Soooo anxious waiting for my puppy to be born!!

[DebraDownSouth]

Some breeders do xrays to count spines/skulls so they have an idea how many.. but not genders. Good luck with your new puppy!

[CrazySenji]

Well, I was looking for a show dog. My first boy was 4 months old when I got him because he was held back as a show prospect. Elliot my current red boy was also a show hold back Tad offered to me after my first boy passed away and was 5 months when I got him. Morgan was the one I waited for and was just as anxious as you lol. Again, I wanted a show dog and had to wait to see how the pups turned out. He was 10 weeks old when I got him :).
Tad will pick the right puppy for you and your family!

[OmegaTandy]

Look at those handsome boys!!! So okay, explain to me the difference between a show prospect and my Kenji..do they hold the puppies until they see how they turn out and then determine whether they are show dogs or not? So if Kenji isn't picked as a show dog but then turns out as handsome as your boys will Tad offer to show him? What do they look for?

[CrazySenji]

Those are questions to ask Tad. I only know how the process went for me and I don't know how it goes for pet only people. I went to him looking for a dog to show myself so that's what I was given. It's a hobby/passion of mine but it's not for everyone. Showing a dog is not cheap, can be incredibly frustrating, often requires travel, not every dog WANTS to be a show dog and they can not be fixed.

ALL basenji boys are handsome, but not all are meant to be show dogs.

[OmegaTandy]

I understand! I just know how busy Tad is I hate bothering him lol..

Thanks for all of your help!

[Nancy Berry]

@OmegaTandy We'll be waiting for some pictures ~ Please!!!!

[DebraDownSouth]

@OmegaTandy
I am pretty sure the info will be in your contract.

From my experience, usually, people who get pet puppies that turn out show worthy, you can work with the breeder if you want to change from a neuter/pet contract to a show one. They generally will demand health clearances and a title before you could breed the dog. As your dog gets older, around 6 mos, if you are sure you are interested, the breeder can help you find people he trusts to evaluate your pup and tell you if your puppy has potential. That said, it is a very expensive hobby. There are so many other venues you can do.. agility, lure coursing, obedience <cough>, etc. I recommend you attend some shows... maybe ask a breeder if you can go with them, help with their dogs in return for asking them lots of questions and getting some experience at show.

[OmegaTandy]

@Nancy-Berry I promise I will!

[OmegaTandy]

@DebraDownSouth I have zero interest in showing my little Kenji! However, I didn't know if the breeder would have "rights" to show him if he turns out to be worthy of showing! I am trying so hard to learn how the breeding thing goes.

[DebraDownSouth]

The best source is to ask the breeder for a copy of his contract. Honestly, that's best since every breeder is different. I'd be glad to help walk you through things though!

[Nancy Berry]

@CrazySenji As well, it can also be said that "ALL Basenji girls are beautiful, but not all are meant to be show dogs." 1st. off, to CrazySenji & OmegaTandy ... I'm NOT trying to be a smarty pants or know it all.... really ~ I promise I'm not!! ALL Basenji boys ARE handsome bcoz they're males & ALL Basenji girls ARE beautiful bcoz they're girls!! I've only had 2 b's, they were both girls. So, imho, ALL Basenjis are handsome & beautiful bcoz ... they are ~ Basenjis!! But I bet the waiting time to get the puppy seems like the longest time ever!! I just want to see some pictures!!

[OmegaTandy]

Nancy I agree 100% I believe that all basenji's are beautiful and handsome! I know certain dogs are picked for show because of different reasons (which I am learning). I think like you said the hardest thing for me has been the wait! Lol!

[OmegaTandy]

UPDATE******

When we were in the process of choosing our breeder I contacted several of his references!! One of them I was able to stay in contact with. He emailed me last night and answered all of my questions! Our breeder will determine at about 5-8 weeks which pups go to which home. He does that based on personality of the pup and of our families lifestyle and personality. He is watching each one closely to pair them up with their new home. This is the reason I haven't heard if our puppy is born yet, because he doesn't know! LOL..understanding that process has helped a TON!

This is what I love the most about the Basenji Family, everyone is so helpful! I can't wait to keep you all updated! Until then, help feed my anxiety by posting some more pics of your b's!

[Nancy Berry]

@OmegaTandy I'm glad you got your questions answered! I would guess that helps you a great deal! It amazes me how the breeders or rescue people are able to match up a puppy or a rescued dog to people! My guess is that, it's a bit more difficult to match a puppy to the new parents than matching an older dog to someone but ~ maybe not! I guess the breeders have done it long enough that it's like tying your shoes!! lol ... I don't know but, I'm really happy for you! I'm sure you probably know this but ~ ALL PUPPIES have the sharpest little teeth EVER!! So ~ Beware the puppy teeth ~ they do hurt! (Keep some toys handy)! When a Basenji loves you, it's a different kind of love than other dogs!

[OmegaTandy]

Do you feel the puppy teeth are sharper in comparison to other breeds? (German Shepards, Pit Bull, Boxer, or Pug) @Nancy-Berry

[Nancy Berry]

@OmegaTandy Oh nooo! ALL puppy teeth are sharp ... like sewing needles!! lol

[OmegaTandy]

@Nancy-Berry absolutely! Just making sure it wasn't a different sharp hahahah...

[DebraDownSouth]

@Nancy-Berry It is harder to place an older dog, but in many ways far easier to match. A puppy you have a good indication as a young puppy, but you don't really KNOW until they are older. With an older dog, the personality is set, so if you have a dog with high prey drive, for example... placing with other small animals/cats might not be a good risk unless the new owner is experienced. Rescues ... there's the rub. They come in and most shelters and rescues hold only long enough to vet and try to place. Others, like Pam Hamilton with Camp Basenji, holds them a couple of months pr more, so the "honeymoon" period is over and you start seeing the real dog. Owner surrenders often cannot be trusted for reliable info. People who have a dog with serious problems often don't reveal it. If the did, it would make it easier. So holding onto it for a while helps.

And yes @OmegaTandy ... any time someone tells me the breeder just let them pick their puppy, a warning bell goes off. Oh I get 2nd pick blah blah blah means this is a puppymill or backyard breeder. You can bet that a good breeder has some special homes lined up for the pics of the litter. Even those homes aren't just picked for showing .. they want the puppy to be a good fit.

I will add... that above isn't always true. Some rare breed dogs, especially giant breeds like Scottish Deerhound , will give up show prospects to pet homes because finding enough homes is HARD and they'd rather place a spectacular pup as a pet than not find a home. But those aren't the norm.

And laughing over sharp teeth. Their teeth FEEL no sharper than regular puppies, but the usual SQUEAK that stops other breeds only encourages these little monsters. Also, I believe they have razor blades that pop out of their gums, hidden only until they want to cut through a leash.