Useful tips on finding a reputable breeder.

You have obviously taken the time to research that the Basenji breed is right for you and your family. You have researched the internet and read copious amounts of information in relation to the positives and negatives of the Basenji breed.

Now, you need to find a reputable breeder.

When purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder, check they are a member of the ANKC through one of the affiliated State Canine Associations. DOGS Victoria is the affiliate in Victoria.

A member of the ANKC is bound by its Code of Practice for the breeding and welfare of puppies.  Such members are able to provide you with registration papers for your new purebred puppy.

A Basenji breeder should strive for the best health, temperament, and conformation.

  • The breeder should have a strong interest in the health and welfare of all Basenjis, and their future;
  • The breeder’s motive with each breeding should be to try to maintain the Basenji’s unique characteristics; and
  • The breeder should strive to produce Basenjis that closely adhere to the ANKC Basenji standard while always considering the health and temperaments of the dogs they produce.

When you are interviewing breeders, what should you look for?

  • You should never feel uncomfortable speaking to a breeder, and you should not feel as though you are being interrogated. The conversation should be on a give-and-take basis. You ask questions, the breeder asks questions, and it should feel comfortable;
  • A reputable breeder will tell you of the Basenji breed’s unique temperament and needs. They will advise you of the positive and negative points of owning a Basenji. They will follow up on dogs they have placed, and will be available to you for support for the life of your pet;
  • The breeder will tell you about their breeding and testing protocols. They will also tell you how the puppies are raised, and at what age they let them go to their new homes;
  • A reputable breeder will supply you with a contract for the purchase of your puppy which you will be required to sign.  This contract should also include full health assistance for a certain time (eg 24-48 hours) – suggesting that the puppy be vet checked within a specified time;
  • The contract should also have a clause stating that “no matter what age or circumstances the Basenji is to be returned to the breeder should you ever decide not to keep it;
  • The contract should also list the medical treatment the puppy may have received whilst in the breeders care and what health testing has been completed on the puppy and/or on its parents;

If no health testing (certified documentation shoud be supplied to you) vaccinations or microchipping has not been undertaken, consider another breeder.

If no health testing as per the minimum guideline on this site (certified documentation should be supplied to you) and/or vaccinations and/or microchipping has not been done, the VBBA recommends that you consider another breeder.

A reputable breeder has the health of the Dam and/or Sire checked before they are bred, and they can verify the following in writing:

  • Fanconi Syndrome (fatal disease): The breeder should be able to provide a copy of the

    OFA Certificate of both parents Fanconi status. At least one parent must be DNA certified as Normal to give the best guarantee that a puppy from the litter will not become afflicted with the syndrome; or

  • The breeder may provide a certificate of DNA testing stating that the puppy is normal/clear by parentage for Fanconi syndrome; or
  • The breeder may also supply a copy of the Fanconi DNA testing certificate of the puppy.
  • Progressive Rental Atrophy (causes blindness): The breeder should be able to provide a copy of an authorised laboratory certificate of both parents PRA status. At least one parent must be DNA certified as Normal to give the best guarantee that a puppy from the litter will not become afflicted with this disease;
  • The breeder may provide a certificate of DNA testing stating that the puppy is normal/clear by parentage for PRA; or
  • The breeder may also supply a copy of the PRA DNA testing certificate of the puppy.
  • The VBBA also recommend that you do not purchase puppies from breeders that have not tested their breeding stock and the puppy for other eye conditions – under the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES).  Ask to view the ACES evaluation reports.
  • The puppy must have been microchipped before homing.

View our information on Basenji health matters.