And rarely will you find a Basenji in a shelter, in the US, most shelters will contact rescue if they get purebreds.
Well you'd think, but.... I go through the internet sites everyday looking for Basenjis, I find a lot in shelters. They usually will turn them over to BRAT, but sometimes not. Right now there is a Basenji in a Los Angeles SPCA that they will not turn over, I think a BRAT member plans to adopt it out today for BRAT. There is also a Basenji with severe separation anxiety in a Plano, TX shelter that they will not turn over. I don't get that one.
I find a lot on craigslist too, that are legitimately good dogs. Things happen in people's lives, not everyone realises that there are rescues to turn to. There is a retired show Basenji on an OH craigslist right now.
-Joanne