Basenji Buyers Guide

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.

Northwest Basenji Connection