MN family

[ctoro2]

Hello, I am Chris from MN and my children and I are learning all we can about Basenjies before we buy one. We are a family with a lot of allergies so the only pets we've had are reptiles. My children have held them, carried them, took them outside just like any other pet, although they've always wanted a dog. I want them to take responsibility and learn to take care of something more interactive. Now we are a point in our lives where we can take on the responsibility of a puppy and we have a lot of space, bot in the house and in our yard. So wish us luck and any advise on breeders in the area, and how to take care of these special dogs would be great! Thanks a lot. :o

[Kananga]

Welcome!

There are a few of us on here in your area (assuming you're in the twin cities). I'm sure someone will chime in regarding a good breeder locally.

Regarding allergies, are dogs part of the affected allergies in your household? Basenjis are often advertised as being hypoallergenic, but they are not dander free. They do have the lack of "dog odor" and produce less dander, but during the months in which they blow their coat, you can still be dealing with a lot of hairs.

I guess the key is the severity of the allergy. For most that have mild symptoms, the reduction of dander makes it tolerable. Someone with severe canine allergies might end up miserable regardless. It will vary from person to person.

Best thing to do is find the most appropriate breeder, bring everyone that lives in that household, and see how they do around basenjis. It'll also give you an opportunity to get more familiar with the breed and have a hands-on approach with how they interact with everyone.

[ctoro2]

Yes we are in southern part of the cities. As far as the allergies we will be okay with some shedding. It will be great to have breeders up here, we were thinking we were probably going to have to do some long distance driving to get a pure breed.
As we put the word out that we are looking for a puppy, do you have any advice as to the questions we should ask the owners besides papers?
Once again, thanks for the help.

[tanza]

@ctoro2:

Yes we are in southern part of the cities. As far as the allergies we will be okay with some shedding. It will be great to have breeders up here, we were thinking we were probably going to have to do some long distance driving to get a pure breed.
As we put the word out that we are looking for a puppy, do you have any advice as to the questions we should ask the owners besides papers?
Once again, thanks for the help.

Please go to http://www.tanzabasenjis.net/selectbreeder.html This is from the Basenji Club of America website on screening breeders and what you should be looking for in a breeder. Also the BCOA website has a wealth of information including health concerns in the breed.

[tanza]

@ctoro2:

Yes we are in southern part of the cities. As far as the allergies we will be okay with some shedding. It will be great to have breeders up here, we were thinking we were probably going to have to do some long distance driving to get a pure breed.
As we put the word out that we are looking for a puppy, do you have any advice as to the questions we should ask the owners besides papers?
Once again, thanks for the help.

Go to http://www.tanzabasenjis.net/selectbreeder.html This is from the Basenji Club of America website (www.basenji.org). This will give you an idea of what you should be asking breeders. And since the results for testing are public on the OFA database, you should always verify what you are being told. The OFA Data base is www.offa.org

[wizard]

There's only a few basenji breeders in the area:
Craigie, Nancy A., Flutesong, Hastings, 651-480-1133
Jones, Carrie, Ankhu, Eyota, 507-876-9987
Wuornos, Sally, Sonbar Basenjis, North Branch, 651.253.6784

I've met Nancy and Sally and they both have good stock (though basenji puppies are usually not available until late winter). I've never met Carrie.

You might also consider a basenji rescue, via BRAT (Basenji Rescue and Transport), http://www.basenjirescue.org/ but be sure to tell them you are new to the breed.

Be sure to consider the other aspects of basenji behavior besides the allergy part. As a breed they can be a "handful" even though they are on the small side; many rival Houdini as escape artists; they have extremely strong hunting instincts; and they don't particularly like being left alone with nothing to do.

On the other hand they can steal your hearts.

Generally breeders are willing to show you their dogs even if they don't have any available.