at a certain time on a certain day. She has also been in regular contact since the puppy came home with me checking on grooming, house training, vet visits, feeding and you name it. She also calls or e-mails after shows and watches my dog through another breeder who goes to a lot of the same shows and helps me a lot. Both of the ladies are very responsive and great!!

[nomrbddgs]

It certainly helps when you have other people nearby. Robyn is in Georgia and I am in Ontario, so even though we keep in contact, it's not easy to pinpoint certain problems or issues. I have to rely on other people who do not necessarily see my point of view. That's when I come to rely on my instincts and my breeder. Robyn knows her line and can tell me things that other people certainly do not see or know.
It always helps when a breeder is interested (and should be) about how her puppies are doing. Since I will be having my first litter this year (If Sugar ever comes into season) I will have to rely on my own knowledge, my instincts, Robyn and the other breeders here who will help me. Up here we have a very closely knit community of Basenji people who are always willing to lend a hand. I've actually had about 3 people who want to be here for the whelping-I've definitely had to put a stop to it, but they all want to help and want the best for me. It would definitely be hard for Robyn to come up here for the whelping or me go down there with the Bitch.

[Quercus]

I would definitely send a follow up email. I REALLY try to get back to everyone, but sometimes I lose track of an email or two. Life is really busy for a lot of breeders, many of us have kids, and jobs to take care of in addition to a bunch of dogs That isn't an excuse for failing to respond…but it does happen; particularly if someone isn't planning a litter this year.

I would guess that most breeders are just waiting to see if their planned breedings even took...right now is about the time that you are either doing the breeding, or playing the waiting game. They may not be going to get back to you until they know if there are puppies at all.

A polite follow up to see if there is any news would be appreciated by all. I think I remember feeling the same way when I was waiting to get my first B. I didn't realize how much waiting there is for the breeder...and she let me know as soon as the puppies were confirmed by ultrasound, and when they were born...etc.

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

@Natalplum:

OMG I am NOT even going to tell you what we paid for Mick.

We got a petstore Basenji too, the pricing will make you sick! Zahra was "originally" $1350 but she couldn't be sold and was sold to us for a "deal" which was $999.00.

The thought makes me sick now but we didn't know any better at the time.

[Cosmo]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the quick replies once again, I sent a couple quick email followups but didn't hear back. I think some breeders are just legitimately really busy with the season and one got scared off when I asked the usual questions.

Tanza - I'm in Vancouver BC, very close to the border

I don't feel comfortable publicly posting the breeders I've talked to thus far but if you'd like a list you can get ahold of me at the604onlineathotmaildotcom (change "at" and "dot" to "@" and ".")

[Schouiffy]

well hang in there! :0)

it took well over 15 breeders to find my little girl, and it's worth it, be it frustrating.

I'm sure with all the effort you are pouring into finding your pup you'll be rewarded. It's what every breeder would want to see .
Those B's, difficult before you even GET them ! heheh

[tanza]

@Cosmo:

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the quick replies once again, I sent a couple quick email followups but didn't hear back. I think some breeders are just legitimately really busy with the season and one got scared off when I asked the usual questions.

Tanza - I'm in Vancouver BC, very close to the border

I don't feel comfortable publicly posting the breeders I've talked to thus far but if you'd like a list you can get ahold of me at the604onlineathotmaildotcom (change "at" and "dot" to "@" and ".")

If I were you, I would try calling… sometimes a personal call is the best way to go, especially this time of year. As far of the one that didn't respond to questions about breeding/testing or what ever you ask... that is one that I would certainly cross of my list.

And really you will find that 90% of responsible breeders all know each other and have nothing against others asking about them.. especially from a particular area....

[khanis]

@Quercus:

Most of us learn that we CANNOT have an open garbage can in the house, nor an box of kleenex on the coffee table, or underwear on the floor, or a meal left on a table unsupervised…if you don't mind changing these habits, then it could be a good match.....

Hmmm…..
you mean my kids are finally learning at 9 and 11 that it really IS okay to carry your dinner plate into the bathroom for complete protection??!!
Things you learn to deal with oryou might as well NOT have a basenji.

[sharronhurlbut]

LoL, Kathy, I know what you mean, if I am eating anyplace else but the dining room table, the food must be moved when I do…or its fair game.
The things b's teach us.

[hdolbow]

our dining room table isn't even safe.. you're lucky haha

[wizard]

When I first acquired my previous furbaby he quickly discovered that if he distracted me at dinner time by doing something he wasn't supposed to do, I would get after him – but he would have enough of a head start that he could go around to the dining room by the other entrance and snatch the dinner before I could get him Stupid me, it took a couple of times before I caught on to what he was doing.

