07/25/2025
Looking for a basenji puppy? Here are some tips to help you. You want a happy and healthy puppy that will have a long life.
1) If the price is too cheap, it's probably a scam or not a good purchase.
2) Basenji's have one litter per year in the fall winter time in the northern hemisphere. There are occasionally a spring summer litter. So be cautious of pups that are out of season. They may be real or it could be a scam. Always ask for photos of the puppy with your name and the date. If the person won't do this.. its a scam. You can also ask for a video call to see the person and puppy live. Most all responsible breeders will have no issue with this.
3)Health... puppies should come from properly health tested parents. Not just "my vet says they are healthy". This matters as there are 2 diseases that can be tested for via DNA, fanconi syndrome and PRA night blindness. There are 3 additional tests that BCOA recommends, those are hips, eyes and thyroid. These tests are extremely important.
4) Registration.. I know many say, I just want a pet.. but your pet comes from a long line of work and stress, tears and joy from responsible breeders who spend so much to ensure a healthy puppy. Its part of your basenjis history. Pedigree is important to know so if there are health issues, you can see where they came from.
5) Puppy socialization... Responsible breeders will use Puppy Culture or Avidog to help socialize their pups. It is never good to pick a puppy up before 8 weeks old. They learn so much from siblings. Some breeders wait until 10 to 12 weeks even.
6) Puppies should have at least one set of vaccines from a Veterinarian and have been dewormed. I personally consider it a red flag for those that vaccinate themselves. Getting vaccines from a veterinarian ensures that the vaccines were properly stored during transport and never was warm, which would render the vaccine ineffective. Getting from Farm Stores, you are not able to ensure that vaccine is still good. Also, if your puppy has a reaction to a vaccine given by a veterinarian, there are steps you can go through to help with it, from the manufacturer of the vaccines.
7) Communication... how is your breeder speaking with you.. Will they be there for the life of the puppy? If you get sick or can't care f9r your puppy, will they take it back? Do they have any contracts or health guarantees?
Sure you can buy a cheap purebred looking puppy but what are you then supporting? I say adopt or shop responsibly. Responsible breeders do not want their puppies in shelters or at resuces and will do what they can to protect their puppies.
I hope this quick guide can help someone of you. Please reach out if you have questions. Thank you
