Wanting to get my first Basenji

[tanza]

I would really suggest that you take a "trip" and visit with breeders or barring that plan on a trip once you make contact with a responsible breeder to fly in to pick up your puppy. Many times they are not close and there will be some travel involved. I would suggest you contact the breeders directly and see what suggestions they might have for you. I know that when I got my last two girls, I flew from SF to Chicago, drove from there to Cleveland, Ohio for one and then back to Chicago for the other (and a boy puppy too) and we all flew back to SF with the pups in a Sherpa. Do take care that with breeders that advertise "will ship" that they are not always responsible breeders…. In my case I will not ship a puppy alone as baggage, all potential buyers must come and pick up their puppy from my home.

Keep in mind also that a responsible breeder will usually pick the puppy that would in their opinion fit best with you and your life style. It is very unusal for a responsible breeder to let someone just come and choose a puppy.

[jacobvsheart]

I have just always had female dogs in the past. There is no rock solid reason. lol I would be open to a male too, but i've already been picking out girl names for when I do get my Basenji. :p

[jacobvsheart]

okay, thanks Tanza. Its just hard for me to make a trip like that right now because I am in the middle of a semester (well almost the end). I just might have to wait a little longer than expected

[krunzer]

HAHAHA!! I know I too was like I only want a female…..then I got my male and fell in looooove all over again. Now we have two males, one B and a Toller that I bought for my hubby.

[eeeefarm]

I had three girls before I had a boy. I was pleasantly surprised at how sweet the boys are, and I am on my second one, so it wasn't just the individual. My breeder friend counseled me when I got the first male…..she said the boys were sweet, but the btches were, well, btches! How right she was! (not that I didn't love my girls)

[lisastewart]

I have had 5 girls and 5 boys, the boys are so much easier to live with in my opinion. You really should go visit some basenji breeders or at least owners to meet the dogs face to face. You can check out upcoming dog shows in LA on the AKC site, then see if any basenjis are entered. or check out other events where there may be basenji. I have always driven 6-12 hours each way to meet and get my pups. Basenjis are typically born in Nov/Dec, so they would not be ready to go to a new home till late Feb or March. You would be better to make a spring break trip to pick up your new puppy. I cashed in frequent flyer miles and flew to NJ on Easter weekend to pick up Trog and he flew back with me under my seat. I believe there are still several rescues on the BRAT site in TX if you are looking for an older than puppy basenji.

[eeeefarm]

@lisastewart:

I believe there are still several rescues on the BRAT site in TX if you are looking for an older than puppy basenji.

There's a nice looking Tri girl on there at the moment. Might just fit the bill.

http://basenjirescue.org/DOGS/TX/TX-Coca.asp

[tanza]

I don't want to throw monkey wrenches in rescue (BRAT) B's looking for homes, but please keep in mind they do not DNA for Fanconi. It is something to consider.

[bewler]

@eeeefarm:

There's a nice looking Tri girl on there at the moment. Might just fit the bill.

http://basenjirescue.org/DOGS/TX/TX-Coca.asp

Oh - she is a beauty! I look at BRAT all the time even though I am in no position to get another B right now. It's like an addiction!!!!! LOL!

[lvoss]

Also, keep in mind that most basenji puppies are born between now and the end of January so will not even be ready to pick up until late January into March so it isn't like you are going to hop on a plane tomorrow. You will have time to plan. It also doesn't have to be a long trip, 1-2 days.

[tanza]

@lvoss:

Also, keep in mind that most basenji puppies are born between now and the end of January so will not even be ready to pick up until late January into March so it isn't like you are going to hop on a plane tomorrow. You will have time to plan. It also doesn't have to be a long trip, 1-2 days.

Exactly, when we went to Chicago/Cleveland we left Friday and came home Sunday. Had the pups been closer together we could have done it Arriving Saturday and returning Sunday