[LiveWWSD]

@hdolbow:

our dining room table isn't even safe.. you're lucky haha

That's why I purchased a cafe height table and chairs when we moved into the house. It has been SO nice now that the beasties can't jump up on the table.

[Terry]

Cafe height would not stop our 2 table jumpers. They can jump 5 feet flat-footed and probably could make 6 with a run at it. None of our others are table jumpers - but these 2 have done it since they were babies and nothing we do convinces them not to do so. Interestingly enough, the others will watch them do it and not try it themselves!

Terry

[ChristyRutherford]

I was 26, lived alone, and wanted a B. I had been doing my research for as long as I can remember- this was my "dream dog" but really started looking once I moved out on my own.
I wanted a puppy. But after thinking about it- I was not home enough for a pup. I ended up contacting BRAT and got a sweet 3yo boy. I work 8-5 but can go home for an hour on lunch. I am also home every evening and on the weekends. And he is welcome at my SO home.
I cant imagine having to raise a pup on my own with the schedule I had. I am glad I went with a 3yo.
Just my 2 cents.
Good luck

[dmcarty]

re: having trouble finding a puppy. I have gotten several emails of other slooking for dogs - I'm usually pretty good and hooking up folks with puppies but what I see is a little lack of understanding of how reputable breeders typically are at this time of year. So here's some: "I want a basenji puppy 101"

When I plan a litter - I take deposits - since I don't know how many puppies I'll have I only take a couple - certainly no more than 3. Now I've done the breeding and I start getting calls - I can't take anymore deposits because I have no idea how many or the gender I'll have. So I'll tell folks check back after…........ estimated due date. Or I'll put them on my list and get back to them. Just to give you an example of a couple of the calls I've gotten in the last 2 weeks. "you mean you don't have any puppies now, i just got a divorce and the kids are crying so I told them we could get a basenji puppy, where can I find one now?" Offer rescue, offer young adult etc - "nope I want a puppy now."

Well you know - that the puppy mills give their bitches shots to bring them into season so they are likely to be the only place that has babies now and then I'll here from her 5 months later when there is a new guy and the dog is in the way can I take him.

No one wants the young adults and if they are over 6 forget it. I have a perfectly wonderful BW boy that is 5 but he has primarily been around women and the women that contact me don't seem to want a BW. I know that another breeder that is on hiatus from breeding has a 9 and a 6 that are at her house but again - no one wants them.

We are reliable and reputable breeders but people see that we are responsible and that the dogs that come back to us don't have a sad story and are safe not like a rescue or an auction or in a kill shelter - so if they want an adult - they'll take one of those because they've got nobody.

The other thing I'm discovering is that many - like me - just aren't breeding anymore. Or not breeding much. Solid homes are too hard to find - we feel responsible for what we breed so we end up with a 9 year old that the family got tired of and he comes back here for the rest of his life - (he's 15 now). People that had been on my lists before - to get animals or may be interested in getting another one - I've connected with a couple of the bigger rescue events that have happened over the last 5 years so I don't have anyone on my - call me in a year list.

So if you are discouraged - keep in mind that we are also getting contacted by tons of homes that are NOT appropriate and have to sift through the calls we have.

If you live in one state - don't be afraid in contacting someone in another state - we are all connected - the breeders on the BCOA list had to pay an additional fee and remember to send in paperwork so not everyone who is planning a litter is on there.

In any event - I would be happy to help anyone find a puppy if I can - if you click on my website link by my name you can contact me through there. (oh by the way if you would like a basenji looking dog with a wire coat - I know where you can get some Medio Wire Podengos?)

[Vegas]

I would look into getting one that is no less than 2 years old. After you are a veteran owner, then get a puppy. Have you ever tried training a spider monkey that smokes crack? If not, that would be a very good way to prepare yourself for the havoc a basenji puppy will bring to your home.

They can really be holy terrors for a long time. But as we say in my family, "…they sure are entertaining..."

There are exceptions, but really not many. If you do decide to do it, remember you are getting a very crazy pup that will continue to be an innovative destructive little ball of sweet love & joy that can punish you to the same extreme that it loves you without guilt.

....but they sure are entertaining!

Vegas

[MacPack]

Although my DH gets yearly "puppy lust", my personal rule is "I don't take any basenji under 2". By 2, their brains have developed and their attention span is longer than a nanaosecond (where you are concerned). They still have plenty of youthful energy but are not uncontrollable maniacs bent on destruction. That said, I confess I get puppy-lust myself, they are just so cute and funny and adorable. That is how they live to adulthood!

Anne in Tampa