@basenjicurious
It’s great that you’re doing your homework on the basenji. I think the reason you read all these “horror stories” is because they are not your typical dog. They are a beautiful and highly intelligent breed with a very strong prey drive. My Kembe is my first basenji but I was familiar with the breed because my brothers were basenji owners. I got her when she was 1years old - she was returned to the breeder by the previous owners. Kembe has never been destructive, she has free reign of our house, and I can leave her at home alone. It’s extremely important to exercise them regularly - especially exercise and stimulate their minds, and establish a routine (I can set my watch to my dog). They are definitely trainable - it scares me to see how smart she is and also well behaved. Basenjis are extremely lovable and hilariously funny. If I have a treat that my dog especially likes - she will do her whole “repertoire of tricks” without me even asking her. She dances to let me know it’s time to eat and will sit right next to me and hit me with her paw when she wants to go for her walk.
I think our basenji chose us - when we went to the breeders home to look at her - She jumped up next to my husband on the couch and curled up! I was sold on her! I really hope you find a basenji that right for you!
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Basenji
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Hello, I never adopted or had a basenji before I look forward to get one when I’m financially stable. I live in Waco, TX, and I don’t think they have basenjis here.
Please let me know if you are giving away basenjis in Texas.
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You can contact www.basenjirescue.org and/or breeders close to your area, go to www.basenji.org and click on the link to find a breeder. Listings are by state
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Welcome. Because of problems with "free dogs" being sold or used for testing, almost no rescue or breeder has free dogs. Even mixed breed owners typically charge a few hundred to ensure the new owner seriously wants the pet. The cost of buying a dog is generally less than it costs to take care of it for a year... and that is if no emergencies arise. The cost for keeping a dog, including yearly vet checks, rabies, heart wormer, flea/tick meds and a decent quality food can easily be $1000 a year. If you cannot afford the rescue fees (typically $200 to 300) or breeder fees, then you need to wait longer to have a good money reserve for buying and caring for your dog. Yes, you can go to some shelters and get dogs free during certain times of the year, but to not spend a few hundred to get the dog you want makes little long term sense.
There are dog shows and basenji owners in your area. Use Tanza's links to find them and arrange to actually meet some basenjis. They are not your typical dog.
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Where I am it costs about $2K+ for a dog from a breeder for just about any breed. Goldens may be less because the litters are so large. That may seem like a lot, but, as Debra mentions, dogs cost money to care for. After vet bills and boarding fees and food, it matters little what the dog cost to acquire.
Leaving true puppy mills out of the discussion, given the costs of being a responsible breeder -- testing, vet bills, feeding -- and how much work breeding is, I can't imagine anyone doing it for the money.
That leads to two problems for people looking for dogs. One is that since breeding isn't really lucrative, there aren't a ton of breeders, which means the supply of pups is low. Second is that most Basenji breeders want to place their pups in the best possible homes -- remember they aren't doing it for the money -- which means they're looking for people who have had Basenjis before. Something of a Catch-22.
