The following buyers guide has been written by Jumoke Basenjis to assist you in purchasing a Basenji, it, is our goal to educate the prospective owner in selecting Basenji which is of sound temperament, health, and represents the breeds conformation. This guide is only a tool to assist you in you in making an educated decision, it can not guarantee the quality of the Basenji or integrity of its breeder.
It is highly recommended that you purchase a Basenji Owners Manual from the Evergreen Basenji Club to complement this guide.
Purchasing a Basenji or any dog is a long term commitment of 12 to 16 years. You should consider, beyond the purchase price, the over all financial commitment of owning a dog. Feeding, routine veterinary care, grooming supplies and equipment over this long term commitment for a Basenji can be estimated for 2008 at $700 a year, and increasing. 0ver 12 years, the estimate can exceed $10,000. In addition, over the span of 12 years there are the possibility of veterinary care for accidents, dog training classes and boarding, it is not unusual for a owner to expect to invest more than $15,000 during the life span of a Basenji.
A dog bring to your home unequaled companionship, their bonds to people have proven to reduce stress, and increase the quality of life. The attachments people have to their dogs is emotionally strong, loss of a beloved pet can bring grievance and depression. You should not purchase a dog solely base on its sale price. The prospective buyer can expect to pay a higher purchase price for a quality breed dog. The purchase price, though greater than those which may be offered for less due to lack of genetic testing, or veterinary care, is a small amount considering the long term costs of owning a dog. The costs of owning a dog can be greatly increase by purchasing a dog prone to health and or behavior problems, not considering the emotional loss. Purchasing a healthily dog with a sound temperament, which displays the physical and behavior characteristics you desire is very important.
Bryan Gregory, Jumoke Basenjis
REGISTRATION
The American Kennel Club is the largest registry of dogs in the United States and is the preferred registry. Likewise, each country has a preferred registry managed by a national all breed club. This section is also applicable to the foreign registries.
Registration of a dog denotes the following.
The accuracy of the document is dependant on the integrity of the breeder filing the litter registration application. Due to the high exposure of AKC events and activities, breeder involved are more knowledgeable of AKC requirements and have a greater incentive to maintain accurate records in regards to registration. Accurate records are required by the AKC for all breeders, please report irregularities in registration to the AKC.
There is a widely held belief that AKC or AKC PAPERS and quality are one and the same. This is not true. AKC is only a registry body. It in no way indicates the quality or state of health of the dog. Quality in the sense of show quality is determined by many factors including the dog s health, physical condition, temperament, ability to move and appearance.
Breeders breeding show stock are trying to produce animals that closely resembles the description of perfection described in the breed standard. Many people breed their dogs with no concern for the qualitative demands of the breed standard. When this occurs repeatedly over several generations, the animals, while still pure-breed can be of extremely low quality.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
These question may be asked by telephone.
Is the Basenji or the litter registered with the AKC ?
If yes, ask to see the registration documents before purchasing the Basenji. Registered litters have a blue application form for registration for each puppy. Registered Basenjis have a registration document with a transfer of ownership application on the back side.
On occasion the breeder/owner may have not received the litter registration for a litter or the transfer of a registration prior to offering a Basenji for sale. Require a written statement with the name of the breeder; their address and phone number, the registered name of the sire and dam; their registration numbers, the color and sex of the Basenji, the whelped date of the litter, a description of the Basenji s markings. Request the names; their addresses, and phone numbers of the owners of the sire and dam, if not owned by the breeder. Statement should include the date when the application or transfer of registration was made. Review the statement, and verify the application with the AKC if any questions. Call the owners of the sire and dam if not owned by the breeder.
If yes, but at an additional fee or increase price for the Basenji. Do not buy the Basenji. AKC prohibits this practice, report seller to the AKC.
If no, ask why? Are the Sire and Dam registered?
It is common practice for a breeder to with hold registration documents to enforce sale conditions of a dog. Most commonly, a spay or neuter requirement for dogs which the breeder believes is not suitable for breeding. Should the seller give a explanation which accuses the breeder or previous owner of with holding the registration documents for an additional fee or unreasonable conditions, try to obtain the name of the previous owner or breeder, and phone number if possible. Call and verify the explanation. Report any registration irregularities to the AKC. If your only able to obtain a name or a kennel name, give Jumoke Basenjis a call. We appreciate any information which will help maintain the breeds overall quality.
We do not recommend buying an unregistered Basenji.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Besides the usual questions, as to color, male or female, it is suggested to include the following questions with your initial inquiry.
