Hello from a waiting to be basenji owner
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Gosh I so remember that phase of just soaking up as much basenji info as possible and getting increasingy excited about the day I'd bring one home. I was lurking on the forum for a long time. The anticipation was just too much!!
Well happy researching and keep us updated on the process. :)
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Thank you everyone for the warm welcomes and the links to info sites, there is so much to learn
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Welcome to the pack! You will find ALL SORTS of valuable information here!
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Welcome to the wonderful world of basenjis :) There is certainly a TON of information on here from some major movers & shakers within the breed & from some newbies [like me].
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Welcome Alexis. Glad to hear you are busy with your B research. There are some great breeders here in the Pacific NW both in Oregon (Yay a fellow Oregonian) and in Washington. I went up to Seattle to get my little girl and have been nothing but happy with her as well as with her breeder ( Who has been a great support tool for me). Have you considered a rescue from BRAT. There are plenty of great Bs out there through rescue organizations as well
Sorry I missed the first time, I thought about rescue, but I think I want a pup, I have the time and resources for a pup. I also feel you create a quicker closer bond with a young dog.
Not that I'm against rescue and I may go that route if and when I want to add a second. It seems everyones has at least 2. I have been pet-less for about 2 years now and now I am at the point where I can add a companion to my life. It's lonely not having a furry companion, lol, after having grown up with them
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Sorry I missed the first time, I thought about rescue, but I think I want a pup, I have the time and resources for a pup. I also feel you create a quicker closer bond with a young dog.
Having been involved in rescue and a volunteer at my local shelter, I just wanted to say that this is probably the biggest myth about rescue dogs. Most rescues bond very closely with their new owners. I think that the key to bonding with any dog, of any age is in how you go about building that relationship. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get a puppy if that is what you want but don't rule out rescue because you don't think it will bond as closely.
You may find a great young rescue this spring who may make a great role model and teacher for a young pup the following winter/spring. I would recommend just keeping your options open because you find the perfect dog in an unexpected place.
As for finding a breeder there has been lots of good information already posted. There are several breeders in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington that I am sure would be happy to talk with you. BCOA has a breeder directory, http://basenji.org/?q=node/30 and there are websites for the regional clubs
Washington - http://www.evergreenbasenjiclub.org/
Oregon - http://www.geocities.com/wvbasenjiclub/
Northern California - http://www.norcalbasenjis.org/ -
Having been involved in rescue and a volunteer at my local shelter, I just wanted to say that this is probably the biggest myth about rescue dogs. Most rescues bond very closely with their new owners. I think that the key to bonding with any dog, of any age is in how you go about building that relationship. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get a puppy if that is what you want but don't rule out rescue because you don't think it will bond as closely.
You may find a great young rescue this spring who may make a great role model and teacher for a young pup the following winter/spring. I would recommend just keeping your options open because you find the perfect dog in an unexpected place.
As for finding a breeder there has been lots of good information already posted. There are several breeders in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington that I am sure would be happy to talk with you. BCOA has a breeder directory, http://basenji.org/?q=node/30 and there are websites for the regional clubs
Washington - http://www.evergreenbasenjiclub.org/
Oregon - http://www.geocities.com/wvbasenjiclub/
Northern California - http://www.norcalbasenjis.org/Thank you very much for your input, I greatly appreciate it. And thank you for the links also, they are very helpful
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Some folks can't stand to miss the unbearable cuteness of the puppy stage, and there are obviously wonderful breeders out there that can help you do that.
That being said, we recently rescued an almost-3-year-old basenji girl and we have never had a better experience with a dog. She is already house trained, and doesn't chew furniture or shoes - yes, she's really a purebred basenji :)! In terms of bonding, she has bonded instantly and completely with my husband and me (especially me, but then I'm the walker). She is just a joy.
There are threads on the forum too about a recent large rescue operation that I think includes some puppies, so if you prefer a youngster, rescue may still be an option.
No disrespect to any of the wonderful breeders who are so helpful on this forum, of course. It's just that the rescue basenjis who need homes are also wonderful dogs and it's heartbreaking to see how many there are in need.
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A couple thoughts to welcome baseni_fan to our pack:
- Hold on… it's gonna be the wildest ride you have ever been on! Think of it like parenthood: you can read all the books and listen to all the sage advice... but nothing can really prepare for the real thing!
- Older dogs bond fantastically.. our Rock was over 3 when he came to our home... and our lives were never the same. In a very short time, he became very loyal and bonded to our pack. Each dog is different. I truly think they choose us.
- Enjoy the hunt! This is a fantastic breed... but be prepared. They can also be the most infuriating. grin I think that is half the fun. I love having a dog that makes me think.
Best of luck to you and your future pup (be it old or young)! Welcome to the crazy (dog)house!
