@pedro:
but i would like to get another one for a play mate instead of taken him to the dog park!!. if you know or find anyone that has one kinda cheap, a blk& wht female, please let me know & i will get my boy and the girl fixed!!. just need a play mate for him one like him!, he's picky around other tepys of dogs!! is that common too!!!!!?
If you don't want to pay for a basenji from a breeder, and you just want a playmate, you could rescue a BRAT dog. BRAT basenjis are cheaper than a basenji from a breeder and are already spayed or neutered and up to date on shots. However, they are not health tested, you may never know where that dog came from and what kind of crazy temperament or health issues it may have.
The advantages of shelling out so much for a basenji from a breeder include: lifelong support, the breeder will take the basenji back if it doesn't work out in your home, and full disclosure of health issues. Responsible breeders are also always happy to find a home that is willing to show, lure course, do agility, etc, so they will be more than happy to teach you and mentor you in new activities.
My first two were cheap ($400), but I don't know anything about them other than the Fanconi status (which I did myself). Lola is not even AKC registered, so even if I wanted to, I can't show her. I can't even do research on my own through the basenji pedigree database because Lola's dam isn't on there.
It was well worth paying double for Callie (which is average price for a good quality, well bred basenji). I know about her pedigree, and her health. I'm also in contact with not only Callie's breeder but also Callie's sire's breeder and Callie's dam's breeder. So I can keep up with Callie's grandparents as well, and if any weird health issues appear, then I can look out for those in her. Just like with any purchase, you usually get what you pay for. You're not going to find a brand new BMW, fully loaded for $300, nor will you pay $50,000 for a 1998 Toyota Corolla.