These question may be given by telephone.
Did they breed the Basenji?
If yes, see Questions for Breeder
If no, request the breeders name and phone number. Should the breeder of the dog be unobtainable, its not possible to evaluate the Basenjis breeding, or its Breeder integrity . Purchase such Basenjis very carefully. Should you be able to obtain the breeder name and phone number. Call the breeder to complete the questionnaire. Remember that the breeder is stated on the registration certificate.
How old is the Basenji?
If it's 5 month and older, see Questions for The Older Basenji
Puppies under 6 weeks should not be removed from their litters, and should only purchased after 6 weeks of age. A deposit may be necessary to secure the purchase, obtain a receipt with the conditions of the deposit defined.
It is recommend to bring home your Basenji puppy after it at least 8 weeks of age. Basenjis interact better with other dogs when they have spent some time during the 8 to 12 week critical development period with other dogs, or litter mates. It is not unusual for a breeder to hold a puppy until 9 or 10 weeks to establish canine social skills. It has been documented that bonding between the Basenji and It's owner does not rely on the 8 to 12 week critical development period as suggested for most breeds.
Has the Basenji been seen by a veterinary and when?
If, yes, ask for the name and phone number of the veterinary. What was the reason and results of the visit. Call and confirm with the veterinary if you suspect any problems.
If, no, does the seller offer a 3 day return policy, 5 days are necessary if the purchase is close to a weekend, for health approval by veterinary examination. Verify the conditions of the return policy, policy should be in witting.
If the Basenji has not been to a veterinary in the last 30 days and a return policy for a health approval is not given, it is not recommended to purchase the Basenji.
Is the Basenji current on all vaccines?
If yes, for what and when?
See The Basenji Owners Manual for a listing of vaccinations and recommend schedule.
Veterinaries and the manufactures of the vaccines recommended a variety of vaccination schedules. All agree that a puppy vaccine should be given at 8 weeks or earlier, and a minimum of one booster after 16 weeks. Most veterinaries and breeders recommend a booster be given every 4 weeks after the first vaccine, up to the 16 week booster to assure that the puppy immune system is well simulated. Adults are given a booster annually.
Most states require dogs to be vaccinated for rabies.
Rabies is given between 4 and 6 months, and is effective for 1 year. In some states, the second vaccination is effective up to 3 years.
If no, why? There is no excuse for selling a unvaccinated puppy. Puppies become at risk between 4 and 6 weeks when they stop nursing. It is not recommended to purchase a Basenji which has not been vaccinated.
Suggestion are greatly appreciated. It is our goal to make this an informative guide to assist the potential buyer. If you have additional questions on selecting a basenji and breeder, or have experience which you would like to pass along, please write us.
QUESTIONS FOR THE OLDER BASENJI
These question may be given by telephone.
How Long have they had the Basenji?
Basenjis which have been establish in a home for 4 months or better have had an opportunity to have adapted to that home before being placed. It will be easier to evaluate a Basenji which has had a stable home.. An older Basenji adapts to new a home slower than a puppy. It is not unusual for an older Basenji to have had several homes after its initial placement. Too often the new owner does not take the time and effort to properly allow the Basenji to adjust to the new routine and they will, most likely, not be able to fully convey the nature of the dog.
Why are they selling the Basenji?
There many acceptable reasons to sell an older Basenji. The three most common are:
Moving, unable to take the Basenji with. This is a very poor excuse if it because the new landlord does not allow dogs, A dedicated dog owner will always find housing which permit dogs.
Too many dogs. Very common with breeders and dog fanciers, especially if they are in violation with local laws on number of dogs permitted.
Is not the type of dog I expected. Quite common, Basenji puppies are very cute. There are many people which buy a Basenji on impulse with no regards to the nature of the breed.
Is the Basenji good with children?
Very important that an older Basenji by socialized with children if be brought into a home were children are common. It is important that a Basenji be socialized with all types and manors of people. See section on Socialization in the Basenji Owners Manual
Is the Basenji Housebroken?, Does the Basenji give any signal when it need to go out?
If yes, are there occasionally accidents? How often?
It is not impossible to house-train an older Basenji. Most of the time, the owner failed in maintaining a routine and consistency in their attempt to house-train. If the training involved striking the Basenji, there may be unintentional behavior problems. The house-training problem can also be due to a medical problem, such as an persistent urinary track infection which has gone untreated. House-training an adult Basenji will most likely take longer than a puppy but the training method is the same, maintaining a routine and consistency.
