i'm not trying to make anyone mad here…I was just new to the forum and looking for some helpful advice...
and as for his picture...you are right, but his tail doesn't even curl in the picture, it looks like it is set too low and he is standing with his back legs so far back that his back looks funky and it almost looks like he toes out in addition to the fact that his neck looks really short...maybe there are other things about the picture that you noticed I don't know...but it isn't that great of a picture I will agree...

I would love to have someone look at my dog and tell me both the good things and the bad…I am open to criticism, but how can you say that winning is the only thing rewarding about dog showing? Isn't a big part of being in the ring (or doing agility, field trials, lure coursing or whatever) building a stronger relationship between you, your dog and other people who share the same interests? Plus having FUN
Now, don't take me for someone who isn't competitive...trust me, I am and I do understand everyone wanting to win-but that isnt the only motivation for doing this.
I showed dairy cattle professionally for about 10 years...I have shown some of the best cattle in the country and I have stood at the top of the class, the middle, and at the tail end. I think everyone who has ever shown an animal has. But knowing that you are going to stand at the top of every class just isnt reasonable...we buy or breed an animal with an idea of what we have and how they will stack up against what someone else might have, but in the end it is the other 364 days of the year that make going to the show worth it. The blood sweat and tears that come with owning and loving an animal, and the joy of "showing them off" and competing.
Just because I have never shown a dog before doesn't mean that I didn't do my research, or that I didn't buy him from a responsible person. I knew ahead of time that showing a Trindle could be to my disadvantage, but the standard says that a clear definition between colors is okay, something which he has. (If you think showing a trindle could be frustrating, try showing a red and white holtstein in a black and white class )
I understand the ups and downs of being in the show ring...and I started this thread to get any helpful tips anyone might have on what I can do to START learning the process not asking whether or not I should show my dog-because I am going to show him. And if we stand at the "back of the bus" well, then I will try something else or try a different show. But I love my Basenji, am very glad that I found him and would like to meet other Basenji breeders and hopefully own another one someday...

@lvoss:

Though any AKC dog with full registration and 2 testicles can be shown, it can become very discouraging very quickly to be last place at every show. Even more so if you have no idea why because you don't have someone helping you to understand dog structure and conformation. And that is what happens when the dog who is the apple in the eye of the owner is not of the same quality as the others in the ring and the novice owner has no one to help them learn the finer points of the standard.

I think two key components to getting new people to stick around is 1. A good quality dog and 2. A good mentor to provide support.

The only discouraging thing is that you are already assuming I am going to be last place at every show I attend…and maybe I will be, but at least I will be able to learn first hand the finer points of conformation and I will have the essential skills needed to compete again with another dog when the time is right...but this is where I am starting from right now-and we all have to start somewhere right?

I am so thankful for the people who have been supportive and those whom I have not yet met willing to help a newcomer in learning the basics so I can build my knowledge from there.

Thank you so much YodelDogs!! That is what I really looked for when buying this puppy….one that was a good representation of the breed standard (and I really think he is!)from a breeder who was responsible, honest and willing to answer any questions I have now and down the road. Trust me I understand being objective...I used to be a professional dairy cattle fitter (groomer)
I am really enthusiastic about trying this sport and I was just looking for any helpful information anyone could offer
And I really looking forward to meeting some breeders at my first dog show in Eau Claire in April!

Both the parents are AKC registered yes…

What does that mean-graded for show? The woman I got him from isn't a professional breeder, nor does she have a kennel or anything like that. She has 2 dogs who have very good bloodlines, and from them she had a litter of quality puppies with good bloodlines and excellent tempermants. I am not looking to win the Westminster dog show, I am just looking to get into something new that is both fun and rewarding.

In regards to his markings, thanks for the info…he doesn't have a lot of stripes, but the ones that he does have are clear and not faded so thank you for that info!

Also, in regards to the breeder-she was very very helpful and kind and with everything my puppy came with, I am positive that he came from a loving home that would be there for us if something ever happens down the road. I look forward to keeping in contact with her, but I did not discuss the ins and outs of handling with her. She does some local shows, but is kind of a novice as well. SO....that is why I posted this...just for any helpful tips anyone could give someone with no dog show experience looking to get into the wonderful world of showing and handling dogs.

I will be going to a show in April, although my pup will not be old enough yet, so I am looking forward to meeting some breeders there. It is in Eu Claire, WI

also…my B is a trindle (or Brindle pointed tri) is that considered a fault in the show ring? Or at least, is it frowned upon? Just curious! Thanks again for any help anyone can offer...

Maybe I have not read enough forumns yet, but I am looking for any help anyone can offer I just brought my new B home last week and I really really want to start training and handling him for conformation classes. This will be the first time I have ever purchased a dog for showing purposes. Can someone give me any advice as to what I should be doing with him on a daily basis so he and I both know what to do when the time comes to enter a show…and so he is used to being touched and handled the way a judge would do it. I have been reading a lot of articles but it would be nice to have some actual personal advice from people. Also, does anyone have any treat suggestions that I could give him for training?? So far he isn't interested in any kind of treat that I offer him and I am having trouble getting his attention with anything. Thank you so much for your help!

Thanks everyone!! I did a lot of research before deciding on a Basenji, but I am so glad that I did! He is an absolute doll and I look forward to many years with this little guy! I bought him from a woman in Iowa, her name is Kara (Karazels is what is on my registration paper) She doesn't breed dogs professionally but just has two basenji's in her home. Kyro was one of 5…I don't know a ton about dog pedigrees (yet) but he has a lot of Kibushi, Hacker's and Akuaba's in his pedigree if anyone is familiar with them...I think there are 19 champions total (combined on sire and dam's side) I have both pedigrees in detail if anyone would like to know more about his breeding! I am very interested in learning how to show and handle dogs, and anything I can about this wonderful breed! I look forward to keeping in touch

Hello!

My name is Kristie and I am from Crookston, MN (the great white north as we call it up here lol) I just brought my first Basenji home two days ago! He is 9 weeks old, and I have named him Kyro…I can't wait to learn more about this breed and get to know other basenji lovers along the way. Thanks for checking out my post!

-Kristie