| What is a Responsible Breeder? |
| In your search for a new basenji, you will likely hear the following terms when deciding where you should get your puppy: Puppy mill, backyard breeder and responsible breeder. A puppy mill (also known as a puppy farm or commercial breeder) mass produces puppies for the sole purpose of making money. They are the major supplier of puppies to pet stores. RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS WILL NOT SELL THEIR PUPPIES TO PET STORES OR BROKERS! Puppies have little or no socialization or health testing and are typically sold to brokers (who in turn supply the pet stores) with little or no regard to health, temperament or conformation. Pedigrees may be falsified and if registration papers are supplied, they are typically through various organizations formed by puppy millers when the AKC's DNA requirements and inspection process (of kennels and records) made it impossible for them to continue registering their dogs with the AKC. Some of these "puppy mill registeries" include: APR (American Purebred Registry), APRI (America's Pet Registry, Inc.), CKC (Continental Kennel Club), UKC (Universal Kennel Club), ACA (American Canine Association). You should note that these registeries often have the same acronym as LEGITIMATE registeries such as the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). A backyard breeder generally owns only a couple of dogs. They often have "good intentions" and may take good physical care of their dogs and puppies. However, the main reason for breeding is often to "make back some money", or for the kids to witness "the miracle of birth" -- neither of which are good reasons for breeding!! Their breeding dogs generally are from puppy mill stock (usually from a pet store) or from other backyard breeders. Health testing is generally not done and chances are they won't know the health of the pedigree behind their dogs. Generally, their dogs are pets who have never shown or competed in performance events to evaluate what they might offer the breed. Studies have shown the NUMBER ONE contributor to dogs ending up in animal shelters (and ultimately euthanized) is the backyard breeder, NOT puppy mills. Puppies are sold (often at 5 to 7 weeks old --way too young!) to anyone who has the money, and are not taken back if things don't work out. Backyard breeders usually advertise in newspapers (most responsible breeders do NOT advertise in newspapers!!), and a key statement is that "both parents on premises." While responsible breeders may certainly have both parents on the premises, they often breed to stud dogs in different states or locations, not to whatever is convenient -- and cheap. A responsible breeder is committed to preserving and improving their basenjis. They focus on health, temperament and conformation. They do NOT make money on puppies -- in fact, when all things are considered, breeding is akin to flushing your money down the toilet or using it as kindling in the fireplace. So if pet stores are a BAD place to get a puppy, and the newspaper isn't a good idea either, where should you look? Since you've already done your homework on the basenji breed, you may be familiar with the Basenji Club of America or other regional basenji clubs. They can be a good source for breeder referral. Also, the American Kennel Club has information on every breed they register, including breeder contact information. Go to a dog show or lure coursing event and visit with the exhibitors. They may or may not be breeders, but they should be able to give you information on basenjis and contact information for other breeders. And, many breeders (good AND bad) have websites. A responsible breeder will thoroughly screen any potential buyers, and you should be prepared to screen the breeder as well!! A responsible breeder should do ALL of the following: 1. Take the time and effort to talk to potential owners and educate them about basenjis -- the good, the bad and the UGLY! If the breeder tells you only that basenjis are "quiet, hypoallergenic, and great apartment dogs" -- RUN -- and find a different breeder. 2. They should be members of the Basenji Club of America and/or regional specialty clubs and/or all-breed or performance clubs. Their dogs should be registered through the AKC (American Kennel Club). Most responsible basenji breeders are active in dog shows, lure coursing, and/or other activities such as therapy work, agility and obedience. These activities show how well their dogs conform to the breed standard and that their dogs have the instinct or temperament to excell in other arenas. Basenji breeders should also be involved in public education and/or rescue. 3. Responsible breeders thoroughly screen potential buyers. Most will require you to fill out a questionnaire, provide references (i.e. from your veterinarian, etc.), and possibly include a home visit before they agree to place a puppy with you. A responsible breeder may also refuse to sell to a potential home if they feel a suitable puppy isn't available or if they feel a basenji isn't the right dog for that home. Responsible breeders often have a waiting list for their puppies. If you are serious about getting a basenji, this waiting period gives you time to learn more about the breed by meeting other dogs and people involved in the breed. The waiting period also helps weed out impulse buyers. A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with references of their own. 4. Responsible breeders will make you sign a contract. Contracts vary between breeders, but most will specify the rights of both the buyer and seller, contain some form of health/temperament guarantee, and require that the dog be returned to the breeder if you cannot keep it -- no matter how old the dog. Pet puppies should be sold on limited AKC registration with a spay/neuter agreement. Show puppies will likely have other "strings" or stipulations attached to their sale. 5. Responsible breeders will be able to show health records for the sire and dam. These should include at LEAST: OFA (hip) screenings, CERF (eye exam) findings and results a fanconi DNA test. At least one parent should be CLEAR/NORMAL for fanconi to ensure that your puppy will NOT get fanconi. 6. Responsible breeders will not allow puppies to go to their new homes until they are at least 8 weeks old. Many breeders wait until the pup is at least 9 to 12 weeks. The puppy should have had its first vaccination, deworming and be well socialized. Your puppy may also have already had it's first eye exam by the time it leaves for your home. 7. A responsible breeder will have you sign the correct AKC papers at the time the puppy goes to your home (unless otherwise stated in the contract). 8. Responsible breeders will be able to give you detailed information on your puppies lineage. You should receive at LEAST a four or five generation pedigree -- and the breeder should be able to give you information on most, if not all of the dogs within it. With such a small gene pool, ALL bloodlines have health issues (Fanconi, PRA, IPSID, HD, HA, etc.) if you go back far enough. Be extremely wary of any breeder who claims to have NO health issues in their bloodlines. 9. A responsible breeder will be there to answer any questions you have -- for the LIFE of the dog, not just for 24 hours. Responsible breeders know the whereabouts of all the dogs they place! 10. A responsible breeder should be able to tell you WHY they bred the litter to begin with -- what faults were they trying to improve, strong and weak points of sire and dam, etc. A good breeder has an understanding of genetics as it relates to conformation (structure), health, temperament issues, etc. 11. Finally, don't buy a basenji (or any dog) in haste. Take your time to research the breed and make sure that it will fit into your family. Many basenjis are quite long-lived, and it isn't unusual to see a basenji live well into it's mid to late teens. Make sure you're ready for a 15 to 17 year commitment. The following are some good places to look for basenjis: Basenji Club of America Breeder Referral Basenji Club of America Rescue Contacts Show-Me Basenji Club (Members include breeders in MO, AR, KS, IL -- includes information on upcoming litters, currently available puppies, adult dogs and rescues.) Basenji Rescue and Transport (Features basenji and basenji-mixes across the national available for adoption) Golden Opportunity Basenjis (Adult dogs from breeders available to new homes) |