Is the Basenji trained to wait when the door is opened?, sit when told?, walk on a leash without pulling?, not to jump on people?, to get off of furniture when told?
If the Basenji as been trained to some degree it reflect a responsible owner. For Basenjis which have had no training, a lack of socialization may also be involved.
Basenjis are known for testing the limits of required behavior. It is not unusual for a Basenji to fail to respond to a command given by someone else other than his original trainer. When purchasing a older Basenji, request a list of all commands which the Basenji has been taught, and the method which the Basenji has been trained. Continue to use these commands and enforce them as per previous training. It is possible that the previous training is not appropriate for a Basenji or any dog for that matter. Consult with a reputable canine trainer for guidance on this matter. Avoid trainers which have no experience with Basenjis or a poor opinion of training a Basenji.
Has the Basenji ever nipped or bitten anyone?
If yes, when and under what circumstances?
See section on Temperament
A responsible owner will answer this question truthfully. Although undesirable, the knowledge that the Basenji has nipped or bitten someone can be justified under extreme situations.
Should you purchase a Basenji which has bitten or nipped someone, understand if the Basenji repeats the behavior and if is not under extreme conditions, you may be subject to legal action. Purchasing a Basenji which has bitten or nip someone is a very serious commitment. Unless you have experience in dog training and knowledge of dog behavior, it is not recommended to purchase the Basenji.
Do not purchase a Basenji which has already exhibited a pattern of biting or nipping, unless you are familiar with your state and local laws regarding owning a potentially dangerous dog and the requirements. Use your best judgment in determining if a pattern exist.
Does the Basenji get along with other dogs?
If, no, ask for details of the behavior.
It is quite common for male Basenji not to get along with other male, if the Basenji is dominant and is approached by another dominant dog, the same applies with females. This is most likely to occur when approached by another Basenji. Basenjis have a strong inherited social hierarchy, referred to as a pack, and leadership, is often fought for. It is important that a Basenji be well socialize with other canines to learn proper canine body language. If the Basenji has been well socialize with other canines, fights are generally displays of social ladder climbing, scraping as most breeder refer to it, usually resulting in a lot of noise and very little actual biting. It is important that the owner control this scraping, asserting leadership. If the Basenji lacks canine social skills, fights are usual very serious. The Basenji may not know how to respond to another dogs aggressive displays, and may react as if threaten with life or death situation.
If the Basenji does not get along with other dogs, it does not necessary mean that the dog is aggressive. There are Basenji that are wonderful family pets, which react as if threaten with life or death situation when approached by another dog, and the Basenji by nature, will respond with a offense. These Basenjis make good pets for people which expect that the Basenji will have little contact with other dogs.
Is the Basenji crate trained?
All Basenjis should be crate trained. It is necessary for safety while traveling, and for controlling undesirable behavior such as destroying the furniture while you are away. As a Basenji gets older and is more adjusted to its owners routines, crating may be optional. Such older Basenjis still should not have the run of the entire house, and be limited to area which the Basenji respects.
If the Basenji is not crate trained, Plan to crate train the Basenji, see the Basenji Owners Manual.
Crating a Basenji should never be used as punishment or a place of convenience because the owner does not have the time to spend with the dog. A crate should be establish as a canine den for the Basenji which the Basenji regards as its personal place of security, this is a natural behavior of all canine which is nurtured by proper crate training.
Is the Basenji destructive?, Does the Basenji chew on inappropriate Items?
These behavior patterns in a older Basenji can be controlled by supervision and crating. Such behavior problems over time may be corrected with proper training. It is possible, that chewing on plastic items, or other item such as shoes maybe set patterns which may never be fully controlled without supervision.
TEMPERMENT
QUESTIONS ABOUT TEMPERAMENT
These question may be give by telephone.
It is very difficult to evaluate temperament problems when choosing a puppy. Temperament is greatly effected by environment, and poor temperament maybe nurtured by the owner. In general, most temperament problems are created by the owners of the dog.
Understanding canine behavior will help in evaluating temperament problems. There are many books written of the subject available through book stores, and your local library. It is suggested you read up on the subject before choosing a Basenji
References to the owners of puppies produce by the same sire or dam, and references to the owners and breeders of the sire and dams are important in evaluating a inherited temperament problem. Use the following questions to seek these names.
1. Is this the first litter for the dam?
2. Is this the first litter produced by the sire?
If, no to either of these questions. Request references, names, addresses and telephone numbers if possible, of the owners of previous puppies produce by the sire and dam.
