Breeding thoughts

. . . . . . Commitment to Breeding Excellence

This website would not be complete without some words about breeding basenjis, caring for the puppies, and the commitment responsible breeders should make to ensure any dogs placed have a lifelong commitment to their lives.

Key components to any successful breeding program are temperament, good health, and quality. Any basenjis raised at AdventureLand live life "on the edge"...the edge of the couch, edge of the bed, edge of the porch ready to chase the next squirrel. Most importantly, they get to live like dogs.

Any puppies should be at least 9 weeks or even older before they are available. A responsible breeder should carefully select new homes for their puppies and adult dogs. Interviews are necessary to assure every basenji finds just the right show or family home.

Health and temperament should be of upmost importance for responsible breeders when they select just the right parents. The new indirect DNA Marker test is a "must" test now to screen our basenjis for Fanconi disease.

While life gives us no guarantees, as breeders we should strive to minimize the risks. If you are contemplating adding a basenji to your life, learn as much as you can about the breed. Visit the breeder and see how the dogs live, ask questions, ask to see health test results. Also, expect to be asked many questions. Good breeders will want to know how well you can care for a dog; what kind of a life you will give it; that you understand dog ownership is a lifetime commitment, not a fashion statement.