3. Did you breed the sire and/or dam?
If, yes, Request references, names, addresses and telephone numbers if possible, of litter mates of the sire and/or dam.
If, no, Request names addressees and telephone number if possible, of the sire and/or dam breeders.
The AKC requires the breeder to keep records of the name and address of the purchasers of puppies which they breed. Most responsible breeder offer a long term commitment to assist the purchaser with questions about the Basenji and possible training suggestions. These breeders will usually have some of owners telephone numbers. Contact three of above references, if possible, and request information about their Basenjis temperament and dealings with the breeder. Should the breeder be unable to offer any references, the breeder either keeps very poor records or does not want the history of his dogs looked into. If breeder acquired there breeding dogs through a pet shop, puppy mill, etc. and this is their first litter, they will not be able to offer any references, likewise, they have no ideal of the temperament of their Basenji's pedigree which they are breeding, nor any other history such as the health. It is not recommend to purchase a Basenji from such a breeder.
4. Has the sire or dam ever nipped or bitten anyone?
5. If purchasing an older Basenji, has he or she ever nipped or bitten anyone?
If yes, when and under what circumstances?
A responsible owner will answer this question truthfully. Although undesirable, the knowledge that the Basenji has nipped or bitten someone can be justified under extreme situations.
All dogs will bite when in pain from an injury.
Dogs which are place in a situation where the dog believes it is threaten with harm may react by biting. It is not uncommon for a dog to bite someone while involved with fight with another dog.
Female dogs when with a litter of young puppies, may be protective. They usually react with sudden movements or threatening gestures.
Most common is nipping, usually when kids are running, or as someone is walking away. This is a very serious problem with an Basenji. Nipping is a Basenjis way of testing its place in the pack. Such nipping may be a sign of an overly aggressive Basenji or due to poor training. See the section on Discipline in the Basenji Owners Manual.
Fear Biting, a Basenji will take the offence when confronted with fear. This may be the results of poor confidence due to a lack of socialization and/or is inherited, and/or a result of poor training. Most Basenjis due exhibit caution when approached by strangers or strange objects and are quite suspicious of sudden moves. This caution is a natural instinct of survival. Likewise a Basenji should be curious and investigates these strangers and strange objects with confidence, and dismiss any threat upon a satisfactory investigation. Best way to introduce yourself to a Basenji is not to, let the Basenji investigate you and satisfy it's instinct for caution. A fearful Basenji will either leave the room when confronted stranger or take an aggressive stance as if concern with protecting it self.
It is not recommended to purchase a Basenji demonstrates extreme fear or a Basenji puppy which one or both parents demonstrates extreme fear.
6. Does the sire and dam get along with other dogs?
If, no, ask for details of the behavior.
It is quite common for male Basenji not to get along with other male, if the Basenji is dominant and is approached by another dominant dog, the same applies with females. This is most likely to occur when approached by another Basenji. Basenjis have a strong inherited social hierarchy, referred to as a pack, and leadership, is often fought for. It is important that a Basenji be well socialize with other canines to learn proper canine body language. If the Basenji has been well socialize with other canines, fights are generally displays of climbing the social ladder, scraping as most breeder refer to it, usually resulting in a lot of noise and very little actual biting. It is important that the owner control this scraping, asserting leadership. If the Basenji lacks canine social skills, fights are usual very serious. The Basenji may not know how to respond to another dogs aggressive displays, and may react as if threaten with life or death situation.
7. Does the sire and/or dam tend to produce or have a history of alpha dog behavior?
This is a technical term for a inherited behavior to be pack leader, those dogs which tend follow a leader are referred to as beta. All but a few Basenjis will try to climb to the rank of leader. And there are few that will do it at any cost, these are alpha dogs. Alpha Basenjis can make very good pets, but require extra care in training, and socialization. Not all members in your house may be able to provide this training. A knowledgeable breeder will be able to pick out puppies which tend to display alpha behavior and place them in appropriate homes. If the breeder is unfamiliar with the term, it is possible that the breeder may be breeding Basenjis with no understanding of pack behavior and it associated temperament. It is not recommend to purchase a Basenji from such a breeder.
It will be necessary to see the litter and it's dam to fully evaluate temperament, and if possible see the sire. Refer to the section on Visiting the Litter
HEALTH
QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH
Buyer beware, If the breeder makes broad statements that claim no genetic health problems, it is not recommended to purchase a Basenji from such a breeder. All animals have genetic health problems. Like diabetes in Man, the Basenji has certain genetic health problems common to the breed. In general, the Basenji has few genetic problems in comparison with other purebred dogs. The responsible breeder will be aware of these problems and breed to resolve them. Purchasing a Basenji from indiscriminate breeder, which breeds without regards to genetic health problems, only perpetuate the problems and reduces the overall quality of the breed. Please do not support these breeders by purchasing their dogs
FANCONI SYNDROME
Fanconi syndrome is noted by a failure of the kidneys to retain glucose and other nutrients necessary to the Basenji for normal bodily functions, and usefully occurs at five to seven years age. It is fatal if untreated. Upon diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome, treatment includes testing for the nutrient deficiencies, and giving dietary supplement of these nutrients to assure ample quantities are provided. There is no known mode of inheritance for Fanconi syndrome, or any test to detect possible carriers. Without a mode of inheritance, it is not possible to predict which puppies will be susceptible to this problem, regardless of their breeding. There are Basenji pedigrees which seem to more prone to this problem than others, but it is still not possible to predict which puppies will be susceptible other than the increased odds of occurrence.
1. Are there any Basenjis within three generations of the pedigree, including litter mates which have been diagnosed with Fanconi syndrome?
If no, ask how the breeder is able to confirm such. The only way a breeder can confirm no occurrence of Fanconi is to be able to produce a three generation pedigree with the name of all the owners, and litter mates owners, and there telephone numbers. Mostly likely they will not be able to produce a list of all the owners, and their phone numbers.
Expect; No, to the best of my knowledge. Ask how many dogs in the pedigree and there litter mate can they confirm.
If yes, Ask where it to be noted in the pedigree.
Do not be overly concern to find a Basenji(s) in a three generation pedigree to have Fanconi, there is an average of 60 Basenjis, including litter mates, in a three generation pedigree. Because of a lack of a mode of inheritance, it is not possible to make a recommendation, such as to avoid purchasing Basenji because a grandparent has Fanconi. A breeder should not intentionally breed a Basenji with Fanconi, and often does not, but since Fanconi does not occurs until five to seven years of age, Basenjis are often breed prior to this age. Waiting until five or seven years of age prior to breeding does not guarantee puppies free of Fanconi. A sire or dam that does have Fanconi may never produce a puppy with Fanconi, nor will it possibly show up in future generations.
2. Ask if the Breeder test their Basenjis for glucose, and maintains records of such. Do they support any research on Fanconi syndrome, and how. If your planning to breed Basenjis, request a copy of these records and continue to maintain such and be willing to share the results with other breeders.
4. How old are the Basenjis in the pedigree, expect grandparents to be 5 to 10 years of age, and great grandparents to be 8 to 12 years of age. Avoid accelerated pedigrees, where the Basenjis are breed consistently at two years of age or younger, such pedigrees, great grandparents may be only 6 years of age. It is not possible to evaluate a history of fanconi in such a pedigree.
Avoid purchasing a Basenji which has a high incidence of Fanconi in the pedigree, such as a consistent history from one generation to the next. Exceptionally when such a pedigree of the dam or sire is breed to a Basenji who also has a history of Fanconi. Most breeders will not intentionally breed a Basenji with a high incidence of Fanconi, and definitely not to an another Basenji with a history of Fanconi in their pedigree. Do not support breeders which do not breed responsibly, or those that are unaware of what fanconi is, by buying their puppies. If you are going to breed, be responsible, study the pedigrees, support the research, and don't breed on a accelerated pace.
If you plan to own a Basenji, plan to test monthly for Fanconi with glucose strips beginning at three year of age to at least ten. The strips are inexpensive, and early detection is necessary for successful treatment. A Basenji with fanconi can live a productive and fulfilling life.
IMMUNOPROLIFEATIVE SMALL INTESTINAL DISEASE (IPSID)
Also known as Basenji Diarrhea Syndrome, Chronic Intractable Diarrhea, Malabsorption Syndrome.
IPSID symptoms are various, chronic diarrhea, poor appetite, aversion to food, occasional vomiting, weight loss, unthriftiness, dry coat and skin, hair loss, etc. Many times it is precipitated by some form of stress, such as boarding, transportation, major surgery. Current research is aimed at the effect of diet on the development. Treatments includes antibodies, and vitamin supplements. IPSID is suspected of being genetically inherited, but the mode of inheritance is unknown.
THIS AREA IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA
PANCREATIC ENZYME DEFICIENCY
UMBILICAL HERNIA
HYPOTHYROID
EYES
PERSISTENT PUPILLARY MEMBRANE (PPM)
COLOBOMA
PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA)
